The ablation is performed on the periphery of the eye and steepens the cornea thus lengthening the eye. Topical anesthetic is put in the eye so the procedure is totally pain free. At the end of the procedure the eye is washed out with cold water, an antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory drop and a bandage contact lens is put on the eye. The patient is given pain medication in case they should be necessary and is seen by the doctor the following day. The first day after the procedure, the eye feels a bit scratchy and is sensitive to light.
Improvement is rapid, and by the third to fourth day, the eye feels very comfortable.
The bandage contact lens is removed. Patients typically see improved vision immediately after the procedure, but for maximal vision to be achieved it may take two to eight weeks. The other eye is treated as soon as the patient feels he or she can function with the treated eye. This procedure is performed with patients who have 5D of hyperopia or more. The patients natural lens is then replaced with a plastic lens to correct the refractive error.