How is femtosecond laser surgery for myopia performed?

FS-LASIK (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is an advanced ophthalmic surgical procedure, typically involving the following steps: preoperative preparation and anesthesia, eyelid opening and eye fixation, corneal flap creation, laser ablation of the cornea, flap repositioning and postoperative examination. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Preoperative Preparation and Anesthesia: Prior to surgery, the nurse will administer topical anesthetic eye drops to the patient, sometimes including antibiotic drops, to reduce discomfort during the procedure and prevent infection. Additionally, the eyes will be irrigated to ensure cleanliness of the surgical area. The patient will be positioned comfortably on a reclining chair, and medical staff will assist in adjusting the head and eye position to ensure accuracy and safety during the operation.

2. Eyelid Opening and Eye Fixation: During the procedure, to keep the eye open, the surgeon will use an eyelid speculum to hold the eyelids apart. Subsequently, a vacuum ring will be placed on the eye to immobilize the globe, preventing eye movement during surgery and ensuring surgical precision.

3. Corneal Flap Creation: Next, the surgeon will create a corneal flap using either a femtosecond laser or a mechanical microkeratome. This step is one of the key parts of the surgery, as the precision of the flap directly affects the surgical outcome. The femtosecond laser can focus extremely high instantaneous power on a very small spatial area, enabling precise corneal cutting. The flap creation usually takes only a few seconds, during which the patient may feel pressure on the eye and experience temporary vision reduction.

4. Laser Ablation of the Cornea: Once the corneal flap is created, the surgeon lifts the flap and uses the femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea according to the pre-programmed surgical parameters. This process typically lasts about one minute, during which the patient is asked to continuously focus on a blinking red light to assist with the procedure. Laser ablation precisely modifies the corneal refractive power to correct vision.

5. Flap Repositioning and Postoperative Examination: After laser ablation, the surgeon repositions the corneal flap and irrigates the eye to remove any debris or residue generated during the procedure. The surgeon will then use a slit lamp or other instruments to examine the flap positioning and ensure that no abnormalities or damage have occurred. If everything is normal, the surgery is completed.

Prior to surgery, patients should fully understand the risks and precautions involved and undergo the procedure under the guidance of a physician. After surgery, patients should follow proper eye care practices and maintain healthy visual habits to promote recovery.