Lasik surgery to correct visual impairment is becoming more and more popular. The surgery is a semi-permanent solution to visual impairments, and the process involves little to almost no pain and immediate results.
The first step in getting Lasik surgery is to make an appointment with a qualified and experienced surgeon. The surgeon will perform a standard eye exam to determine the general health of the eye and to determine whether or not you’re health status makes you a good candidate for the surgery. In some cases, the surgeon will recommend eye drops to prevent excess drying of the eye, and in most cases, a prescription for antibiotics will be written to help reduce the risk of infection. The surgeon will use corneal topography to get a map of the eye. You’ll also be asked about your medical history. Some conditions may disqualify the patient while others may simply postpone the procedure. Contact wearers are recommended to refrain from wearing their contact lenses one to three weeks before surgery.
Immediately before surgery, the patient is given a mild sedative. This sedative will help you remain calm throughout the surgery, but you’ll be awake throughout the procedure. A suction ring is used to hold the eye in place. Then, a microkeratome is used to cut a small, circular flap in the cornea. This flap is hinged back allowing the surgeon access to the stroma, or middle section of the cornea. Once the flap is lifted, the patient’s sight will become blurry. An excimer laser is used to remove corneal tissue and reshape the cornea. The reshaping of the cornea helps allow more light onto the retina, which in turn, improves sight. The surgeon will check to make sure no air bubbles or other debris has found their way under the flap and then the flap will be repositioned back in place.
Post-op rest is necessary and usually limited to the few days after surgery. The surgeon will prescribe post-op drops to help with the healing and prevent dryness and reduce any inflammation. This also helps to alleviate any discomfort. Patients are given dark shields to help protect from sunlight, so having someone around to help you get around may be necessary in the first several days after the surgery. Several follow up appointment will be scheduled for the surgeon to re-examine the eyes to insure the proper healing. Protective goggles will also be given to the patient to help avoid rubbing of the eyes while the patient sleeps. It is vitally important that the patient refrain from rubbing their eyes, as this could interrupt the healing process by moving the flap. Most patients report to have 20/20 vision after their surgery. Generally the improvement is immediate, while others may take a few weeks.
Photo via Evil Erin
