Lasik surgery is one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries. It lets us enjoy normal vision without the use of contact lens and eyeglasses both of which can be quite uncomfortable in ways. Lasik surgery is about permanent vision correction by surgically reshaping the cornea. This cost-effective surgery is an affordable, painless, outpatient procedure that takes about 15 minutes.
Common questions regarding Lasik surgery:
If you are clueless about how Lasik works you may feel intimidated. Educating yourself about the process keeps one better prepared and relaxed before the procedure. The common questions are:
What happens during the procedure?
- The doctor administers numbing drops prior to the procedure.
- Your eyes are positioned under the laser
- Suction rings are fixed to prevent eye movements
- The patient is then asked to focus on a target light during which the surgeon creates a circular flap in the patient’s cornea.
- Ultraviolet beams are directed towards the stroma which is beneath the flap to remove tissue and reshape cornea.
- For nearsightedness, the laser flattens the cornea while for farsightedness the laser deepens the cornea.
How to find a good eye surgeon?
Gather referrals from family and friends who have first-hand experience with Lasik surgery. Search for reputable eye clinics online in your area and check out their reviews. If you are looking for a reputable clinic in Australia, visit https://www.personaleyes.com.au/.They are one of the top eye clinics in Australia armed with a skilled and experienced team of experts.
How do I know if I am an ideal candidate for Lasik?
The doctor examines your eye – thickness and shape of cornea, pupil size, and severity of refractive errors like myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia etc and check for dryness. The ideal candidates are:
- 18 years and above
- No autoimmune disease
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding since elevated hormone levels causes changes to eye shape
- No history of glaucoma, cataracts or dry eye condition
Are there any preparations before Lasik?
After confirming that you are an ideal candidate for Lasik, you will be asked to stop wearing contact lenses for two weeks prior to the procedure since contact lenses alter the shape of cornea.
How soon is the recovery after Lasik?
After the surgery you will rest for a while during which you may experience temporary itching or burning sensation. Have someone drive you home. Your vision may be hazy for a few hours or days which is normal. You’ll have a follow-up appointment with the doctor the next day and also a week later to check how far the healing is. You may have to take a couple of days off work by when your vision stabilizes.
Are there post-surgery instructions:
- Avoid driving until your vision is stabilized
- Refrain from wearing eye makeup for a week
- Use prescribed eye drops
What are the risks/ side effects involved?
- Dry eyes
- Impaired nighttime vision for a few hours while driving
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Under-correction or over-correction
If you are considering Lasik surgery, schedule an appointment with an eye surgeon and have your eyes evaluated. Clarify all your doubts and go ahead with the procedure.