Eye Surgery

How Does Eye Surgery “Lasik” Work? Step-by-Step Instructions

Lasik is used to correct vision errors like hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism. It is not painful, and complications are uncommon. It is not a lengthy procedure and will help eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. 

Preparing for LASIK surgery is usually a simple process. The doctor will examine you to ensure you are a good candidate for this procedure. They will scan your eye with a non-invasive device to obtain information about your eye that will be required for the surgery lasik. You will be advised not to wear contact lenses for a few weeks and may be given anti-anxiety medication on the day of the surgery. 

Although the femtosecond laser works in less than a minute, the procedure takes less than ten minutes per eye. LASIK refractive surgery doesn’t hurt because the eye will be numbed.

Although your vision should be normal within a day or two of having LASIK, complete vision stabilization may take several months. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops that you should use even if your eyes do not appear dry. 

Please consult your doctor about how to care for your eyes as they heal. Some activities, such as contact sports and swimming, may be advised to be avoided while your corneal flap heal. 

The Fundamentals of LASIK laser eye surgery

The most frequent laser eye surgery is laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), which treats nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

The surgery uses an extremely precise laser to reshape the cornea, allowing light to focus better on your retina. It can help you see better, in many cases even better than the gold standard of 20/20. Discuss with your doctor what kind of improvement you can expect, as this varies from person to person.

Overall, LASIK laser vision correction is a painless outpatient treatment. Your vision will normally improve nearly immediately and will continue to improve and settle over the next few weeks and months.

As with any surgery, there is the possibility of complications. In rare situations, a person’s vision may gradually deteriorate owing to irregular wound healing, hormone abnormalities, or pregnancy. If your vision worsens after your operation, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Make your findings about the Laser eye surgery cost so as to arrange a proper financing.

Getting Ready for Your Procedure

A few actions must be taken in order to prepare for your LASIK eye surgery.

Step 1:

Obtain an evaluation. Your prospective surgeon will evaluate your eyes to ensure that the surgery is a good fit for you. They will examine your pupil and cornea, as well as any pertinent eye diseases you may have.

Your tear film will be checked as a precaution. This film informs the doctor about your general risk of experiencing dry eye after surgery. The evaluation can assist the doctor in determining how to limit that risk best.

Step 2:

Have your eyes mapped. Your ophthalmologist will map out your cornea using advanced technologies. This gives the doctor the information he or she needs for your surgery. During this exam section, you will also be asked pertinent medical questions.

Step 3:

Make an appointment for your operation. If everything appears to be in order, your procedure will be arranged.

Step 4:

Remove your contacts. If you wear contacts, you must remove them at least two weeks before your LASIK treatment. Wear glasses instead.

Step 5:

As directed, take any prescription medications. You may be given medicine to help you relax before surgery. Medical procedures can be frightening and distressing for some people. Because LASIK needs you to remain motionless, a medication that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety can reduce the risk of problems and make the procedure more comfortable.

How much time does LASIK surgery take?

LASIK is one of the most rapid vision repair procedures. It takes less than fifteen minutes per eye on average. The particular timeline will vary depending on the individual patient’s demands and the type of LASIK chosen.

Each LASIK process takes a slightly different amount of time, although each kind of LASIK is fairly quick. The average patient is in the operating room for less than 30 minutes.

Due to paperwork and operation preparations, you will be in the office for a while. After the procedure, you will also spend some time in a recovery room, and your doctor will evaluate you before you go home.

The LASIK Operation Procedure

Here’s what to expect when you come in for your LASIK procedure.

Numbing drops are placed in your eyes as part of the preparation. To keep your eyes open, a particular equipment is used. This keeps you from shifting or closing your eyes, which could disrupt the operation. You will be instructed to remain still.

When your eye is ready, a suction ring will be placed on it. This shouldn’t hurt, but it may give a pressure sensation and cause your vision to dim in that eye.

The procedure: Your doctor will create a little hinged flap in your cornea using a laser (or sometimes a small blade). This allows your surgeon access to your cornea, which requires reshaping. The excimer laser is adjusted to your specific prescription using a computer.

You will be instructed to look at a light, which will aid in keeping your eye in a fixed posture. Meanwhile, a laser will begin reshaping your cornea painlessly. Tiny portions of your cornea will be removed when the laser pulses.

You will most likely hear a clicking sound when the surgeon utilizes the laser. You might smell something that smells like burned hair. This is typical.

The procedure is similar to that of cutting a pair of prescription glasses. Both procedures are intended to help light reach your eye in such a way that you can see more clearly.

When your surgeon decides your cornea is suitably formed, the sliced flap will be replaced. The flap will typically heal on its own without the need for stitches or other similar measures.

Recuperating from surgery

You will be unable to drive following your surgery. You must arrange for a friend to drive you home and make other arrangements.

Your eyes could feel itchy, burn, tear up, or be uncomfortable for a few hours, and you will likely have blurry vision for a day or two. You will probably see an immediate improvement in your sight despite some blurriness. The blurriness will clear in few weeks.

Your doctor may prescribe you some pain medication for the discomfort. You shouldn’t experience severe pain, so talk to your doctor immediately if you do.

You might need to wear a special eye cover at night to protect your eyes as they heal. This will prevent you from rubbing or scratching your eyes in your sleep.

It may take two to three months for your eyes to heal fully, and your vision to completely stabilize to its new level. Your doctor will want to see you one to two days after your surgery to ensure everything is fine.

Your doctor will prescribe you lubricating eye drops, which you will put in your healing eyes three to four times a day (unless directed otherwise). This is to prevent them from getting dry. Even if your eyes aren’t dry, keep using the eye drops as instructed.

You may most likely experience slight discomfort in your eyes throughout the first few weeks of your healing procedure. Patients frequently describe it as having an eyelash in their eyes.

As you heal, you may suffer some photophobia. This is when your eyes get more light-sensitive. It’s a good idea to keep sunglasses on hand. Wear them outside, and if the lights are bright, you can even wear them indoors.

Consult your doctor about the best way to cope with any discomfort you may be experiencing. Even if your eyes are healthy, rubbing them is a terrible habit. Rubbing them while recovering from LASIK surgery can cause eye injury.

More to read: Laser eye surgery: Risks and how to avoid them