What is a Wavefront Lasik Procedure Like?

Let's walk through what a client experiences when attending a Lasik center
for a Wavefront Lasik procedure.  The procedure itself generally only takes
between five and ten minutes for each eye in total, and both eyes are done
during the same procedure.  The actual time to reshape the eye with the
Lasik excimer laser is usually less than 15 seconds per eye.

Any person's vision problems are generated by small "aberrations" within
the eye that prevents the light from focusing objects as they should. 
The Lasik equipment locates and classifies these aberrations and then
processes them so that the Lasik physician will correct these and allow
the light to focus properly once the eye has healed.

In a Wavefront Lasik procedure, the patient stares at one point while a
light is sent into the eye, which is reflected back and read by a Lasik
Wavefront sensor.  The distortions in this reflected light are mapped using
a small computer within the Lasik system, and then this information is used
to guide the laser that treats the eye. Once the light creates the map for
the eye, the Lasik surgeon has to create a small flap to access the cornea.
This is done using a laser (this type of Lasik procedure is known as
IntraLasik, or bladeless Lasik) or a small blade known as a microkeratome.

This flap is then opened to allow the cornea to be reshaped by the Lasik
system.The excimer laser actually reshapes the cornea, which is the crucial
part of the Lasik procedure.  In order to determine exactly how to reshape
it, the map created earlier by the Wavefront sensor is used to direct the
beam of light accurately.  The Lasik physician uses these precise tools to
get the clearest vision results possible.

This custom Lasik procedure can not only correct such standard problems as
nearsightedness, but can also address aberrations that create light halos,
glare, haze, or starburst patterns.  Once the Lasik physician determines
that all relevant aberrations have been eliminated, he replaces the flap
in its proper position, where it adheres normally and will heal naturally.

As mentioned earlier, this entire Lasik process takes between ten and fifteen
minutes per eye.  A patient gets a mild sedative and eye numbing drops to
make the procedure both relaxing and painless.  Most people notice an
improvement in vision due to Lasik almost immediately.

Once the Lasik procedure is finished, you will get some eye drop medication
to lubricate and protect your eyes. This medication (and the liquid in the
drops themselves) may cause some blurring, and so for this reason (and to
avoid any eyestrain) you should arrange for someone else to drive you home.
It is also a good idea to go to sleep as soon as possible after the Lasik
operation in order to promote even faster healing.

To promote optimal healing the Lasik physician often gives a plastic shield
to wear over your eyes for the first night or two.  Follow closely any
recommendations by the Lasik physician. Do further investigation into this
great new Lasik procedure, and get a clearer focus on your future!