Lasik surgery is a type of refractive surgery that corrects common vision problems, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hypermetropia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The surgical procedure involves reshaping the cornea – the clear front of the eye using a laser, promoting clearer vision by allowing light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina.
The technical term for Lasik surgery is “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis”, which explains why it’s commonly referred to as Lasik. During this process, an eye surgeon creates a small flap in the cornea and then uses an excimer laser to remove a tiny amount of corneal tissue. The reshape cornea then provides better focus for light coming into the eye.
Is Everyone A Good Candidate For LASIK?
Not everyone is deemed a good candidate for Lasik surgery. Eye doctors conduct thorough eye examinations, considering various aspects of your overall eye health to determine if you might benefit from this treatment option. They will assess any refractive errors, the shape of your cornea, pupil size, corneal thickness, and any other medical conditions that could affect your eligibility.
People with certain conditions, like severe dry eyes or macular degeneration, may not be eligible for lasik eye surgery. Also, candidates with high blood sugars or unpredictable diabetes may witness less positive results post-surgery.
What To Expect During LASIK
LASIK is generally considered a safe procedure performed by medical professionals typically takes about 10-15 minutes per eye. It’s an outpatient procedure where patients lie on an operating table under a laser system while an eye surgeon uses a microkeratome or femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in their cornea’s surface.
Using computer controls, the surgeon positions the cool beam of light emitted by the excimer laser onto the exposed underlying cornea to reshape its curvature. The accuracy of modern lasers allows surgeons to precisely control how much corneal tissue is removed in 0.25-micron increments – less than half the width of a human hair.
Once complete, they will replace the small flap which naturally sticks back without stitches and heals over time.
Post-Surgery Recovery Process
Immediately following surgery, most patients notice a significant improvement in their distance vision but might experience blurry vision briefly due to the healing process. This blurriness usually resolves within a few hours or days after surgery.
Though each patient’s lasik recovery time varies based on several factors including individual heal rates and types of visual corrections made during surgery patients should be prepared for some discomfort and visual disturbances as part of their recovery process.
Its normal for people to have intermittent blurriness and fluctuations in their vision after LASIK – hence its essential one arrange regular follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist.
Patients are provided with protective eye shields to wear during sleep post-surgery and advised not to wear makeup or engage in activities that could put negative pressure on your eyes like contact sports or going in hot tubs during early post-op days.
It’s essential for lasik patients take antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by their doctors religiously to prevent infection risk and help promote faster healing.
Dry eyes are often the most common side effect following LASIK but lucky enough it’s temporary for most people. To alleviate this symptom they’re advised to use artificial tears – lubricating eye drops that emulate natural tears sans side effects presented by regular over-the-counter drops.
If dry eyes persist even after months post-op your doctor may recommend additional treatments like punctual plugs (small devices inserted into tear ducts).
Ensure Regular Check-Ups After Surgery
Follow-up appointments are crucial after lasik eye surgery not just to monitor healing but also evaluate vision progress itself & whether further enhancement procedures are needed.
In rare cases wherein some patients continue suffering visual disturbances or impaired vision after several months an additional procedure called ‘Lasik enhancement’ can be performed again to further improve their sight without worrying about complications associated with initial procedures.
Further Improvements With LASIK Enhancements
Lasik enhancements typically involve lifting the original lasik flap before applying additional laser energy to reshape the cornea. Situations where lasik enhancements may be required include shifts in refractive error caused by overcorrections or undercorrections during initial treatment individuals suffering from regression (where eyes return partially towards old prescriptions) long term changes related biological aging processes among others.
Enhancement chances significantly decrease once you’ve reached your best possible vision result after initial lasik procedure – however in case you ever need more glasses-free clarity rest assured enhancements can resolve any remaining unclear spots effectively over time!
Tips To Help With Blurry Vision Post-Lasik Surgery
Patients experiencing blurry vision after Lasik can consider adopting certain habits until they fully recover:
- Use prescribed medications: Patients should use all prescribed medications like antibiotics anti-inflammatory medicines diligently help minimize inflammation speed up recovery.
- Rest adequately: Get plenty rest especially during first week post-lasik invaluable facilitate quicker recovery clearer vision.
- Avoid reading or using digital screens: Excessive reading digital screen usage can increase strain focus working against body’s natural healing process cause more blurriness.
- Utilize sunglasses: Bright lights often worsen blurriness besides leading other complications such glare halos hence necessary shield your eyes against bright indoor outdoor lightings post-operation.
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration said ton influence quality one’s tears thereby improving dryness levels reducing blurriness!
Nonetheless if suspect severe complications causing persistent blurriness arranging immediate consultation professional certainly wise act – many issues treatable detected early enough!
