Going in for surgery is always scary, but even more when it’s for something sensitive like your eyes. LASIK is a very popular procedure that has been performed for decades, but it is normal for people to be a bit scared about it. However, once you know exactly what to expect, a lot of these fears will be lifted. In this article, we’re going to tell you what you can expect before and during the procedure, as well as some things you’ll have to be prepared for after.
Before the Surgery
Before you get the surgery, you’ll have to consult with a professional and see if you’re actually a good candidate for it. Before your exam, you have to make sure that you don’t wear your contacts for a few weeks before and move to glasses completely. This is because contacts can affect the cornea’s shape, which could lead to bad measurements and a poor result on the surgery. This break should be 4 weeks minimum for hard lenses and 2 for soft disposable ones.
In addition to checking your cornea, they will ask you if you had any prior conditions as well as brief you on some of the possible risks of the procedure.
During Surgery
The whole procedure is very fast and can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. You will sit in an exam chair in a room with the laser equipment. A few numbing drops will be dropped into the eye and the eyelids will be kept open using something called a lid speculum.
Your doctor may use a mechanical cutting device called a microkeratome to cut a flap in your cornea. If this is the kind of device being used, a ring will be placed over the cornea and suction will be applied to it to allow the area that needs to be cut to stick out. Expect your vision to dim a little during this time. You might also feel slightly uncomfortable.
If they’re using a laser microkeratome, pressure will be applied to the cornea and the tissue will be beamed with the laser. Microscopic bubbles of water and gas will start forming which will create a separation.
After the Surgery
Know that you could experience some blurry vision after getting the procedure and that this is perfectly normal. You might also feel some discomfort and itching in the eyes. The worst thing you could do here is rub it, however. In most cases, doctors will prescribe something for the discomfort. You can expect the symptoms to subside after a few days.
Another thing you need to know is that you may still need some glasses after the procedure. Companies like Art of Optiks allow you to review your prescriptions and find glasses that will allow you to transition. You might still need glasses for times when you’re traveling at night, for instance. So, look for glasses that will be comfortable and help you accomplish certain tasks when you need them.
Conclusion
This is what you should expect when getting LASIK surgery. Whatever you do, make sure that you’re thoroughly informed, know the exact risks, and have realistic expectations about the procedure before you go in.
