The Lasik Procedure: A Thorough Explanation

To obtain clear vision, there is more to the Lasik procedure than simply shooting lasers at the eye. The procedure is quick and mostly painless; however, there are many things to do before to prepare for the procedure, and many things you should expect after.

The first step to Lasik is counseling about the procedure, given to the patient by both the eye care professional and the surgeon. To see whether the procedure is appropriate for the particular individual, a number of eye examinations will be done. Lasik professionals will also provide information about the procedure, including its costs, potential risks, possible side effects, and necessary preparations prior to the surgery.

It is generally recommended that any contact lenses not be worn for at least a week prior to initial consultation and screening. This is due to the fact that the shape of the eye can alter with repeated use of contact lenses. As eye measurements are taken during screening, it is necessary for accurate numbers to be used. Giving the eyes time to reshape themselves, by avoiding contact use for a period of time, will help provide a more accurate measurement, which results in a more successful surgery.

Once they are deemed to be a candidate for Lasik, an individual will need to prepare for the surgery. As with the screening procedure, it is recommended that patients who wear contact lenses remove them for a period of time prior to the scheduled surgery.

Have someone with a valid driver's license go with you on the day of your surgery. You will need a ride after receiving Lasik eye surgery, as you will not be able to drive yourself. The ability to drive afterwards may be affected by medications taken prior to surgery. Vision is generally blurred or smoky following the procedure, making it important to secure transportation.

Getting ready for surgery, the actual surgery, and the recovery period can take less than 30 minutes using the Lasik procedure. Prior to surgery the patient will receive oral medications to help them relax, as well as eye drops to numb the eyes.

As the laser equipment is brought in to place, the patient will lie down on their back. To prevent blinking and fluttering, the eye lids will be held open using a lid speculum. The eye is kept stable with a unique ring. Pressure is applied using the ring as a guide, and the eyesight is diminished. The microkeratome, or cutting tool, is then used to cut a flap on the surface of the eye. After the flap is cut, the ring and microkeratome are removed and the patient's vision is restored.

The laser being put into place is the next step in the Lasik procedure. The patient then looks into a light keeping their eyes steady, upon the instructions of the surgeon. The laser corrects the refractive area, while the patient stares at the light.

It is very important to keep still and keep the eye focused on the light. However, fluctuations are taken into account by the latest technology that will cause the laser equipment to automatically shut down if any sudden eye movements are made, thus preventing potential damage.

After the laser part of the surgery is finished, the flap will be put back into place, and gauze will be used to cover and protect the eye. The flap will take some time to heal after the surgery is complete. Special goggles are given for preventing the rubbing of the eyes during the night.

When the procedure is completed, your eyes may feel a burning, itchy, or irritating sensation. For several days after the Lasik procedure, the use of prescription eye drops is recommended to help provide relief from these symptoms and to promote healing. For patients encountering mild pain after the procedure, a pain reliever might be prescribed

It is important to have follow up visits after the Lasik procedure. For the most part, several checkups are necessary over the following weeks to help make sure that the eye is healing and that the vision is improving. Often there is immediate improvement in vision, and vision can continue to improve for several months following the procedure.

Lasik surgery is performed rapidly and there is little pain associated with it . After the procedure in completed, some discomfort is normal, but most feel that it is worth the outcome of improved vision. You should discuss every aspect of the Lasik procedure with the eye care professional before you begin the surgery, and any questions you may have concerning the procedure should be asked at this time.

As a nurse Heather Gurzell understands the importance of researching the entire process of Sacramento vision correction. After doing her homework Heather highly recommends one of the Pacific Laser Eye Center's Northern California locations, such as their San Francisco East Bay Lasik location in Danville.