LASIK Project

Glasses and contacts can be a burden in everyday life. Lasik surgery is a way to reduce dependency on glasses or contacts. It stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It permanently changes the curve of the cornea.

This surgery is not appropriate for all people. There are risks involved in any surgical procedure. It is also something to keep in mind that most medical insurance policies do not cover the procedure. Although the price has been coming down, it is still not a cheap operation.

It is important that there has not been any change in the contact or eyeglass prescription in the last year. This indicates that the eye is still changing shape and the effects of surgery will not last.

Before deciding on the procedure there are many things you need to think about. It is important to compare. The procedure will differ between doctor to doctor as well as device to device and procedure to procedure. Experience of the surgeon will also play a large part in the procedure.

Do not base the decision solely on cost. While cost can be a big factor, it is important to remember that this procedure will last a lifetime. Do not settle for the first doctor or eye center you look into.

It is important to be an educated consumer. Ask your doctor questions and read all information given. It is important that the doctor be willing to discuss their outcomes, including successes and complications.

There are steps that need to be taken before, during and after surgery. Before surgery it is important to get a baseline eye measurement. This initial exam is to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure.

If you are a contact lens wearer it is important to remove them before the initial exam. Contact lenses can change the shape of the eye. If the shape of the eye is not accurately measured there can be negative consequences. Since the surgery reshapes the eye, a true eye measurement needs to be taken before a surgical plan can be made.

If soft contacts are worn they should be removed 2 weeks before surgery. Rigid gas permeable lenses should be removed at least 3 weeks before surgery. Hard lenses should be removed at least 4 weeks before the procedure. Sometimes eye measurements need to be made more than once before the procedure especially if hard lenses are worn. Switch to glasses while the contacts are out.

The day before surgery stop using all lotions, creams, makeup and perfumes. These products can increase the likelihood of infection. Debris along eyelashes can also cause problems, so your doctor may have you scrub along the eyelashes before the operation.

On the day of the operation be sure you have arranged for transportation to and from the procedure. The surgery itself should only take about thirty minutes. You will be lying on your back. A numbing drop is placed in the eye and the eye is held open. You will be asked to stare at a light to hold the eye in place. Once the eye is in position, the laser cuts off part of the eye to correct the vision. After the procedure a shield will be placed over the eye since stitches are not used.

After surgery there should be regular visits with your doctor within the first 6 months. It may take up to six months for vision to stabilize after the surgery. Contact sports and strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 weeks after surgery. Hot tubs and swimming should be avoided for 8 weeks after the procedure.

According to surveys 92-98% of patients are satisfied with their Lasik. Sometimes retreatment is needed, but most people still find it worth it.