Individuals can get laser eye surgery to improve their vision. After the surgery, they can often see clearly without glasses or may only need them for reading. If you’re wanting the procedure, here is more information about what happens during surgery:
Before Surgery
When you decide to have laser eye surgery, the first step is to schedule a consultation. The doctor will perform an exam to determine if you’re a good candidate for the surgery. LASIK is designed to help with near- or far-sightedness and astigmatism, but it won’t cure vision issues related to aging. The doctor will review your medical history and talk to you about LASIK. Most people who have this surgery end up with 20/20 or 20/40 vision.
You can ask questions about the procedure, recovery, and the results to help you decide if you want to schedule the surgery. The doctor will ask for you to bring a driver to the procedure and provide advice about any other preparations you need to make, such as not taking certain medications before the surgery or not wearing contacts. During your appointment, the doctor will discuss your surgery goals. They want you to have realistic expectations, which may mean you will still need to wear glasses for reading or when driving at night.
Surgery Prep
On the day of the surgery, you’ll arrive at the office or clinic before your appointment. This is an outpatient procedure that only takes a few minutes, so it’s often performed in a doctor’s office with a nurse assisting. Bring your glasses with you so the doctor can check the prescription.
Once you lie back in the chair, the assistant will put eye drops in your eyes to numb them. You can request a sedative if you’re nervous about the procedure. The doctor will use a tool to hold your eyes open during the surgery. You may feel a slight pressure as the tools hold your lids in place, much like a finger pressing on your eyelid.
LASIK Procedure
The first step requires the surgeon to create a flap on the surface of the cornea. This flap is made with a femtosecond laser, also known as a cool beam laser, which is known for its precision. The next tool the surgeon uses is an excimer laser, which scrapes away the cells from the cornea. The surgeon follows the patient’s prescription to improve vision by changing the cornea shape with the laser.
You’ll be asked to stare at a bright light, not moving until the procedure is finished. You may hear a clicking sound while the surgeon is using the laser. Once the work is done, the flap is repositioned. It only takes a couple of minutes for the flap to reattach to the cornea. The entire procedure takes less than an hour, usually about 30 minutes.
Recovery
Recovery time in the doctor’s office or clinic only lasts a few minutes. You may notice some irritation in the eyes, which can feel like an eyelash in your eye. This sensation will go away quickly.
The doctor will give you eye drops to relieve the irritation and prevent infection. Before you leave, they will provide guidelines on how to use the drops. You may also need lubricating drops for several months because your eyes will be drier than normal. The surgeon may give you something to put over your eye when you’re sleeping for a few days to protect your eye.
Follow-up Appointments
When you leave the doctor’s office or clinic, go home and rest. You’ll notice improvement in your sight over the next few days. The doctor will schedule you for several follow-up visits. At the visits, they will check your eyesight to determine how much it’s improved. Laser surgery for the eyes lasts for many years. Some patients decide to have a second surgery later on due to vision changes caused by aging.
Choose an Experienced Surgeon for Laser Eye Surgery
Choose a surgeon with experience in LASIK to get the best results. They can help you feel comfortable about having the procedure and determine if you’re a good candidate. Ask any questions you may have about the procedure and what happens afterward during your recovery. Schedule a consultation for laser eye surgery today.
