LASIK eye surgery is a state-of-the-art laser refractive surgery that is used in order to treat a wide array of common and rare vision disorders. It is a very popular type of eye surgery, and is also one of the most commonly performed types of eye surgery in the world.
However, while LASIK eye surgery has a myriad of benefits not everyone will be eligible for the procedure. Your doctor will need to assess your unique profile and situation in order to determine if you qualify for this procedure.
Fortunately, most people are eligible for the procedure, and people who receive the treatment may never have to wear contact lenses or glasses ever again.
Many experts consider LASIK eye surgery to be the safest vision correction procedure, thanks to decades of advanced research on the subject.
Here, we will discuss what LASIK eye surgery details, from the procedure itself to what to expect after the procedure.
LASIK Eye Surgery – The Procedure
LASIK eye surgery currently serves as the best option for the correction of a plethora of different eye conditions, including astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. Your surgeon will begin by numbing your eyes using a few eye drops.
Some nervous patients may be given a mild sedative before the procedure in order to help them relax. After the eye drops have taken effect, the surgeon will gently fold away a corneal flap using a highly specialized tool.
Once the flap has been made the central layer of the cornea will be exposed. The surgeon will then proceed to use a leading-edge excimer laser in order to reposition your cornea. The corneal flap will then be reshaped.
The LASIK procedure, and the steps that it entails, may vary slightly depending on the unique vision problem that you have and wish to solve.
How to prepare for LASIK surgery?
You may be asked to stop wearing your contact lenses by your doctor. You may also need to take some time off from work in order to recover from the procedure. We would advise that you schedule the appointment during the holidays, on your vacation break or on a Friday afternoon.
It is also highly advisable that you avoid wearing any makeup before the procedure. Try and plan for maximum comfort so that you will be at ease and will be able to recover faster as a result.
You should also drink as much water as possible before the operation. Most doctors advise that you drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day in order to ensure proper hydration. You will also need to have someone drive you to and from the clinic or hospital.
You can call a taxi or an uber if you are unable to find someone to accompany you to the clinic.
When is LASIK a good choice?
In most cases you will need to be old enough. LASIK is rarely performed on children or teenagers, as their eyes are still maturing. You must also have a stable prescription on hand in order to qualify.
Your eyes must also be healthy and your pupils must not be too big. The thickness or girth of your corena must also be sufficient, and your vision must be stable. In addition, you will need to be in good health.
If you suffer from a blood disorder, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension or other serious health problems then you will not be a good choice for LASIK eye surgery.
If you are not sure if you qualify then you shouldn’t worry, as your surgeon will go over your medical history, and will perform all of the necessary tests in order to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Advantages of LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery is a painless procedure thanks to the numbing eye drops that are used. It is also a versatile corrective procedure that can be used to treat various different eye conditions and disorders.
The recovery time is also quick, with most patients being able to return to their normal routine after a few days. In addition, if you suffer from allergies, such as dry, watery and itchy eyes, then LASIK eye surgery may also provide you with allergy relief as well.
Best of all, most patients who receive LASIK eye surgery will no longer need to wear contact lenses or glasses. Contact lenses and glasses can be cumbersome and may irritate or injure the eyes.
Many people also feel self-conscious when they wear glasses, so saying goodbye to glasses forever may boost one’s confidence.
More than Meets the Eye
LASIK eye surgery may reduce the risk of certain diseases in the future, and will improve your vision wellness and overall health. You will also save thousands of dollars over your lifetime by not having to purchase contact lenses or glasses in the future.