LASIK Recovery Time
Just most surgical procedures full recovery from Lasik can take weeks depending unique attributes nature corrections made individual eyes. Patients witnesses noticeable improvements within hours undergoing though majority achieve stable visual acuity around six months later hopefully lasting long thereafter!
While recovery period largely depends patient’s personal healing capabilities general factors influencing recovery time feature:
1) Severity Pre-existing Vision Problems – Greater refractive errors necessitate intricate corrections therefore more healing time reach perfect vision
2) Overall Health Patient – Those maintaining healthy lifestyles non-smokers tend recover faster
3) Age – Younger patients typically heal quicker compared elders
4) Quality Postoperative Care – Following doctor’s instructions diligently fostering optimal recovery
5) Presence Underlying Medical Conditions affecting eyes adversely impact recovery
Hence though universally standard timeline exist regarding when one can expect 20/20 vision experienced surgeons still capable providing realistic estimates based individual circumstances understanding needs respect recovery requirements certainly imperative maximize benefits drawn from wonderful tool modern medicine.
Post-LASIK Expectations: Changes in Lifestyle, Habits, and Routines
After undergoing LASIK eye surgery, patients can expect some changes in their lifestyle, habits, and routines. These changes may be temporary or permanent, depending on the individual’s healing process and the success of the surgery. Here are some expectations following the procedure:
- Corneal Transplant: In some cases, patients who have undergone LASIK may require a corneal transplant if their cornea is damaged or if they experience vision loss[3]. This procedure replaces the damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue, restoring vision and improving the appearance of the eye[8].
- Refractive Surgeon Follow-ups: After LASIK, patients will need to attend follow-up appointments with their refractive surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing[1]. These appointments are crucial for addressing any complications or concerns that may arise after the surgery[10].
- Cataract Surgery: Some patients may develop cataracts after LASIK, requiring cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lens and restore optimal vision[5]. This procedure may be performed by the same refractive surgeon who performed the LASIK surgery[10].
- Whites of Your Eyes: Some redness in the whites of the eyes may be experienced during the recovery period after LASIK[1]. This redness is typically due to a sub-conjunctival hemorrhage from the suction ring used during the procedure and is completely harmless[9].
- Correct Vision Problems: LASIK is designed to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism[10]. However, some patients may still require glasses for certain tasks, such as reading or driving at night, after the surgery[6].
- Back of the Eye: Vision loss after LASIK can be caused by damage to the retina, optic nerve, or brain[2]. In such cases, patients may experience continuous mental stress due to worries, anxiety, or fear, leading to secondary consequences such as depression and social isolation[2].
- Frequent Breaks: After LASIK, patients may need to take frequent breaks from activities that strain the eyes, such as computer work or reading[12]. This is to prevent computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain, which can result from prolonged screen use[12].
- Reshaped Cornea: LASIK involves reshaping the cornea to improve the eye’s focusing ability[14]. Patients should expect some temporary discomfort and sensitivity as their eyes adjust to the reshaped cornea[1].
- Shape of the Cornea: The shape of the cornea may change after LASIK, which can affect the patient’s vision[13]. In some cases, this may require additional procedures or treatments to correct the issue[13].
- Monovision LASIK: Some patients may opt for monovision LASIK, which corrects one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision[14]. This can take some time to adapt to, and patients may want to try monovision with contact lenses first to see if they can adjust to this type of correction[14].
Patients who undergo LASIK eye surgery should be prepared for some changes in their lifestyle, habits, and routines. These changes may include additional procedures, follow-up appointments, temporary discomfort, and adjustments to their vision. By understanding these expectations, patients can better prepare for life after LASIK and ensure a smooth recovery process.
LASIK Surgery FAQs
1. Can I return to wearing contact lenses after LASIK surgery?
Your eye doctor will advise against wearing contact lenses after LASIK, as the goal of the surgery is to provide you with clear vision without the need for corrective lenses.
2. Who performs laser eye surgery?
Licensed lasik surgeons with special training in refractive surgeries, including laser vision correction procedures like LASIK and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), are the only professionals qualified to perform these procedures.
3. Is a corneal flap created in all types of laser eye surgeries?
While a corneal flap is created during LASIK surgery, it is not used in other forms of laser vision correction such as PRK where the surgeon works directly on the surface of the cornea.
4. Can I return to my normal routine after LASIK surgery?
Yes, many patients are able to return to their normal routine after a few days of recovery post-procedure. However, rigorous activities and potential eye-hazard situations should be avoided for at least a week.
5. Can I wear eye makeup after LASIK surgery?
You should avoid using eye makeup for the first week following surgery to minimize risk of infection and irritation to the eye area.
6. Are regular follow-up visits necessary after LASIK surgery?
Yes, regular follow-up visits with your lasik surgeon are important for monitoring healing progress and any possible side effects after lasik vision correction surgery.
