LASIK Procedure

Wouldn’t it be great to wake up each morning and not have to reach for your glasses or put in your contact lenses? Think how terrific it would be to play your favorite sport or pursue your choice of hobbies without needing any corrective eyewear at all! Men and women across the country think it is so wonderful, LASIK procedures are now one of the most frequently performed elective surgeries in the country. Due to recent improvements in surgical technique, laser refractive surgeries (i.e. LASIK, LASEK, PRK), are now suitable for more patients than ever before. These surgical procedures offer permanent vision correction for most patients, even those currently requiring “coke-glass” glasses or high-power contact lens prescriptions.

Pre-Surgical Evaluation

Once you decide that you would like to experience clear vision without the hassle and expense of contacts or glasses, you need to make an appointment for a complete eye check-up and general health history with an ophthalmologist who is very experienced in LASIK eye surgery. You can check with your general care physician or trusted friends (preferably who have used the doctor for their own LASIK procedure) for the name of a qualified eye surgeon in your area. He or she will perform a complete eye check and ask you questions about the state of your general health. Once it has been ascertained that you are a good candidate for LASIK, you will be given information about the procedure and can schedule your surgery.

The Event

On the day of your LASIK procedure, stay calm; it’s really no big deal (I can say that since I’ve had the surgery). When you arrive at the hospital or surgicenter, your doctor will probably give you a mild sedative and then put numbing drops in your eyes. You will then lie down on a lounge chair like in the dentist’s office. The area around your eyes will be cleansed and you will be asked to stare at a fixed target/light. A few pulses of computer-regulated cool laser will allow your surgeon to create precise surgical flaps in the center of your corners. I know this sounds gross but it really isn’t and you won’t feel a thing. After about fifteen minutes, the procedure will be over and you will have significantly improved vision. Just take a look at the clock in the operating room—you’ll actually be able to read the time.

Follow-Up

You will need someone to drive you home since you have been given some sedation. You will probably want to rest for a while and enjoy your new vision. Your surgeon will give you some post-op instructions-follow them! Although your vision will probably be pretty good immediately, it can continue to improve and stabilize for up to six months. Your eye surgeon will tell you when to schedule your follow-up visits.

Is LASIK or PRK Right for YOU? Please click on the form on this page to receive more information about LASIK and other forms of laser refractive surgery. You will be happy you did.