Have you ever thought about having laser eye surgery performed to correct a vision problem? If you have, what is stopping you? Do you simply want more information as to what happens during the surgery? If so, keep reading. The following information is meant to answer your questions regarding the procedure that is called laser eye surgery.

1- When you are contemplating laser eye surgery, also known as LASIK eye surgery, the first step is to speak with your eye care professional. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you are indeed a candidate. During the prescreening phase, they will go over a list of requirements such as:

• No change in eye prescriptions with in the last year
• That you have no eye diseases
• That you can sit still for an hour straight
• That you fully understand after surgery care

2- When you go to the clinic for your procedure, you will be taken to a room with a recliner. This is where you will be seated. Your eye will be numbed and the eyelid clamped open to prevent blinking.

3- The surgeon will be performing the surgery with a rather large machine. While it may look intimidating, it is necessary as it has a camera, the laser and computer attached to it. The doctor will cut a flap in the cornea with a scalpel, and then switch to the laser for the remainder of the surgery.

4- During the prescreening phase the doctor measured how much of the cornea tissue would need to be removed for the best vision to be achieved. This number was entered into the computer that is attached to the laser. The computer then controls how long the laser will be used to remove the set amount of tissue. When the correct amount has been removed from under the cornea, the laser automatically shuts off.

5- That is it. The laser eye surgery is completed. Now it is time for the recovery process to begin. Since the cornea is not sutured together after the surgery, the surgeon will place an eye patch over it. This patch will protect the cornea from being accidentally harmed.

6- Most patients return to work with in a couple of days and most normal activities with in a couple of weeks. Your recovery will, of course, depend upon you and your particular situation. However, you should expect to have better vision within a short amount of time following the surgery.

7- It is a good idea to have someone drive you to the clinic for the procedure, as you will not be able to see clearly enough to drive yourself. You may also experience light sensitivity for a short period of time.