What You Need To Know Before Getting LASIK Eye Surgery

4. Side Effects

Be aware and willing to accept the side effects of surgery before scheduling a procedure. Some people may experience problems with the corneal flap after surgery, making further treatment or surgery necessary. There is a small chance that even with the use of glasses or contacts, vision will worsen after the surgery. Common side effects of LASIK include hazy or blurry vision, dry eye, glare, haloes or starbursts around lights, pain, light sensitivity, and red patches on the white of the eye.

3. Know The Procedure

LASIK surgery is performed in an outpatient surgical suite in which the patient lays under a surgical device called an excimer. An eye doctor will first numb the eye with a few drops of topical anesthetic. An eyelid hold is then placed to prevent the eyelid from closing, and a suction ring is placed on the eye to prevent the cornea from moving. The cornea is then lifted and flattened, and a hinged flap of tissue is created with a laser or blade. The flap is lifted and folded back before the excimer laser measures it to fit the eye correctly.