What Can You Expect before and during LASIK Surgery?
Your eyesight allows you to view your surroundings. For many people, however, glasses or contacts may be necessary to view these surroundings clearly. But having to rely on glasses or contacts can be rather inconvenient in certain situations. To help reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses, you may choose to have corrective surgery from a facility such as Hoopes Vision Center. One of the surgeries you may consider is LASIK.
LASIK Surgery
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis surgery. This surgery is used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism by adjusting the shape of the cornea with the use of lasers. The cornea is the outer covering of the eye, and the way the cornea is shaped affects the way light is transferred to your retina. When the light does not properly reach the retina, your vision can become blurred.
Before Surgery
The first step for acquiring LASIK surgery is to be evaluated for eligibility by your physician. Before you are evaluated, however, you should stop the use of contacts two to four weeks in advance. Contacts can alter the shape of the cornea, which can then alter the outcome of your surgery. The day before your surgery, you should not use creams, lotions, makeup, or anything else around your eyes. You should also be sure to arrange for transportation to and from your surgery.
During Surgery
During your surgery, you will lie upon your back. Numbing drops will be applied to your eyes, the area around your eyes is cleaned, and a lid speculum is applied to prevent you from blinking during the procedure. You will be asked to stare at a light during the procedure. Your physician will begin by cutting a flap of your cornea either with a blade-like device or a laser. A ring or a plate may be applied to your eye to create suction or flatten your cornea while the flap is made. Once the flap is created, the ring or plate is removed and the flap is opened to reveal the inner layer of your cornea called the stroma. A laser then removes a pre-programmed section of your cornea. The flap is then replaced, and a shield is applied to protect your eye while the flap heals. The whole procedure usually takes around 30 minutes on average. To learn more about what to expect after the surgery, contact Hoopes Vision Center or similar facilities.
