LASIK surgery is a refractive surgery that is performed with the objective of vision correction through laser and it is the short form of LASer assisted In situ Kerotamileusis. This refractive surgery is performed for rectification or correction of myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. An ophthalmologist performs this surgery, by using a laser or microkeratome, for reshaping the eye cornea for visual acuity enhance. Most of the patients find permanent alternative to their eyeglasses or contact lens, through Lasik surgery. Hence, the potential Lasik patients and supporters need to know the information in detail about the Lasik surgery before, during and after, to achieve the best outcome of clear eye vision.
Before Lasik Surgery
After deciding to go for the Lasik surgery as the best alternative to the eye glasses or contact lens, the first step is to undergo a primary eye examination, after visiting an eye doctor. This examination helps the candidate to explore the chances and possibility to go for the Lasik, after assessing the candidacy for the surgery and risk factors associated on the basis of general health and eye health conditions. In case the patient keeps using contact lens, then one needs to take out the lens and make use of the eye glasses for full time, before the initial test. It is very vital information to know before undergoing the Lasik surgery, since the shape of the cornea can be affected by the usage of the contact lens and the measurements made during the initial test might become inaccurate.
While the initial test has been conducted before the Lasik surgery, the patient needs to share the details about the present eyes condition. The information about the medicine used also must be shared, since the same might affect the vision after the surgery. The steps for the before, during and after the Lasik surgery must be shared by the doctor. On the day of the surgery, all face creams, lotions, makeup and perfumes must be avoided.
During Lasik Surgery
The surgery procedure of the Lasik takes only ten minutes, sometimes even lesser and it depends on the machine to machine and surgeon to surgeon to perform on both the eyes. After the procedure starts, during the Lasik surgery, both the eyes would be thoroughly cleaned and numbing eye drops are placed underneath the laser, by the eye doctor. Then certain tests are conducted and after confirmation from the tests, lid speculum is placed, by the doctor for keeping the eyelids open continuously, while the surgery is happening or during Lasik surgery. Then corneal flap is made with the help of femtosecond laser or microkeratome by the doctor. Once the flap is created femtosecond laser or microkeratome is removed. The flap would then be moved carefully, to expose the tissue of the cornea.
The apparatus of laser are then positioned over the eye. The treatment of laser is started after the doctor confirms that the eyes are in stable or satisfactory position. The patient does not need to worry or get scared about the tickling sounds or new kind of smells, during Lasik surgery. The corneal tissue will then be ablated, for the right and accurate amount. Post the ablation, a protective shield would be placed around the operated eye.
After Lasik Surgery
After Lasik surgery is performed, the patient has to examine the eyes careful in terms of all features of the vision and to prevent the risks of infection. Once the surgery is completed, the patient may feel the sensation of burning and irritation, in the eyes. The vision may be blurry or may also excess tear out. The patient should never rub or pressurize the eyes by rubbing after Lasik surgery.
Rubbing or pressurizing the eyes may result in the corneal flap dislocation. In case the corneal flap is dislocated, another procedure may be needed for placing it back to the original position. Small feel of discomfort is common for the patient, in certain situations, after Lasik surgery. And the discomfort can be avoided as the pain reliever tablet is prescribed by the doctor. Artificial tear drops and antibiotic drops are also prescribed by the surgeon, additionally.
The general symptoms experienced by the patient after Lasik surgery could be reddened eyes, light sensitivity and glare. In case of severe pain of eyes or any problem associated with the vision, the patient has to contact the doctor immediately. In such situations, one needs to contact the doctor within 24 hours. The tests necessary at that point of time will be carried out and the prescribed antibiotics must be continued.
After Lasik surgery, doctor suggests not get subjected to any possible infections, from wells, lakes and to prevent exposing the eyes to the bright lights. The day to day activities, like running, walking etc., must be resumed after a few days of the surgery. And later, these activities must be carried out in careful ways, in case the patient wishes to easily recover from the artificial tear.
After Lasik surgery, the patient has to take necessary advice regarding the makeup products, like body lotion, face creams to use, from the concerned doctor. These products must be used only after confirmation from the doctor, as they may result in infection.
In most of the cases, the patient can start seeing with eye with no glasses, immediately after the procedure of Lasik. However, complete healing of cornea and stabilization of vision takes about 6 months duration. Cornea stabilization needs to be taken place, prior to any necessary repetitive operations to carry out.
Contact Concerned Lasik Surgeon Immediately
If the patient experiences any unusual, new or worsening symptoms, any time after Lasik surgery, one has to contact the concerned Lasik surgeon immediately. It is important, since these symptoms may signal problem and if the problem is not treated timely, it may result in loss of vision also.