The most commonly performed refractive surgery today is LASIK. There are a number of reasons why LASIK has become so popular over the last several years. One of the main attractions to the surgery is that it is relatively pain-free. Furthermore, the success of the surgery is inarguable. The majority of people receiving the LASIK procedure report having better vision the very next day.
Before the LASIK procedure
As with any medical procedure a patient has, it is vitally important to choose a qualified surgeon with experience and a reputation for getting results. All of our doctors on denverlasikdoctors.com meet this criteria. It is also important for you, the patient, to be comfortable with your doctor.
Once you’ve chosen your doctor, the first step toward having LASIK is the consultation. During this consultation, your doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery. In addition, your doctor will give you a full eye examine to evaluate the overall health of your eyes. There may by instances in which a patient needs to take care of other eye conditions before undergoing the LASIK procedure.
If you and your doctor determine that LASIK is the right step for you to take, you will schedule your surgery.
If you wear contact lenses, these will have to be removed for a period of time before the surgery. On average, patients wearing soft contact lenses are asked to remove their lenses between 5 to 21 days before the LASIK surgery. Patients wearing hard contact lenses are asked to remove their lenses for at least 6 weeks plus 2 weeks for each year the contacts have been worn.
During LASIK Surgery
The LASIK surgery is a very quick process and is considered an out-patient procedure. In fact, the surgery itself usually only takes around 5 minutes, and the patient is awake during the entire procedure. However, it is important to remember that while the surgery is fast, it is still surgery, and your doctor should be a highly qualified physician. In addition, you should plan on having someone accompany you to the doctor’s office to drive you home once the procedure is finished.
The majority of people that have undergone LASIK surgery have reported feeling very little if any pain. First, your eyes are given special drops to anesthetize them. Only one eye is operated on at a time. An instrument called a lid speculum will be placed over your eye to keep your eyelids open. This usually isn’t uncomfortable.
Your doctor may use a blade device, called a mechanical microkeratome, to cut a flap in your cornea. If this instrument is used, a ring will be placed on your eye to create high pressure, which will suction your cornea. During this part of the surgery, you may feel a small amount of discomfort and you may experience a dimming in your vision. The microkeratome is attached to the ring. This instrument will be used by your doctor to cut a flap in your cornea. Finally, the microkeratome and the ring are both removed from your eye, and the microkeratome is discarded.
If your doctor does not use the microkeratome, he/she may use a laser keratome to cut the flap of the cornea. If this device is used, a clear, plastic plate will flatten the cornea. During this part of the procedure, you may feel a small amount of discomfort and you may experience a dimming in your vision. The laser is used to expand the tissue underneath the cornea surface, thus creating a flap. Once this is complete, the plate is removed from the eye.
During the rest of the surgery, you will be able to see. However, your vision will be blurry. Once the flap is created, the surgeon will lift the flap and fold it back to expose and dry out the tissue.
The surgeon will then position the laser directly over your eye, and you will be asked to stare at a light. Once your eye is in the correct position, the laser will be turned on. This laser will begin removing corneal tissue. As the tissue is being removed, it is not uncommon for a patient to smell a burning smell. The amount of tissue removed from your eye is pre-determined based on the initial evaluation. Once the correct amount of tissue is removed, the surgeon will put the flap back into place. The flap will stay in place naturally until the healing is done.
Once the procedure is over, your doctor will cover your eyes with protective eyewear. This will help protect your eyes from any rubbing, and pressure during sleep, or any accidental hit or poke. In addition, dark shields may be worn to protect your eyes from bright lights.
After the Surgery:
As with any medical procedure, it is important for you to follow your doctor’s instructions about post-op care for your eye or eyes. Your doctor will probably prescribe eye drops to be used for the new few weeks. You may experience some discomfort, itchiness, watery eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and red or bloodshot eyes. Your doctor may prescribe you a mild pain reliever. DO NOT rub your eyes! This could cause further damage to the flap requiring you to undergo additional treatment. In addition, if you experience severe pain or if your vision or any other symptoms get worse, contact your doctor immediately. Otherwise, your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment within a few days of having your procedure.
Most people report vision improvement right away. However, some people find that their vision improves over the period of a couple of days or even a few weeks. Even patients who see perfectly after their surgery may have to wear reading glasses once they’ve hit their forties. Research is being conducted on ways to correct this problem surgically.
Please remember, LASIK surgery is a medical procedure, and you should discuss in detail with your doctor all of your questions and concerns.
Visiting Denver for LASIK
Be sure to communicate with your doctor about what to expect during this procedure. In addition, it is a good idea to stay in Denver the night of your procedure. You will want to get as much rest as possible. Be sure to discuss your travel schedule with your doctor before booking any flights.