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After applying anesthetic eyedrops to numb the eye, the ophthalmologist uses a special, automated instrument
called a microkeratome to fashion a micro-thin, hinged flap in the top layer of the cornea. This flap is
then gently retracted and the excimer laser which has been computer programmed specifically for your amount of
refractive error, vaporizes tissue of the underlying cornea to reshape it to the desire degree of curvature.
As a patient, all that is required of you is to lie down beneath the microscope arm of the laser and look at a fixation
light for a few minutes. A spring-like device called a lid speculum or lid separator will be positioned in your eye to
keep your eye open during the procedure. The actual laser part of the procedure itself usually only takes 15 to 30
seconds. If you happen to move your eyes during this pat of the procedure, the automated tracking feature of the laser
immediately moves with your eye so that no irregular reshaping of your cornea can take place. A mild sedative can be
given preoperatively if you are especially anxious or nervous.
Visual recovery is relatively quick with most patients seeing fairly well the very next day without eyeglasses.
Some patients, however, may take up to 5 or 6 days to achieve their best vision. In most cases, patients can start
driving themselves and return to work within 2 days following LASIK surgery.
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