Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRIs)

The outer portion of your eye is comprised of three structures.  They are the sclera (the white of the eye), the cornea (the clear cover over the iris and the pupil), and the limbus (the connecting piece between the two).

Limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) treat astigmatism by making small precise incisions in the limbus.  This makes the cornea more round, to relieve the astigmatism.

On surgery day plan to arrive at the surgery center approximately one hour before your scheduled surgery time.  Once you have been checked in, you will begin to receive preparation for your procedure.  These preparations will include cleaning of your eye and instilling anesthetic numbing drops into the surgery eye.  You will also receive a sedative to help you relax.  You will receive nothing by injection in the eye – no needles!  When your eye is totally numb, a nurse will place an eyelid holder between the lids to stop any involuntary blinking.

At the conclusion of your procedure, you will receive additional eye drops, along with instructions on how to use them, and your surgical eye may be shielded for protection. 

The decision about whether or not to have limbal relaxing incisions is very important, and the decision can only be made by you.  The most important reason for having limbal relaxing incisions is to reduce astigmatism and improve your vision. 

Serious complications of this type of ophthalmic procedure are extremely rare.  However, most all patients experience some side effects.  Most of these side effects are mild and go away. 

To assist you in deciding if limbal relaxing incisions are right for you, your ophthalmic caregivers will give you reading material about the procedure that will assist you in making your decision. 

Before making your decisions, research the alternatives to having limbal relaxing incisions as this is not the only procedure available to correct astigmatism.