There are a lot of things you should know about undergoing laser eye surgery before proceeding with the procedure. If you’re considering undergoing Lasik to improve your vision, here’s what you should know about it before and after the surgery. After undergoing Lasik eye surgery, you can expect a dramatic increase in your vision. With this procedure, you can attain perfect 20/20 vision without the need for reading glasses or contacts. The procedure only requires a local or general anesthesia and takes around 15 to 20 minutes depending on your eye condition and the amount of treatment you require.
What is Lasik?
Lasik eye surgery is one of the most popular and effective vision improvement treatments available today. This procedure, which is also known as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction, is designed to correct the shape and refractive error of the eye. The goal of Lasik surgery is to eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea and changing its refractive properties. In simpler words, with Lasik surgery, your eye doctor will use a laser to reshape the surface of your cornea to achieve clear vision without the need for corrective lenses.
What happens during Lasik?
During the surgery, the doctor will use a laser to create a flap in the corneal tissue. Once this is done, a flap of the corneal tissue is raised and the underlying tissue is reshaped. Then, the flap is replaced and the corneal tissue is compressed and returned to its original state. This reshaping of the corneal tissue can improve your vision by changing the way light enters the eye. After the surgery, the doctor will apply eye drops to your eye to reduce swelling and protect your vision. Your vision may not be fully restored for a few hours after the surgery, but it usually improves within a few days.
Downside of Lasik
You should know that having Lasik eye surgery will change your eye’s appearance and reduce the amount of light entering your eye. However, the benefits of this procedure far outweigh the disadvantages. If you’re considering undergoing Lasik surgery, keep in mind that this procedure can change both of your eyes at the same time. It can also affect your ability to drive at night. You should also know that Lasik surgery is not appropriate for people who are under 18 or over 50 years old. If you have dry eye syndrome, diabetes, or other conditions that can make you more susceptible to corneal infections, you should consider other types of vision improvement treatments. Like any other medical procedure, Lasik eye surgery also has risks and complications.
Aftercare after Lasik
After undergoing Lasik eye surgery, you should avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days and avoid direct sunlight for a few weeks. You should also avoid wearing any type of contact lenses for a couple of weeks after the surgery. If you have had Lasik surgery, you must follow the doctor’s instructions when using eye drops. You should also continue to wear protective goggles in the shower. It is normal to experience some dryness and discomfort after the surgery, but these symptoms should subside in a few days. If you experience excessive redness or any other signs of complications, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Bottom line
Lasik eye surgery is one of the most popular and effective vision improvement treatments available today. This procedure allows you to correct the shape and refractive error of the eye, and it can dramatically improve your vision without the need for corrective lenses. However, this procedure can change both of your eyes at the same time, and it can also affect your ability to drive at night. Before undergoing Lasik eye surgery, you should understand the procedure and its possible consequences. After the surgery, you should follow the doctor’s instructions and avoid strenuous activities, direct sunlight, and wearing contact lenses for a couple of weeks.