The Procedure Step-by-Step

The treatment itself will last about 10 minutes per eye, so if you have a favourite CD, bring it along and we can play it in the treatment room.

You are awake during the procedure but your eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops to minimise discomfort. A drape is placed around your eye and a clip will help keep your eye open. You lie flat on a treatment bed beneath the laser. You will then be asked to look at a light in order to centre your eye under the laser beam. The laser will make a noise as it reshapes the cornea. The laser treatment typically only takes a minute or so.

During the procedure the laser removes some tissue from the superficial layer of the cornea. A computer determines precisely how much tissue is to be removed. The laser delivers a number of pulses of ultra violet light onto the surface of the cornea. Each pulse removes a microscopic part of the cornea. The cornea is reshaped so that light rays are focused more directly onto the retina and images are in better focus.

After the surgery antibiotic and steroid drops are applied to the eye and a protective shield and/or pad is placed over the eyelids and you will be able to go into the recovery room.

The treatment itself will last about 10 minutes per eye, so if you have a favourite CD, bring it along and we can play it in the treatment room.

You are awake during the procedure but your eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops to minimise discomfort. You lie flat on a treatment bed beneath the laser. An alcohol solution (typically 18%) is briefly applied to the eye to loosen the surface layer (epithelium) of the cornea. The surface layer (epithelium) is then pealed back as an epithelial flap to expose the true substance of the cornea (the corneal stroma). You will then be asked to look at a light in order to centre your eye under the laser beam. The laser will make a noise as it reshapes the cornea. The laser treatment typically only takes a minute or so.

During the procedure the epithelial flap is rolled aside and the laser removes some tissue from the superficial layer of the corneal stroma. A computer determines precisely how much tissue is to be removed. The laser delivers a number of pulses of ultra violet light onto the surface of the cornea. Each pulse removes a microscopic part of the cornea. The cornea is reshaped so that light rays are focused more directly onto the retina and images are in better focus. Finally the epithelial flap is put back into place. A bandage soft contact lens is then placed on the eye.

After the surgery antibiotic and steroid drops are applied to the eye and a protective shield and/or pad is placed over the eyelids and you will be able to go into the recovery room.

The treatment itself will last about 10 minutes per eye, so if you have a favourite CD, bring it along and we can play it in the treatment room

You are awake during the procedure but your eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops to minimise discomfort. You lie flat on a treatment bed beneath the laser. An antiseptic solution is used to flush clean the surface of the eye and lashes. Plastic drapes cover and sweep the lashes away from the eye. The eye is held open with a lid speculum.

The first part of the procedure involves lifting the epithelium. This is the thin, continually renewing, protective layer on the surface of the cornea. This layer needs to be moved aside to allow the laser to be applied to the underlying true substance of the cornea (called Bowman's layer).

A ring shaped device is seated onto the white of the eye. This locks onto the eye with suction. This is associated with a mild sensation of pressure and the vision will fade out. The epithelial separator is then coupled to the ring and slowly passes across the cornea from the side, moving towards the nose. A fine vibration may be sensed as it does so. This instrument flattens the cornea and a high precision blunt edge lifts the central epithelium from the substance of the cornea. The epithelium remains attached medially and this acts as a hinge. The separator is then moved back to its start position and the entire device is removed from the eye. Vision returns.

The epithelial "flap" is then lifted and stroked onto the nose side of the eye (remaining attached at its hinge) to expose the underlying cornea. The eye is positioned under the laser and the patient fixes their vision upon a flashing red light. The machine has a tracking device which locks onto the pupil and keeps the laser centred on the eye. The laser then removes some tissue from the superficial layers of the corneal stroma (including Bowman's layer). A computer determines precisely how much tissue is to be removed. The laser delivers pulses of ultra violet light onto the surface of the cornea. Each pulse removes a microscopic part of the cornea. The cornea is reshaped so that light rays are focused more directly onto the retina and images are in better focus. Finally the epithelial "flap" is replaced. A bandage soft contact lens is then placed onto the eye.

After the surgery antibiotic and steroid drops are applied to the eye and a protective shield and/or pad is placed over the eyelids and you will be able to go into the recovery room.

A drape is placed around your eye and a clip will help to keep your eye open. You will be asked to look at a red light and your surgeon will place a suction ring over your eye while the flap is made. You may find that your vision fades during this part of the procedure because the suction ring presses against your eye.

The suction ring is removed and the flap placed gently to one side while the laser is used. You will again be asked to look at a light to help align the laser, which will make a humming noise whilst it operates. This part of the procedure will last approximately 2 minutes.

After a few minutes rest during which the flap adheres back in place, a shield is put over your eye for protection then you will be able to go to the waiting room.