Bridgewater Laser Eye Surgery

Unlike earlier approaches to refractive surgery, LASIK does not remove the sensitive upper layer of the cornea. Instead, the surgeon creates a flap consisting of a superficial layer of cornea, then uses the laser to remove a predetermined amount of the underlying tissue

In preparation for surgery, patients are dressed in a lint-free surgical gown, hat and booties. A full explanation is given on what to expect during the procedure.
A oral solution is given to the patient under the tongue for mild sedation.
Antibiotic and anaesthetic drops are administered to the eye(s)
The opposite eye is temporarily covered with a patch.
The surgeon covers the eyelashes with a sterile drape.
The blade free Intralase Method is performed on both eyes to create corneal flaps.
The INTRALASE LASIK procedure takes approximately 12 minutes per eye – the actual laser is seconds!.
Whilst the corneal flap is being created your vision will be obscured for only 30 seconds.
The patient is swung out on a bed from under the Intralase laser to the Baucsh and Lomb laser for corrective treatment.
The surgeon expertly lifts the flap and gently folds back ready for ablation treatment. The patient is instructed to lock their gaze on the red laser light.
For safety the Bausch & Lomb Technolas laser has a built in eye tracker. This precisely follows minute eye movements, ensuring superior results. If your head moves even slightly the laser will stop, your head would be repositioned and the laser would resume treatment.
As the laser application begins a buzzing sound is heard and unusual smelling gases are omitted into the atmosphere as the laser treats the corneal tissue.
The length of the actual laser treatment varies from 30 to 90 seconds on completion the corneal flap is carefully placed back to its original position. It adheres by itself, without stitches, due to negative pressure within the cornea. The flap adheres to the underlying cornea in a matter of minutes, and the surface of the cornea is gently stroked with a wet surgical sponge.
The patient is now ready to sit up and walk to the recovery area. An examination of the treated eye is done after 15 to 20 minutes. Before patients leave to go home clear plastic shields are taped over the eye for protection. These are to be left in place until removed by clinicians on the first day postoperative check.
The examination of the treated eye(s) the day following surgery is most critical. The flap is examined for proper positioning and the absence of folds. If there is any irregularity, the flap will need to be lifted and repositioned as described for the initial LASIK procedure. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are used for one to three weeks, depending on the surgeon's recommendation. Most people get back to their normal routine quickly - even going back to work just a few days after surgery.
The LASIK procedure is fast, results are almost immediate, and there is minimum discomfort during recovery. It is for these reasons that INTRALASE LASIK is among the fastest-growing types of ocular surgery today.

For more information on Intralase and Excimer laser techniques please go to:
www.intralase.com