IntraLASIK Surgery, Step-By-Step
Preparation for Surgery
Just prior to the INTRALASIK procedure the patient’s eyes will be anesthetized with a few eye drops. We then lead the patient into the laser suite and place them in a relaxed position on the surgical bed. Dr. Rahmani will then adjust the bed so that the patient’s eye is positioned directly underneath the laser. Then Dr. Rahmani will use an eyelid holder to keep the eye open during the brief INTRALASIK procedure.
Suction Tool
The surgical procedure begins with Dr. Rahmani placing a suction device on the eye. The patient’s vision will be blocked momentarily by the device. The purpose of the suction is to make the cornea firm enough for Dr. Rahmani to create the flap.
Creating the Flap
The INTRALASE™ iFS Advanced Laser provides an all–laser approach to LASIK surgery. It uses the laser to create the corneal flap and is the 5th generation and most advanced INTRALASE Laser. Not only does it have a new level of safety assurance but the computer–controlled laser provides unprecedented control and the ability to customize the flap for each of our patients.
The iFS Advanced Laser provides the ideal combination of advantages: minimal disruption of corneal architecture, stronger flaps, fewer possible complications plus faster visual recovery.
With the iFS Advanced Laser, Dr. Rahmani uses the precision of a laser to create the corneal flap. The flap will allow Dr. Rahmani access to the underlying corneal tissue. The accuracy of the iFS Advanced Laser (100 times more accurate than a blade) is unparalleled by any other technology in vision correction.
Folding the Flap Back
Once the corneal flap is made, Dr. Rahmani will then use a special instrument to gently fold back the flap. The eye is now prepared for the laser to gently re–shape the cornea.
Applying the Laser
Once the eye is prepped for the correction, the patient will be asked to stare at a fuzzy red light. The laser process is ready to begin. Based on preliminary measurements taken by Dr. Rahmani during the pre–operative examination, a sophisticated computer program controls the amount of laser pulses needed to reshape the cornea. This portion of the procedure only lasts a few minutes.
Flap Return & Smooth
Following the correction of the refractive error, Dr. Rahmani will then fold back the flap to its normal position on the cornea. Once in place, Dr. Rahmani will use a special medical sponge to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles under the flap.
Recovery
After both eyes are corrected, the patient will then be asked to sit up. At that time, Dr. Rahmani will look at the patient’s eyes through a high–powered microscope to check the placement of the corneal flaps. The patient will then be taken into a quiet room where they will be given post–operative instructions. Normally patients can see immediately after the procedure.
