LASIK Eye Surgery

How Lasik surgery Works?

LASIK is one of several ways to correct your vision with surgery; it is now the most popular refractive surgery procedure. LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

Advantage of LASIK

LASIK is a popular vision correction procedure because it has advantages over other vision correction procedures, like a relative lack of pain during and after the procedure and the fact that perfect vision is usually achieved the very next day.

Before the LASIK Surgery

The first step to take when you are considering LASIK surgery is to find the right eye surgeon. Before it can be decided that you need a LASIK procedure, your surgeon will perform a thorough eye examination to evaluate if your eyes are healthy enough to handle the procedure. The surgeon will also determine what kind of vision correction procedure is to be done and how much ablation is needed.

Your surgeon will look for signs of dry eye condition; if you do have it, this condition should be treated first before LASIK can be performed on your eye.

Your doctor will also ask you about all or any medical conditions you may have. There are certain health conditions that will disqualify you for LASIK surgery, or the procedure may be postponed until the condition is treated.

During LASIK Surgery

LASIK, just like PRK is an ambulatory procedure in which you can walk in and out of the surgery room within a few minutes and you will be awake the entire time.

LASIK is a very delicate procedure despite being a quick one. This is the reason why there is utmost importance of finding the most experienced surgeon for the job. Proper equipment is also another factor that should be taken into consideration. Laser technology is a constantly changing technology; a dedicated surgeon will keep up with technology by upgrading his surgical laser equipments.

Just like in PRK, you will be asked to lie down and a retainer will be placed under your eyelids so that they remain open the whole time; this can be uncomfortable.
The higher the prescription, the longer the surgery will take. The surgeon has full control of the laser and can turn it off at any time.

The laser light pulses painlessly to reshape the cornea. You will hear a steady clicking sound while the laser is operating. You also may smell a mild odor.

After LASIK

As with any kind of surgical procedure, it is vital to follow your doctor's instructions religiously. Proper rest is needed and prescribed medications should be administered properly. Call your doctor immediately if some problems arise.

Immediately after LASIK, the surgeon will let you rest for a bit, then you can go home; you should relax at home for a few hours before you can move around.

Working the following day is a big possibility, but if you can, you should still rest for a few days to ensure that your eye will recover well. Avoid doing strenuous work for a week as this will traumatize the eyes.