LASIK Surgery: What to Expect Before, During, and After:
LASIK surgery is a popular way to improve your vision. If you’re thinking about getting LASIK, it’s important to know what will happen before, during, and after the surgery. This article will explain everything simple.
What is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgery that changes the shape of your eye’s cornea. This helps light focus on your retina, which improves your vision. LASIK can help with:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia) : You have trouble seeing far away.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia) : You have trouble seeing up close.
- Astigmatism : Your vision is blurry due to an irregular shaped cornea.
Why Get LASIK?
People choose LASIK for many reasons:
- Quick Results : Many notice better vision right after surgery.
- Little Discomfort : The procedure is quick and usually painless.
- Long-Lasting Vision : Many enjoy clear vision for years.
Preparing for LASIK
Before your LASIK surgery, you’ll have a meeting with your eye doctor. Here’s what to expect:
1. Eye Exam
Your doctor will do a complete eye exam. This includes:
- Checking how well you see.
- Measuring the thickness of your cornea.
- Looking at your eye health.
2. Discuss Your Health
You’ll talk about your medical history and any medicines you take. Some health issues may affect whether you can have LASIK.
3. Follow Instructions
Your doctor will give you instructions to follow before the surgery, such as:
- Stop wearing contact lenses a few weeks before the exam.
- Don’t wear eye makeup on the day of the surgery.
The Day of Lasik Surgery
Here’s what will happen on the day of your LASIK surgery:
1. Arrive at the Clinic
Make sure to bring someone with you to drive you home. The surgery takes about 15 minutes for each eye, but you’ll be there longer for prep.
2. Numbing Drops
Your doctor will put numbing drops in your eyes so you won’t feel any pain.
3. The Procedure
The surgery includes:
- Making a Flap : The doctor creates a thin flap in your cornea.
- Reshaping the Cornea : A laser reshapes the cornea to improve your vision.
- Repositioning the Flap : The flap is put back in place without stitches.
4. After the Procedure Lasik Surgery
You’ll rest for a bit, and your doctor will give you instructions to follow, such as:
- Don’t rub your eyes.
- Use prescribed eye drops to help healing.
- Wear sunglasses outside to protect your eyes.
Recovery After LASIK Surgery
Most people recover quickly. Here’s what to expect:
1. First Few Days
- Vision Changes : You might see blurry or have halos around lights. This is normal.
- Rest Your Eyes : Limit screen time and give your eyes a break.
2. Follow-Up Visits
You will have follow-up appointments to check how your eyes are healing. These are important to make sure everything is okay.
3. Long-Term Care LASIK Surgery
Most people achieve 20/25 vision or better after LASIK. While many enjoy clear vision for years, some may still need glasses for reading as they age.
Risks and Side Effects of LASIK Surgery
While LASIK is generally safe, there are some risks:
- Dry Eyes : This is common but usually goes away.
- Night Vision Issues : You may see glare or halos at night.
- Not Perfect Vision : Sometimes the surgery may not fully correct your vision.
- Talk to your doctor about these risks during your consultation.
LASIK surgery can change your life by improving your vision. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after the surgery can help you feel more prepared. If you think LASIK is right for you, schedule a consultation with your eye doctor today!