7. What kind of vision can I expect on the first day after LASIK surgery?
Blurred or hazy vision is normal on the first day post-LASIK. As your cornea begins to heal, your sight will improve, usually attaining best vision within two months.
8. What protective measures are necessary immediately after the procedure?
Your doctor will provide an eye shield to protect your eyes from any unintentional rubbing or pressure while you sleep or shower.
9. How does LASIK correct near vision issues?
LASIK can be adjusted to create “monovision”, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for close tasks like reading small print – although it might not suit everybody, it’s a good option for presbyopia patients unwilling wear reading glasses.
10. Should I worry if I have watery eyes following LASIK?
Excessive tearing or watery eyes can occur as a reaction to dryness caused by nerve damage during surgery but should reduce gradually over time as nerves regenerate eventually leading clearer visions long term!
11. How does LASIK correct visual problems?
The shape of your cornea plays a vital role in your sight quality. If it’s too flat, steep or irregularly shaped, light doesn’t properly hit back of your eye (retina) causing refractive errors like nearsightedness farsightedness astigmatism etcetera. During treatment excimer lasers alter shape of your cornea allowing light rays focus correctly onto retina thereon correcting these visual imperfections!
- Remember a thorough eye exam is critical before pursuing Lasik ensure you’re suitable candidate procedure informed decision about proceeding surgery based comprehensive understanding benefits risks!
12. Does Lasik cause severe dry eye?
Post-operative dry eyes common Lasik side effect usually recovers few weeks supplements like artificial tears punctal plugs help manage symptoms meantime!
- Seek immediate medical attention suspect severe complications dark red spots whites your eyes excessive pain blurry vision persist beyond expected time frame meaning heighten risk infection exists!
Further Reading Glasses aren’t typically needed post-Lasik unless purpose read small print upclose ones prescription changes considerably future due natural aging processes! Additionally second Lasik procedure might required over long time due regression implying return some original prescription.
Citations:
[1] https://providenceeye.com/blog/recovering-from-lasik-eye-surgery-10-things-to-expect
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5972137/
[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17714-cornea-transplant
[4] https://crstodayeurope.com/articles/2010-jun/how-to-proceed-after-suction-loss-in-lasik/
[5] https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/ophthalmology/refractive-cataract-surgery/
[6] https://www.bdplasik.com/blog/life-after-lasik-what-to-expect-during-recovery/
[7] https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/temporary-blindness-short-term-vision-loss
[8] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cornea-transplant/about/pac-20385285
[9] https://www.carlsbad-eye-care.com/Content2/LASIK/FAQs/default.aspx
[10] https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/is-your-ophthalmologist-a-refractive-surgeon/
[11] https://eyelasikaustin.com/5-lasik-aftercare-tips-faster-recovery/
[12] https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome
[13] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cornea-transplant/
[14] https://store.aao.org/media/resources/051195/LASIK_03-19.p1.pdf
[15] https://www.stevekmd.com/blog/refractive-cataract-surgery-versus-standard-cataract-surgery-how-they-differ
[16] https://www.bostonlasik.com/lifestyle-and-lasik-what-to-do-after-an-eye-surgery/
[17] https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/eye-disorders/symptoms-of-eye-disorders/vision-loss-sudden
[18] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/about-corneal-transplantation
[19] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/eye-institute/lasik/procedures/lasik.aspx
[20] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/choosing-cataract-surgeon
[21] https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery
[22] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/eyes-common-problems
[23] https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/surgery/corneal-transplant
[24] https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0062-basics-lasik-eye-surgery
[25] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6432845/
[26] https://www.manhattanlasikcenter.com/3-weeks-post-lasik-surgery/
[27] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/stress-vision-loss-learn-how-mental-health-affect-your-kochgaway
[28] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/corneal-transplantation
[29] https://www.ypo.education/ophthalmology/monovision-lasik-t545/video/
[30] https://durrievision.com/your-guide-to-refractive-cataract-surgery-from-refractive-surgeons-in-kansas-city/
[31] https://www.lasikmd.com/what-to-expect/faq
[32] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1367048422001990
[33] https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cornea-transplant-surgery
[34] https://crstoday.com/articles/2017-sept/lets-talk-about-lasik
[35] https://www.rockhilleyecenter.com/our-services/cataracts/standard-v-refractive-cataract-surgery/
[36] https://crstoday.com/articles/oct-2018/how-should-i-manage-the-10-year-post-lasik-patient-who-is-now-unhappy-with-his-or-her-vision
[37] https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/computer-vision-syndrome
[38] https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/corneal-conditions/corneal-transplants
[39] https://www.coastalbendeye.com/UserFiles/lasik.pdf
[40] https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-surgery/cataract-surgery/faq-refractive-cataract-surgery/
[41] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539690/