Will I feel any pain during or after the operation?

The LASIK technique is not painful either during or after the procedure. Most patients only talk about feeling pressure from the devices we use to immobilize the eye while performing the surgery and slight stinging for a few hours after.

What happens during the procedure? What can happen if I blink or move my eye?

During the procedure, the patient lies on a bed with a headrest which reduces the possibility of movement. A few drops of anaesthetic colirium are administered into the eye beforehand in order to minimize discomfort and antibiotics are used to prevent infections.

The surgeon places a device over the eye to keep it open throughout the surgery which prevents blinking. After that, the procedure begins. The first part consists of lifting a fine layer of corneal tissue and then the laser is used on the inside of the cornea to change the curvature as necessary to correct the optical power. During this phase, the surgeon will ask the patient to fix his/her view on a central light in order to ensure the proper performance of the laser. If the patient were to unexpectedly move his/her eye, the new computers (eye tracking) we use are able to follow eye movements and the laser will be applied to the desired area automatically. Finally, the layer of corneal tissue is replaced in the initial position without any need for stitches.

When can I begin normal activities after the procedure?

After the operation, the patient must stay at home to rest for 24 hours. The next day, the improvement is so great that patients see enough to go about with their normal life. In general, most patients can get back to their daily routines 48-72 hours after the operation.

What type of precautions must I take after the operation?

Patients use colirium (antibiotics and anti-inflammatory) for the following 15 days. Rubbing your eyes is completely inadvisable for at least one month after the procedure and should be avoided for six months.

Are there risks involved with this technique?

Just as with any surgery, there are always risks involved; but, they are minimal. The technique is very safe and has been practised in most countries since 1991.

How does the laser work?

The laser emits energy programmed by a computer that is previously loaded with the patient's data.

Can two eyes be operated on at the same time?

Normally, both eyes are operated on during the same surgical session as long as the patient doesn’t prefer to wait between the two.

How long does the operation last?

Patients are in the operating theatre for 15 to 20 minutes max. The operation itself only lasts a few seconds, depending on the patient's optical power.

Will I need to use glasses after the operation?

Most patients can do all normal activities without needing to use glasses. In fact, many patients see better after the operation without glasses than they did before with them.

Only if you are over 45 will you probably have to use short sight correction just as anyone at that age.

For how long has this technique been used?

The LASIK technique began to be used in 1991 and the IntraLASIK technique was introduced in 2003. However, this method is based on the Keratomileusis that began to be used more than 50 years ago. Given this extensive experience, we know that LASIK/ IntraLASIK is a very safe procedure.

How old do you have to be to undergo the operation?

21 as determined by the patient's ophthalmologist.

I use contact lenses. What should I do before my appointment?

It’s best to stop using contact lenses one week before the appointment if they are soft and one month if they are semi-hard or hard.

Does the laser affect the inside of the eye?

No, the laser acts on the outer part of the eye and does not enter the inside. Laser treatment will not modify the surgeon’s work if the patient needs any further eye surgery in the future.

Who is not a candidate for this technique?

Patients with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, keratotomy, corneal herpes, AIDS or autoimmune diseases will not be accepted for this surgery.