The iLASIK Procedure
After your eye has been completely numbed using "eye drop" anesthesia, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to prevent you from blinking.
Next, a flap is created using the Intralase Femtosecond Laser that makes a protective flap in the cornea. During this process you may feel a little pressure, but no discomfort.
Finally, you will be asked to look directly at a target light while the Star S4 IR Excimer Laser reshapes the cornea, usually in less than a minute.
For nearsightedness (myopia), the cornea must be made flatter.
This is accomplished by removing tissue from the center of the cornea.
To treat farsightedness (hyperopia), the central cornea must be made steeper.
This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from around this area.
To treat astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical.
By changing the pattern of the beam,
tissue is removed in one direction more than the other.
Then the protective flap is folded back in place where it bonds securely without the need for stitches.
The cornea is closed without the need for stitches.
After iLASIK, some patients report a slight discomfort that usually goes away within twelve to twenty-four hours.
There are other techniques and many new terms related to iLASIK that you may hear about. All your questions can be answered by calling us at the Great River Eye Clinic.