Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common ophthalmologic surgical procedure used to correct refractive error. The refractive power of the eye is attributed, in part, to the cornea. It is responsible for about two-thirds of the eye’s power of refraction. LASIK alters the cornea’s refractive power in myopic, hyperopic, and astigmatic patients.(1)
LASIK surgery changes the refractive power of the cornea first by creating a hinged corneal flap from the epithelium, Bowman’s membrane, and the superficial part of the corneal stroma. The more posterior layers of the stroma are exposed for ablation treatment. Thus, for a myopic treatment, central corneal curvature is decreased with the ablation, and the total refractive power of the eye decreases to attain emmetropia, or normal vision. For a hyperopic treatment, the paracentral area is flattened, leading to a steeper central cornea and an increase in refractive power. After targeted laser therapy to the stroma, the flap is replaced, and reepithelialization occurs over the flap margin. Sutures are not necessary. (2)
Currently, LASIK has become the default choice of treating refractive errors. Its advantages—short period of patient discomfort, rapid visual recovery, and minimal wound healing reaction—led to very quick clinical acceptance of the procedure, and millions of LASIK procedures have been performed in the last 20 years.
Here at R & R EYE Care, a thorough history and physical examination is completed to help identify any contraindications to LASIK. In addition to visual acuity testing, a full eye examination is performed prior to considering surgery. The cornea is evaluated by keratometry and pachymetry. The ophthalmic surgeon decides on choosing treatment options for the patient based on the type and severity of the refractive error, as well as other factors such as the patient’s age, corneal thickness, crystalline lens changes, keratometry, and corneal topography results, among others. The professional team at R & R EYE CARE HOSPITAL in LASIK treatment typically consists of ophthalmic surgeons, optometrists, nurses, medical assistants, and technicians. Team members work together in the outpatient setting to determine the best candidates for LASIK to prevent unnecessary costs and complications to the patient. The team, on the day of surgery, is responsible for adhering to standard clinical protocols, including obtaining the patient’s informed consent for the procedure, the correct marking of which eye will receive each specific treatment, the proper placement, and preoperative evaluation of necessary equipment for the procedure, a timeout called before the operation, and patient education throughout the treatment process.
