So you’re a candidate for LASIK surgery and your procedure is coming up. What happens next? Or during? After? If you’re wondering what the LASIK eye surgery procedure is going to be like, the following will let you know what to expect at different stages of LASIK treatment.
Before the LASIK Surgery Procedure
You optometrist will give you a thorough eye exam to ensure you eyes are healthy and you are a suitable candidate for laser vision correction. The optometrist will check for
glaucoma,
cataracts, and other disqualifying conditions. A machine called a corneal topographer will be used on your eyes to take photographs and electronic map of your eye. The surgeon to plan your surgery for the most precise results possible will use this map.
The Day of LASIK Surgery
Custom LASIK is an outpatient procedure, which means you will spend about one hour in the doctor’s office and you will leave. You will have to have someone drive you home because your vision might be blurry immediately following the procedure.
In preparation for the procedure you will sit in a reclining chair. The
LASIK eye surgeon will then place anesthetic eye drops into your eyes. Your head will be positioned under the laser and an eyelid speculum will be placed on your eye to hold the eyelid open.
With LASIK, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the top of the cornea, folds it back where it remains out of the way, uses the laser to reshape the cornea by removing or steepening the tissue of the cornea. Then the flap is placed back to cover and act as a natural band aid for the opening.
After LASIK Surgery
Following the LASIK procedure the surgeon will place eye drop or ointment in your eye. You will be allowed to relax for a little bit, then you will be instructed to go home and rest. You may notice clearer vision immediately, or it may improve as the weeks pass.
When can I drive again?
As soon as you are able to see well enough, you can begin driving. This does not include the day of the procedure.
Can I go back to work right away?
A few people return to work the next day, but your surgeon will recommended two or three days of rest before returning to work.
How many checkups are required following the procedure?
You will more than likely go in for a checkup the day after the procedure, then one week later, then one month later, and then three months later. This time schedule will depend on the surgeon, and your surgeon will let you know if any more checkups are required.
What if my vision is not improved and plenty of time has passed?
A small number of patients see well after the procedure and then they will experience a regression in their vision. If this should happen to you, you will want to consult with your surgeon for to determine the cause and to see if retreatment is appropriate.
To learn more about LASIK as well as
CK (conductive keratoplasty),
PRK, and other eye care options, it is important to visit our
laser vision correction office near Tacoma and Gig Harbor.