LASIK Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery is often referred to as LASIK eye surgery. The surgery eliminates or decreases your need to wear contacts or glasses. A laser is used to reshape the cornea of your eye to correct astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. The most common facts regarding LASIK eye surgery are outlined below.
The Consultation
The initial consultation generally requires two to three hours. During this time your eyes will be measured and evaluated. If you wear contacts daily, you must stop wearing them for a few days before your consultation. You will receive a detailed eye exam and your eyes will be dilated. You will be evaluated in numerous areas including pupil size, refractive error and corneal consultation. Your eye care professional will discuss LASIK surgery with you and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Take up a session on LASIK with Personal Eyes to better know your condition and candidacy.
20/20 Vision
It is not possible to guarantee 20/20 vision after LASIK Surgery. This being said, the majority of people who have this surgery no longer require glasses or contacts to watch television, enjoy playing sports or drive their vehicles. You will be given all the information gathered regarding your specific situation prior to your surgery to ensure your expectations are realistic.
The Safety Factor
Complications with LASIK surgery are extremely rare and the surgery is considered to be safe. Most of the surgeons performing the surgery are experienced, well respected within their industry and have the necessary skills. There is less than a one percent chance you will have any type of issue or complications.
The Lack of Pain
A lot of patients have had LASIK eye surgery and been surprised when they did not feel any pain. This is because anesthetic drops are used to numb your eyes before the start of your surgery. During the course of the surgery, many patients have reported feeling a slight pressure on or around their eyes but stated it was not painful. In some cases, a mild sedative is given before the surgery to ensure you can relax and remain comfortable during the procedure. The majority of patients take a little nap once the surgery has been completed. Your eye care professional will give you a prescription for drop to make certain you heal properly and keep you comfortable after your surgery.
You will have a few minimal restrictions for a few weeks after your surgery. Despite this, the majority of patients are able to resume their regular daily activities the day after the surgery. You should see results quickly and see clearly within 24 to 48 hours. You may continue to see additional improvements in your vision for a few months after surgery. You should avoid participating in specific activities for a few weeks such as contact sports or swimming.
The Lasting Results
LASIK eye treatment is a fairly permanent solution for vision improvement. It is important to note changes related to aging may occur both for individuals who have had LASIK surgery and those who have not.
LASIK and PRK
Although PRK is similar to LASIK surgery in several ways, but it is important to understand it was developed prior to LASIK surgery. Some eye care professionals do not consider this method as advanced as LASIK. The biggest difference is LASIK surgery creates a hinged flap on the cornea while PRK polishes the cornea. Patients having LASIK surgery have reported less irritation and faster and more stable vision than with PRK. PRK is a viable option if your cornea is too thin to be a good candidate for LASIK surgery.