LASIK (LASer-assisted-In-situ-Keratomileusis) surgery is the most common form of laser eye surgery. It is used to treat short-sightedness and long-sightedness – with or without astigmatism. Many patients prefer it because of the rapid healing, with very little discomfort, and rapid visual recovery and stability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                    

Your Eye is anaesthetised with eye drops and a lid speculum is gently positioned to prevent you from accidently blinking. A thin flap of corneal tissue is then created and folded gently back. Laser is then applied for a few seconds to accurately reshape the inner cornea that has been exposed. The exposed cornea is then rinsed and the flap is carefully repositioned.
The whole treatment usually takes between 20 to 30 minutes, the actual laser is in operation for only a tiny fraction of this time (seconds), and after a quick post operative check by your surgeon, you are free to go. The recovery from Lasik is usually quite comfortable and the visual recovery quite quick. Although you should have functional vision the following day it is always wise to take a few days off after your surgery to rest and allow your eyes to recover comfortably. Follow up appointments are generally the next day, then between 7 and 14 days, then 1 month, 3 months and 6 months later. We tend to judge the success LasIK treatment at about one month but we will keep a check on your progress for at least 9 to 12 months.
 

At the Sheffield Vision Centre we are also able to undertake 'Thin Flap' or 'Sub-Bowman's Keratectomy' (SBK') LASIK if this procedure is required - your surgeon will explain if their is a need for this procedure. LASIK is usually undertaken as wavefront-guided correction, with its ensuing benefits.