LASIK Project

People all over the world are looking at LASIK to correct their vision difficulties. The surgery (LASIK is short for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis”) is performed by an ophthalmologist in a specialized clinic.

When considering the procedure, the first thing to do is visit your regular optometrist. They should be able to recommend whether or not your particular level of vision correction is treatable. Many near-sighted and far-sighted conditions can be corrected in this manner, as well as astigmatisms. Other conditions cannot.

From that point you can research and choose a clinic that offers LASIK. The service offered varies considerably, most notably in the price of the treatment. Many clinics will offer financing and post-surgery treatment (for an additional cost). Ask about the warranty on the procedure and any requirements you must meet to be eligible.

The surgery itself requires less recovery time than other routes of vision correction (such as PRK). You will need to arrange to be driven to and from the surgery, as well as make any necessary care arrangements for the day following. Your eyes will require adequate rest after the surgery and you will need to keep them closed for most of the 24 hours afterward. No strenuous exercise or strain on the eye is allowed for at least one week (this includes heavy lifting or computer work, among other things).

Patients should wear comfortable clothing to the surgery that will not need to be pulled over their head for removal. If you wear contacts, be sure that to permanently remove them for a length of time before the surgery (ask the clinic for their recommendation).

The ophthalmologist will have a detailed map of both of your corneas. From there they are able to understand how the lasers will reshape your eye to make the corrections necessary. Most of this information is acquired in pre-operative appointments.

Your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops that are generally painless. You may also be given a mild sedative beforehand. No part of the procedure should cause you pain and the recovery time will normally only result in sensitivity and some discomfort. The possibility for infection is present and careful monitoring of the condition of your eyes is important.

The laser surgery begins with the creation of a flap on your cornea, which is then peeled back to reveal the corneal stroma. Your eye is held in place by a suction mechanism to create the flap. The process of peeling back the hinged flap may be uncomfortable to some patients. You are completely awake for this, but cannot see what the machines are doing as all vision is blurred.

Extremely precise lasers are used to reform the stroma following the mapping taken earlier. Nothing is hot and the risk of error is small. Afterward, the flap is gently replaced and the same procedure is performed on the second eye.

Once this is complete, you will be removed to another area. Your eyes will need to be kept moistened by anesthetic drops and clinic staff will look after your comfort level. Post-operative appointments will be necessary, likely the day after the surgery as well as within seven days and within one month. Top quality clinics and optometrists will look after your recovery thoroughly.

LASIK treatment is highly successful and will greatly improve your vision quality. Many people testify that the cost involved was well worth the result. Perfect vision without corrective lenses is the goal.