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Better Vision Through LASIK Eye Surgery

For people suffering from common vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, there is a fast, effective and virtually pain-free method of eye correction available.

Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, more commonly known as LASIK eye surgery, is today's most common type of laser vision correction procedure. It is an extremely effective outpatient procedure that can be used to treat low, moderate, and higher prescription eyesight problems.

Before undergoing LASIK vision correction, you'll need to make some necessary preparations for the procedure. What you should expect before, during and after the surgery will depend to a large extent on your doctor, but the following points will help you to prepare:

Before Surgery

* The first step to preparing for LASIK surgery is making sure that it's actually the right procedure for you. Ask your doctor to answer all of your questions, and give serious consideration to any doubts. Before signing any waiver, your eye doctor should conduct a full evaluation to ensure that you're a good candidate for LASIK vision correction.

* If you normally wear contact lenses, you'll need to take them out at least two weeks before your scheduled LASIK procedure. For the surgery to be successful your cornea must be in its natural shape, and contact lenses can actually change the shape of the cornea. Therefore, you should remove your contacts and wear glasses for two to four weeks before surgery. This will allow your cornea to return to normal. If the cornea is not in its natural shape, consequences might include inaccurate measurements and a poor surgical plan, ultimately resulting in poor vision after surgery.

* Your doctor will take measurements of your eye to determine how much corneal tissue to remove. These measurements may need to be repeated at least a week after your initial evaluation, and once again before your LASIK vision surgery. This series of measurements is required to be sure that the numbers haven't changed, particularly if you wear RGP or hard lenses.

During Surgery

* While your LASIK vision correction procedure is underway, you'll be asked to lie down in a reclining chair.

* Your eye doctor will perform the surgery using a few instruments including the laser. The entire process will take less than an hour.

* When surgery is complete, the doctor will place a shield over the eye. This will help your eye to heal, and will keep foreign elements away from the surgery area.

After Surgery

* You may feel some discomfort for a few days following the procedure. It's important that you refrain from rubbing your eye, as this could dislodge the flap covering the cornea.

* Any discomfort should improve after a few days. If you experience severe pain, however, you should contact your doctor immediately.

* Make an appointment to see your doctor within 24 to 48 hours after your LASIK vision correction. He or she will remove the eye shield, test your vision and examine the eye.

* Your doctor may prescribe medicated drops to prevent infection, and artificial tears to lubricate the eye.

* Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is hazy.

If you suffer from astigmatism, myopia or hyperopia, you can achieve better vision through LASIK eye surgery. Talk to your eye doctor to see if this type of procedure can be your best choice.

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