Lasik / Laser Eye Surgery: Demystifying LASIK
Author: Mike Spencer
LASIK - A now common procedure
One of the first things that springs to mind when considering corrective eye
surgery is the term, "LASIK". An acronym for "laser-assisted in-situ
keratomileusis," this rather common procedure is used to correct certain
vision problems through refractive surgery.
Since its debut in the 1980s, there have been conflicting stories about what
LASIK entails and whether or not it's truly successful.
Laser eye surgery is typically used for those who suffer from
nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Until the advent of LASIK,
eyeglasses and contacts were used to treat these issues, but only served as
aids to vision rather than corrections.
Those who have undergone a successful laser eye surgery procedure should
find that their need for such aids are extremely diminished or eliminated
altogether.
Reshaping your eyes
Technically speaking, LASIK eye surgery reshapes the cornea from within the
eye itself using laser to accomplish the task.
If, for instance, your cornea is not shaped correctly to fit the dimensions
of your eye, this procedure may be effective. By utilizing laser to extract
bits of tissue from the cornea in order to reshape it, the refractive error
can be corrected and the visual images will then be focused directly onto
the retina, which may eliminate the need for aids such as eyeglasses and
contact lenses.
After a thorough eye examination, you'll be expected to choose a doctor to
perform the LASIK eye surgery. Once this has been done, you'll be scheduled
for a consultation with the doctor to discuss the process, and you'll have
the opportunity to voice whatever questions or concerns that you may have
prior to the procedure.
Don't wear your glasses for up to a month before the op'
You should expect to be instructed not to wear your glasses or contact
lenses for two to four weeks prior to your surgery, in order for the cornea
to return to its natural shape, without interference from external visual
aids.
When an individual wears contact lenses, for instance, the shape of the
cornea is changed, so it's important to remove these and leave them out for
up to a month before surgery. In addition, your doctor will instruct you not
to apply any lotions, creams, make-up or other products around the area of
the eyes for awhile prior to the procedure.
On the day of your LASIK eye surgery, you'll receive anesthetic drops in
each eye in order to eliminate pain. You'll then be placed on a table which
is positioned underneath the laser equipment, and the doctor will instruct
you to look up at a small blinking light.
During your laser surgery, a special instrument will be utilized to hold
your eye open, allowing the doctor to perform the LASIK surgery, while the
other eye is protected by a shield.
With a couple of hours you'll be on your way home
After making a small incision, the doctor will then expose the cornea, and
apply the laser technology that's needed to reshape and repair the eye. Once
accomplished, the flap that was cut open to expose the cornea will be put
back into position and will heal on its own, without the need for stitches.
An hour or two after the surgery is completed, you'll be allowed to go home.
Depending upon the individual, the amount of corrective treatment that was
administered and the quickness of the healing process, what can be expected
after surgery will vary from person to person. Speak with your physician
regarding recovery expectations before and after the surgery and follow any
instructions that are given, in order to ensure a successful LASIK eye
surgery experience.
Mike Spencer is dedicated to helping people protect all aspects of their
health - including their eyesight. Here he reviews the pros and cons of
laser eye surgery and LASIK, with the aim of helping make a decision is the
procedure is right for them. Get all the facts to help you in your choice at
Mikes site here
http://www.best-buy-laser-eye-surgery.com
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