• The eye is anaesthetized using drops.
• An eyelid spreader is used to keep the eye open.
• The cornea is marked with water-soluble ink to guide the repositioning of the flap.

Step 2

• The automated microkeratome is placed on the eye and the suction is activated according to the ophthalmologist’s instructions.
• During suctioning, the internal pressure of the eye increases significantly, resulting in a temporary loss of your vision (blackout). Your vision will return immediately after the withdrawal of suction.
• As the pressure increases, you will have the impression that the ring is tightening on your eye. The pressure coming from the interior of the eye cannot be anaesthetized by surface drops and provokes some discomfort for less than 10 seconds.
• The ophthalmologist activates the automated microkeratome, which creates a thin flap on the surface of the cornea.
• The noise of the microkeratome is similar to an electric razor. During its operation, you may feel a light and very rapid vibration.
• The suction is released as soon as the flap creation is completed (within 15 seconds).

Step 3

• The ophthalmologist gently lifts up the flap and lays it back while still attached to the cornea.
• The ophthalmologist will ask you to stare at a green flashing light. The light will appear blurred and irregular like a cloud. Try to stare at any point in the centre of this cloud.
• The laser is aligned and centred on your eye under the laser microscope and the position of your pupil recorded by the eye tracking system.
• The EyeTracker allows the laser to follow the micro-movements of your eye during surgery to maintain good alignment of the treatment.
• If your eye moves outside the tracker zone, the laser stops automatically. Once the ophthalmologist is able to achieve a good re-alignment, the laser is reactivated and picks up the treatment exactly where it left off.

Step 4

• The computer-assisted Excimer Laser vaporizes tissue layers and precisely sculpts the cornea according to the planned correction;
• You will experience no pain during the laser treatment;
• The rapid pulsations of the laser make a buzzing noise;
• The vaporized cells form a sort of smoke releasing a distinctive odour akin to burning hair;
• The laser treatment takes less than 30 seconds, depending on the amount of correction.

Step 5

• The flap is repositioned to cover the treated zone.
• The ophthalmologist uses saline solution to irrigate tiny debris that might have lodged under the flap. You may feel the liquid draining out of the side of your eye.
• Within seconds, natural forces hold the flap down in its natural position. This bond will strengthen during the recovery period over the next 3 months.
• The eyelid spreader is gently removed.
• A fine scar around the flap will be visible under a microscope after surgery. However, this scar cannot be seen by the eye and will not affect its appearance.