LASIK, which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a popular surgery that can correct vision in people who are nearsighted or farsighted, or who have astigmatism.
It’s one of many vision correction surgeries that work by reshaping your cornea, the clear front part of your eye, so that light focuses on the retina in the back of your eye.
Before the Procedure
A complete eye exam will be done before surgery to make sure your eyes are healthy. Other tests will be done to measure the curvature of the cornea, the size of the pupils in light and dark, the eyes’ refractive error, and the thickness of the cornea (to make sure you will have enough corneal tissue left after surgery).
You will sign a consent form before the procedure. This form confirms that you know the procedure’s risks, benefits, alternative options, and possible complications.
During the Procedure
During the procedure, the eye is first numbed using special eyedrops. The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser or blade called a microkeratome to cut a thin flap of tissue from the front of the eye. The doctor then pulls back the flap to reveal the cornea.
Then a laser (ablates) small amounts of tissue to reshape the cornea so that it focuses light more directly on the retina. There shouldn’t be any pain, although some people feel pressure during the procedure. The entire LASIK surgery takes about 15 minutes for both eyes.
After the procedure is completed, the surgeon places the flap back. It will seal on its own, without stitches, in the days following the procedure.
After the Procedure
LASIK recovery is very fast. Significant, but not complete, healing takes place within three days.
Patients generally come out of the procedure with somewhat blurry vision. As the haziness lifts, they realize how much their vision has improved. The numbing effects of the topical anesthetic wear off about 30 minutes after surgery.
Patients cannot drive themselves home after LASIK surgery. Not only may their vision prove blurry, but they could still feel the effects of medications given prior to surgery.
Expect burning and itching afterward, or the feeling of a foreign object in the eye. The surgeon will recommend appropriate pain medication. Do not rub the eye as this could dislodge the flap. A dislodged flap results in pain and excessive tearing.
The (clinical team) will normally schedule a return visit within 48 hours to examine the eyes and perform a vision test.
A vast majority of LASIK patients are able to resume most normal activities of daily living the day following their treatment; no long-term time off from work / play is required. Patients are coached with regards to certain activity restrictions in the short term; these restrictions are typically relaxed anywhere from 3 days – 2 weeks post-treatment.
Schedule your FREE LASIK consult with The LASIK Vision Institute today – let us accompany you on your journey to freedom from eyeglasses and contact lenses!
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References:
LASIK eye surgery. (2022, November 9). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/lasik-laser-eye-surgery
LASIK eye surgery: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007018.htm
Watson, S. (2020, June 10). LASIK Surgery: What to expect. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/lasik-surgery-what-to-expect
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