LASIK, which stands for laser in-situ
keratomileusis, is a popular surgery used to correct vision in people who are nearsighted,farsighted, or
have astigmatism.
All laser vision correction surgeries
work by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, so that light
traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of
the eye. LASIK is one of a number of different surgical techniques used to
reshape the cornea.
What Are the Advantages of LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK has many benefits, including:
·
It works! It corrects
vision. Around 96% of patients will have their desired vision after LASIK. An
enhancement can further increase this number.
·
LASIK is associated with
very little pain due to the numbing drops that are used.
·
Vision is corrected nearly
immediately or by the day after LASIK.
·
No bandages or stitches are required
after LASIK.
·
Adjustments can be made
years after LASIK to further correct vision if vision changes while you age.
·
After having LASIK, most
patients have a dramatic reduction in eyeglass or contact lens dependence and
many patients no longer need them at all.
What Are the Disadvantages of LASIK Eye
Surgery?
Despite the pluses, there are some
disadvantages to LASIK eye surgery:
·
Changes made to the cornea
cannot be reversed after LASIK.
·
LASIK is technically
complex. Problems may occur when the doctor creates the flap, which can
permanently affect vision.
·
LASIK can rarely cause a
loss of "best" vision. Your best vision is the highest degree of
vision that you achieved while wearing your contacts or eyeglasses.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of LASIK
Eye Surgery?
Some patients experience discomfort in
the first 24 to 48 hours after LASIK eye surgery. Other side effects, although
rare, may include:
·
Glare
·
Seeing halos around images
·
Difficulty driving at night
·
Fluctuating vision
·
Dry eyes
How Should I Prepare for LASIK Eye Surgery?
Before LASIK eye surgery, you will meet
with a coordinator or eye surgeon who will discuss what to expect during and
after the procedure. During this session, your medical history will be
evaluated and your eyes will be fully examined. Likely initial tests include
measuring corneal thickness, refraction, corneal mapping, air pressure, and
pupil dilation. Once you have gone through the initial evaluation, you will
meet the surgeon, who will answer any questions you may have. Afterwards, you
can schedule an appointment for the procedure.
Ther will be a thorough retinal
evaluation also ,if required by a retina specialist to rule out presence of any
retinal abnormality.if there is one that needs to be looked at first.
How Should I Prepare for LASIK Eye Surgery? continued...
If you wear rigid gas permeable contact lenses, you should not
wear them for at least three weeks before your evaluation. Other types of
contact lenses shouldn't be worn for at least 14 days prior to the evaluation.
Be sure to bring your eyeglasses to the surgeon so your prescription can be
reviewed.stop using eye makeup 7 days prior to the surgery.
On the day of your surgery, eat a light meal before going to the
doctor and take all of your prescribed medications. Do not wear eye makeup or
have any bulky accessories in your hair that will interfere with positioning
your head under the laser. If you are not feeling well that morning, call the
doctor's office to determine whether the procedure needs to be postponed.
On the day of the surgery do not use anything that has smell
such as deodorant,perfumes,shampoo etc.
What Happens During LASIK Eye Surgery?
During LASIK eye surgery, an instrument called a microkeratome
or femtosecond laser is used to create a thin flap in the cornea. The cornea is
then peeled back and the underlying corneal tissue is reshaped using another
laser. After the cornea is reshaped so that it can properly focus light
onto the retina, the cornea flap is put back in place and the surgery is
complete.
LASIK is performed while the patient is under local anesthesia
in the form of eye drops and usually takes about 10 minutes for each eye to
complete. Patients may also request mild sedation. Plan to have someone drive
you home after surgery.
What Should I Expect After LASIK Eye Surgery?
Your eyes will temporarily be dry even though they do not feel
that way. Your doctor will give you prescription eye drops to prevent infection
and inflammation and eyedrops to keep your eyes moist. These drops may cause a
momentary slight burn or blurring of your vision when you use them. Do not use
any eye drops not approved by your eye doctor.
Healing after LASIK eye surgery usually occurs very rapidly.
Vision may be blurry and hazy for the first day, but most patients notice
improved vision within a few days of surgery.
Specific follow-up after the surgery varies from one surgeon to
another. You will revisit the doctor for an evaluation 24 to 48 hours after
LASIK eye surgery, as well as at regular intervals within the first six months.
Do not rub your eyes or splash water in your eyes for 3 months
after the surgery.
