Guide To Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery

How The Procedure Works

A specially trained eye surgeon performs LASIK eye surgery. The first step is to create a precise and thin flap in the cornea by using a microkeratome. After that, the surgeon pulls the flap back to expose the corneal tissue underneath. The surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea by excising corneal tissue until the cornea is the correct shape. The pattern of the lasering is determined before the procedure to allow maximum accuracy and minimize human error.

After the cornea is reshaped, the surgeon will gently reposition the hinged flap of tissue onto the underlying tissue. There is no need for sutures. At the end of the procedure, the cornea is correctly shaped to focus light onto the retina. This means the patient will no longer need to use contacts or glasses to compensate for the refractive error within their eyes.

Continue reading to uncover the details on what patients can expect their recovery to look like next.

What To Expect During Recovery

The surgeon or doctor should talk to the patient about the recovery process and how they need to take care of their eyes following surgery. Once the anesthesia wears off, most patients experience a little discomfort. It is common for there to be a burning or itching sensation. The doctor may prescribe pain medication to relieve discomfort. Patients will need to protect their eyes from light and rest them for two to four hours following the surgery. Immediately after the procedure, patients may notice that their vision is foggy. It should become better within a few hours.

Individuals may experience increased light sensitivity, puffiness in their eyelids, tearing in their eyes, or halos around objects they look at during the night. A day or two after the surgery, patients will have an appointment so their doctor can do a vision test and make sure their recovery is proceeding correctly. Individuals will not be able to touch or rub their eyes for at least a week. However, they can shower a day after the surgery, provided that they do not get any chemicals or soap in their eyes.

Get familiar with the benefits associated with LASIK eye surgery next.