LASIK is a surgery of an eye that uses a laser to correct your vision. LASIK treatment (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most common and permanent surgical method for treating your eye problems including refractive errors like farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. But it fails to treat presbyopia. Many people who have undergone LASIK stopped using eyeglasses and contact lenses.
In this blog let us explore LASIK eye surgery: what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What to Expect Before LASIK Eye Surgery
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Preparing For LASIK:
Preparing for LASIK treatment doesn’t only involve going on the day of the surgery, but it starts even before to get better results.
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Schedule a comprehensive eye exam:
Your eye specialist will test the thickness of your cornea, stability of prescription, and complete eye health. This is done to check whether you are eligible for LASIK.
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Stop Wearing Contact Lenses:
Contact lenses change the shape of your cornea, that is why doctors prescribe you to wear glasses for 1 to 2 weeks before surgery and for hard or gas-permeable lenses, you have to wear them for more time.
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Discuss Medical History And Expectations:
Your doctor will assess your medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors that may impact your healing process.
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Follow Pre-surgery Guidelines:
Avoid eye makeup, lotions, or perfumes on the surgery day as it may lead to debris or bacteria development that delays the healing process.
What To Expect During LASIK
- Wear warm and comfortable clothing on the day of LASIK treatment, as the surgery room will be kept cool for storing laser treatment equipment.
- Don’t use fragrances, hair spray, hair gel, cologne, aftershave, liquid fabric softener, lotions, etc.
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to the surgery time to update your medical history and consent forms. You will get a post-operative kit that includes instructions, eye shields, artificial tear samples, sunglasses. After filling up the necessary forms, you are taken to the preoperative room and eye drops will be put.
- A mild sedative will also be given to relax and prepare you for post-operative procedure. Then you will be taken to the laser surgical room once anaesthesia starts its effect and the surgeon is ready. This surgery hardly takes about 30 minutes.
What to Expect After LASIK Eye Surgery
- After your LASIK surgery, you might feel some side effects. They may become normal after a few hours or a few days.
- You may feel blurred vision after surgery and excessive tearing during the initial healing stage.
- You may feel uncomfortable in bright light or might see halos or glare around lights during night time. You need to wear UV-protective sunglasses.
- The patients may feel dryness or a sensation in the eyes. It can be cured with lubricating eye drops.
- Rest for some time before LASIK. Keep your eyes closed and avoid screens for a speedy recovery.
- Don’t rub or touch your eyes frequently.
- Use antibiotics and lubricating drops prescribed by your doctors.
- Rest in a dim room and wear a protective eye shield.
- Vision might fluctuate but it becomes stable after some time. You can return to work within a day or two, but limit your screen time.
Who Are Eligible For LASIK
- If you are above 18 years
- When your prescription becomes stabilized
- Having good eye health and general health
Who Are Not Eligible For LASIK
- Pregnant or nursing women
- Patients with very thin corneas
- People with extreme prescriptions
Conclusion
Eyes are a precious part of our body and taking care of them is of utmost importance. If you have any problems with your vision, it can be corrected by LASIK treatment This article explains about LASIK eye surgery: what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.