LASIK Eye Surgery is a medical procedure that corrects the refractive error of the eye by altering the shape of the cornea. This allows the eye to properly focus light onto the retina, improving vision and allowing people to see well without glasses or contact lenses. The surgery is safe and effective and can significantly reduce a person’s dependence on prescription eyewear. However, like any medical treatment, LASIK has risks and side effects that should be carefully considered.
A person’s eye doctor will perform a complete exam to determine whether or not they are a good candidate for LASIK. This may include a visual acuity test, a slit lamp exam and a comprehensive diagnostic testing that measures the corneal thickness, corneal curve and topography. It also checks for higher-order aberrations, which are specific distortions within the cornea that can negatively affect vision Louisville ophthalmologist.
Before the actual LASIK procedure, an ophthalmologist will put drops in your eyes to prevent infection and inflammation. Then they will fold back the flap on the cornea and use a laser to reshape it. This takes only a few minutes and should not feel painful, although some people experience pressure. The ophthalmologist then folds the flap back down and it seals itself in the days that follow.
In most cases, a person’s vision will improve quickly after LASIK. Initially, it might be cloudy and blurry, but this will clear up as the eyes heal. Most people who have LASIK can achieve 20/20 or better vision, meaning they can see well enough without needing glasses or contact lenses. However, some people are still dependent on eyeglasses for reading and other close-up work.
Immediately after the procedure, a person’s eyes may itch or burn or they might feel as if something is in their eye. These are normal, but they should not be rubbed or touched, as this can cause damage to the corneal tissue. The doctor might suggest prescription eyedrops to treat infection, inflammation and dryness. A person should also use preservative-free artificial tears to keep the eyes moistened.
After the healing period, a person should avoid swimming and wearing a swimsuit until the doctor tells them it is safe. They should also wait 3 days before engaging in noncontact sports and 4 weeks before participating in strenuous contact sports. During this time, they might need to wear a shield while sleeping to protect their eyes.
In some cases, a person may have LASIK again. The results from a second LASIK procedure can be just as good as the original, but there is a risk of complications from the surgery. If a person has any concerns about their results or experiences unusual symptoms, they should contact their ophthalmologist right away. If a patient has any concerns about the risks associated with LASIK, they should discuss them with their family physician or an ophthalmologist.