What You Need to Know About LASIK Surgery

Lasik is a vision correction procedure to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea. While many individuals think about Lasik for its convenience and long-term benefits, it is fundamental to understand how the procedure works. Here is what you need to know about Lasik surgery:

Checking Lasik Eligibility

Determining if you are suitable for Lasik surgery is the first step in the process. During a consultation, the team conducts a comprehensive eye exam to assess your eye health and look for issues that may complicate surgery or hinder recovery. You must be at least 18 years old, and your vision prescription needs to fall within a correctable range.

Your overall health plays a major role in your eligibility for the procedure. Candidates should be free of autoimmune diseases and must not have conditions such as keratoconus or cataracts. Pregnancy and nursing are also factors that temporarily disqualify patients from receiving treatment. Hormonal changes during these times can alter corneal shape, leading to unstable vision.

Walking Through the Process

Understanding each phase of Lasik helps you prepare mentally and physically for the appointment. Here are the specific steps involved in the laser vision correction procedure:

Preoperative Exam: The doctor measures the thickness of your cornea and maps the surface of your eye to guide the laser.
Preparation: You receive numbing drops in your eyes to reduce discomfort, and the team helps you settle into a reclining chair.
Flap Creation: The surgeon uses a laser or a small instrument to create a thin flap in the cornea, which is then folded back.
Reshaping: A different laser removes a precise amount of corneal tissue to correct the refractive error.
Completion: The surgeon repositions the flap and allows it to heal naturally without stitches.

These steps happen quickly, and you can go home on the same day.

Recovering After Lasik

Most patients resume their normal activities within 24 hours after a Lasik procedure, but full healing takes longer. You may experience some blurry vision or haziness immediately after the procedure, and it is also common for your eyes to feel gritty or itchy for a few hours. You must avoid rubbing your eyes during this time to protect the corneal flap.

Doctors provide specific aftercare instructions to make sure your eyes heal properly. You will likely use prescription eye drops to prevent infection and keep the eyes moist. It is helpful to wear a protective shield while sleeping for the first few days. This prevents you from accidentally touching your eyes while you are unconscious. Follow-up appointments are fundamental to monitoring your progress and checking for complications.

Weighing Risks and Benefits

You should weigh the benefits against the potential downsides before committing to Lasik surgery. Laser eye surgery offers a life-changing reduction in dependence on corrective lenses. Like any medical intervention, it carries certain risks. Deliberate on the following points and questions when discussing the option with your provider:

Lifestyle Convenience: You can play sports, swim, and travel without worrying about breaking glasses or losing contacts.
Potential Side Effects: Ask the doctor about the likelihood of experiencing long-term glare or dry eye syndrome.
Retreatment: Ask if an enhancement procedure is included if your vision changes over time.
Surgeon Experience: Inquire about the number of procedures the surgeon has performed and their success rates.

Asking these questions helps you understand the full scope of the procedure.

Schedule Your Lasik Appointment Today

Making an informed decision about Lasik surgery requires assessing the experience of the surgeon and understanding the potential side effects. Discussing these factors with your doctor helps you better evaluate whether Lasik is the right choice for you. Contact a qualified ophthalmologist near you to schedule your Lasik appointment today.