How does laser eye surgery work?

Laser eye surgery is an effective way of correcting visual problems and can give your eyes a new lease of life.

Once you have decided to opt for laser eye surgery, your surgeon will advise you to stop wearing contact lenses for few weeks prior to the surgery, as contact lenses can change the shape of the cornea, and it may take few weeks for it to reshape. However, you can still wear glasses during this period.

During the surgery

Laser eye surgery is relatively quick, although it depends on the severity of the condition that you’re being treated for. The laser system includes a machine with a microscope and a computer screen. The doctor may use eye drops before using a lid speculum to keep your eyes open.

The surgeon will then use an instrument called microkeratome to make a flap in the cornea. After this, your surgeon will lift the flap and fold it back on its hinge- this helps to dry the exposed tissue. The laser is then directed onto the tissue. A computer controls the laser energy and after the laser has vaporised the tissue, the flap is placed back into position.

After laser eye surgery, a shield will be given to you and it is very important to wear this as instructed until your surgeon tells you otherwise.