Pre-SurgeryBefore any Lasik surgery is to be performed, the surface of the corneas must be examined by a computer controlled scanning device. This device maps out the exact shape of the cornea. A topographic map of the cornea’s surface is then made by low-powered lasers and this allows the surgeon to see the exact degree of astigmatism, if there is any, and any other abnormalities in the shape of the cornea.With this information, the surgeon can determine just how much tissue needs to be removed from the cornea. Before surgery, the patient is usually given antibiotics to stave off any infection.Also, patients who wear contacts are usually required to stop wearing them up to weeks before the surgery. This is done because the cornea needs to absorb oxygen to properly function and low oxygen permeable contact lenses restrict this flow which can result in blood vessels that grow into the cornea. This process is referred to as corneal neovascularization and can lead to discomfort during surgery as well as a longer healing time.The ProcedureWhile mild sedatives can be used for the Lasik procedure, patients are almost always awake and alert during the surgery. All incisions are made with the laser and the computer keeps track of the patient’s eye 4,000 times a second to ensure the laser is hitting the area accurately.By using the laser, the surgeon cuts a flap in the cornea while leaving a hinge on one end. The stroma is uncovered by pulling the flap back. An excimer laser that vaporizes tissue is then used to shape the cornea stroma. All this is done while avoiding damage to the adjacent stroma.Post SurgeryAs with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications with Lasik, although they are fairly uncommon. Some patients may experience: dry eyes, halos or starbursts around light sources, over or under correction, sensitivity to light, double vision, wrinkles in the “flap”, debris under the “flap”, induced astigmatism or epithelium erosion.Since many complications are the direct result of the detaching of the flap from the cornea, most surgeons recommend that the patients go home and sleep immediately after the surgery. This lessens the chance that the flap will become completely detached. In addition to the aforementioned complications, it’s also possible to develop an infection under the corneal flap.Lasik is cutting edge technology and has been made very safe and effective since it’s invention, however, patients should learn all of the potential risks before having the procedure done. It’s also wise to consult several physicians to get differing opinions.