What is Laser Eye and Vision Correction Surgery
Laser eye surgery to correct vision has become a frequent widespread procedure. One can benefit from the results since the process can significantly improve vision or abolish the use of eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Main Types
There are two types of this procedure, LASIK and LASEK. The former stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis while the latter stands for Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis. The main difference between the two is that in LASIK the surgeon performs cuts on both the epithelium and stroma, while in LASEK the surgeon will only cut the epithelium. LASIK is a more commonly used process as it offers the patient a short recovery period from 2 days to a week. LASEK on the other hand would require a few more days for full recovery and being able to operate machinery such as cars. LASIK is also practically painless and has less distress when measured up to LASEK.
Evaluation Before Surgery
Possible patients must stop wearing contact lenses and switch to spectacles for at least 2 weeks prior to evaluation. The surgeon will then examine the patient’s eyes to decide whether they are healthy enough to proceed with surgery. This will usually involve specific tests such as using a corneal topographer to measure the curvature of the eye or wavefront analysis which will show any possible abnormalities affecting sight. If everything is normal and the patient is not on any conflicting medication then he or she will be classified as eligible for the LASIK which is the preferred method. Compare Laser Eye surgery prices.
What to Expect During the Procedure
LASIK is a simple procedure that lasts for approximately 5 minutes so the patient can go home on the same day. The doctor may choose to administer a mild oral sedative but the patient would be awake. It is however a very delicate procedure which should only be performed by a high skilled specialist. He or she will place the patient on a reclining chair and insert numbing eye drop into the patient's eye. After the area around the eyes is cleaned a lid speculum device is used to keep them open. Once the eyes are ready the surgeon will perform the first cut into the cornea. The laser light pulses start to restrict the eye and during this the patient may feel some mild discomfort or smell a mild odor. It is however a quick and painless process, after which the patient maybe prescribed post operational medication should there be any discomfort or pain
After the Surgical Procedure
Someone else should drive the patient home and a few hours of rest should follow. It is recommended that one should not engage into vigorous activity for about a week since this could traumatize the eye and postpone healing time. Most people will find that their vision improves immediately after surgery, while some report gradual but stable improvement during the next few days.
