Currently the VISX STAR excimer laser, the one used at our hospital, is approved by the FDA to correct up to 12D of myopia and 4D of astigmatism. Typically the patient enters the laser room, a speculum is put in the eye to prevent the patient from blinking. The patient is then asked to fixate on a red light and the doctor helps the patient by steadying their head. The top layer of the cornea is gently peeled off and the patient fixates at the red light while the ablation is being performed. The ablation is performed on the center of the eye and flattens the cornea thus shortening 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, an anti-inflammatory drop and a bandage contact lens is put on the eye. The patient is given pain medications 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 light sensitive. This improves rapidly and by the third to fourth day, the eye feels very comfortable and 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 2 to 8 weeks.