Now a very common procedure due to advances in the technology of excimer lasers used in the surgery, Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is becoming more mainstream every day. LASIK, as it is also known, corrects patients’ eyesight so they are able to see clearly without wearing vision corrective lenses. Within a matter of hours a patient can safely be operated on by a specially trained practitioner and enjoy permanent correction of vision through a relatively pain free reshaping of their cornea.
Just as a camera focuses light to create an image imprinted on film, the human eye’s cornea focuses light to create an image on the retina. This process is called refraction. When the images are out of focus, the eye’s imperfections which cause the blurriness are called refractive errors. For hundreds of years, these vision imperfections have been corrected through wear of glasses or contact lenses. Now, refractive surgeries such as LASIK are available to permanently correct the cornea’s ability to focus and deliver more precise images to the patient’s brain.
The first step for any patient considering LASIK surgery is a consultation with an eye doctor, where the physician will create a surgical plan based upon the patient’s eye health history and measurements of their cornea’s curvature. Because the cornea adjusts to contact lenses and may not resume its normal shape until long after contacts are worn, anyone considering LASIK should only wear glasses for several weeks before the surgery is performed. Otherwise, inaccurate measurements of their cornea may be taken and results of the procedure will not prove optimal.
To ensure the best outcome from LASIK eye surgery, the doctor will conduct an initial eye exam during which the patient will be asked questions about their health history, eye health, allergies and medications they are taking. Also discussed will be issues such as the potential results of LASIK eye surgery, risks, benefits, options, and what the patient can expect in regard to their surgical and post-operative experience. The surgery will not be conducted on the same day, so the patient will have time to evaluate all of the information their doctor presented to determine if they wish to proceed with the vision correction operation.
Leading up to the LASIK procedure, the patient should not use creams, makeup, lotions, or perfumes for at least 24 hours. Beauty products such as mascara and eyeliner, as well as other products, can remain around the eye even after washing. So, the doctor may request that the patient scrubs their eyes and eyelashes clean for several days before coming in for surgery. This attention to cleanliness will aid in ensuring risk for operative and post-operative eye infection is minimized.
Patients of LASIK should also make arrangements for transportation to and from the surgery appointment, as well as for the first post-surgical visit. They will not be able to drive, as vision will be blurry and medication administered for the procedure will impair driving ability. Patients should never expect to drive themselves anywhere following LASIK or until cleared by their eye doctor to do so.
Immediately following their surgery, LASIK patients may experience some pain, itching, burning, or other discomfort. This is normal, as is haziness and blurriness. Most of these irritating symptoms will phase out by three days after the procedure and although there will be some fluctuations in vision over the course of six months as the eyes heal, the patient will very likely notice significantly positive results within the first days following surgery.
Beyond the return to normal activities in the days following surgery, LASIK patients will likely be asked to refrain from strenuous sports and pursuits such as soccer, karate, and tennis. Makeup, creams, and lotions should not be used around the eyes for a few weeks post-operation. Hot tubs and swimming pools will also likely be prohibited for a couple of months. Although most people respond similarly to LASIK eye surgery, their doctor will know the best course of treatment and recovery for the individual patient.
This write-up presents data and information regarding laser eye surgery. Look here for Huntsville lasik. Check out this link for facts and information about LASIK in Akron Ohio.
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