What is LASIK eye surgery?
LASIK is an acronym for "laser in-situ keratomileusis." This common surgery is used to correct vision. Anyone who suffers from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or an astigmatism are candidates for LASIK eye surgery. LASIK, along with other laser vision correction surgeries, work by re-contouring the cornea. The cornea is the clear front layer of your eye. Light traveling through your cornea needs to be correctly focused onto the retina in order to provide correct vision. LASIK makes this happen.
What are the benefits of LASIK eye surgery?
The benefits of LASIK eye surgery are endless. A few benefits include being:
- Successful: LASIK has a 95 percent success rate in meeting the desires of patients. It successfully corrects vision almost every time. Most patients will no longer require glasses or contacts or at least a milder prescription lens.
- Discomfort-free: Since numbing drops can be used in combination with the already minimally invasive LASIK eye surgery, it is a fairly painless procedure.
- Fast: This procedure does not take long. In the case of most patients, vision corrections can be noticed as soon as surgery is complete and/or by the next day.
- Little recovery time: Patients completely recover from any signs of surgery within a few days. No bandages will need to be worn, and no stitches will be used.
- Easy to add on to: If LASIK does not completely improve your vision, other laser eye surgeries can easily be performed to finish the job.
- Free of most side effects: Patients rarely experience any side effects outside of slight discomfort. Any other side effects are extremely rare. Another side effect is dry eyes directly following the procedure.
How does LASIK eye surgery work?
During your LASIK eye surgery, we will use a precise laser instrument to create a tiny, thin flap in your cornea. We will peel back the cornea in order to gently reshape the layer underneath with another accurate laser. Once we complete the reshaping of your cornea, the flap will be put back into place and will heal on its own. Following the procedure, your cornea will immediately be able to direct light onto the retina correctly. The entire surgery normally takes only 15 minutes at the most. Patients should arrange alternate transportation as you should not attempt to drive yourself home.
Healing will occur quickly. You may be prescribed eye drops to combat dry eyes. These will also help fight any chance of infection or inflammation. Do not use any other drops outside of the ones prescribed or given to you by your doctor. Before you know it, your eyesight will be almost perfect again.
Our LASIK eye surgery is a tried and true method for improving your eyesight. The procedure is very common and extremely safe. You will not regret visiting our office for this short procedure that will greatly benefit your sight for years to come.
