LASIK is a kind of laser refractive surgery that reshapes your eye cornea [front surface] to allow light to enter and create shapes correctly on the backside of the eye or the retina without a need for contact lenses or glasses. The reasons to perform LASIK is due to correct several vision problems like –
- Myopia or nearsightedness – Things are visible clearly when they are close. Far away vision is always blurry or foggy.
- Hyperopia or farsightedness – Faraway vision is very clear but closer objects look blurred.
- Astigmatism – Things look blurry due to the shape of your eye.
For lasik eye surgery Denver, talk to the surgeons at Icon Eye Care to find out if you are eligible or not. You can enjoy freedom from glasses and lenses. There are some situations where you must not consider LASIK surgery.
- Age is less than 18
- If you are on prescribed medications
- Are a nursing mother or pregnant
- Have uneven or thin cornea
- Have health problems like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or lupus
- Have eye issues like too dry eyes or glaucoma
- Ave recently experienced rapid fluctuations in your glasses prescription
If you are eligible for LASIK eye surgery then you can enjoy the following benefits.
- It is a method used for more than 25 years and its success rate is 96%.
- It is a painless process.
- No stitches or bandages.
- As you age vision changes, a doctor can alter this.
- No need to use contacts or glasses at all or not much post LASIK surgery
- The surgery needs 15 minutes for both eye treatments.
- Instant improvement in vision yet needs 24 hours to stabilize.
The benefits also accompany some LASIK surgery risks
- A complex process, which can cause permanent vision issues, so choose an experienced eye surgeon.
- Insurance does not cover LASIK surgery.
- Temporary side effects are glare, dry eyes, night driving difficulty, see halos, scratchy eyes, and light sensitivity.
How to prepare for a LASIK surgery?
The eye surgeon will look at your medical history and thoroughly examine your eyes. It includes eye pressure, cornea thickness, and refraction. Pupils will get dilated to map your cornea. If you wear glasses carry them for the surgeon to review it. Never wear contact lenses three days before eye checkup.
If you have any doubts discuss it with the surgeon. Understand the benefits and risks associated with cataract surgery. Ask which a suitable lens for your condition is.
What occurs during the LASIK procedure?
Arrive on empty stomach for eye surgery.
- A microkeratome laser tool is used to make a circular and thin flap in your cornea. This hinged flap is then folded back to gain access to the stroma.
- The corneal stroma is reshaped with an excimer laser. The laser is highly specialized as it uses cool UV light beams to eliminate the microscopic cornea tissue for reshaping it. This will allow accurate light focus on your retina and give an enhanced vision.
- Lastly, the hinged corneal flap is put back in its place. Without any need for stitches, the flap attaches to the stroma.
What precautions to take post LASIK surgery?
You will be allowed to rest for some time after LASIK surgery. You will feel some itching or burning, but this is temporary. You are free to go home but have someone drive you. Expect some haziness and blurry vision. Revisit the doctor as scheduled. Your vision gets tested to ensure you can drive legally without a need for contacts or glasses.
Follow the doctor’s instruction
- Take prescribed medication
- Avoid eye rubbing and allow the corneal flap to heal properly
Many people get 20/20 vision after LASIK surgery but the results can differ from one person to another. There are chances you may need reading glass as you grow elder.