Preparing for LASIK Surgery
Key Aspect | Detail |
---|---|
Pre-Procedure Preparation | Understand eligibility and make necessary lifestyle adjustments. |
During the Procedure | The procedure is quick and involves minimal discomfort. |
Post-Procedure Care | Rest and follow protective measures; slight discomfort may occur. |
Recovery and Results | Vision improvement is often immediate, with further stabilization. |
Long-Term Care | Regular check-ups and precautions for maintaining vision quality. |
Addressing Concerns | Dispelling myths and addressing common fears about LASIK. |
Alternatives to LASIK | Options like PRK, SMILE, ICLs and RLE for those not suitable for LASIK. |
Consultation Preparation | Essential questions to ask your surgeon before the procedure. |
LASIK Surgery FAQs | Answers to common questions about LASIK surgery and its outcomes. |
Preparing for Your LASIK Surgery: Steps to Take Before the Procedure
As you gear up for your LASIK surgery, it’s crucial to understand the necessary preparations. The journey towards improved vision begins before you enter the surgery room.
Initial Consultation and Eye Exam
Your LASIK journey starts with an initial consultation. During this visit, medical staff will conduct a detailed eye exam. This exam is crucial as it determines your eligibility for LASIK and helps create a precise ‘map’ of your eyes, guiding the surgeon during the procedure.
Lifestyle Adjustments
In the days leading up to your surgery, you might need to make small but significant changes to your routine. If you’re a contact lens wearer, you may be advised to switch to glasses for a period before the surgery. This is because contact lenses can alter your cornea’s shape, affecting the surgery’s accuracy.
Arranging Transportation
Since you won’t be able to drive immediately after the surgery, arranging for transportation on the day of your procedure is essential. This ensures a stress-free journey to and from the clinic.
Halting Contact Lens Use
A vital aspect of preparing for LASEK is ceasing the use of contact lenses before the surgery. Contact lenses can alter your cornea’s shape, affecting the surgery’s accuracy.
The recommended duration for stopping contact lens use varies depending on the type of lenses worn【source】. For personalized advice on this matter, check out our guide on astigmatism.
When to stop using contact lenses
Type of Contact Lens | Advice to Stop Wearing Before Surgery |
Soft contact lenses | Stop for one week |
Toric contact lenses for astigmatism | Stop for two weeks |
Hard or rigid contact lenses, including RGPs | Stop for four weeks, but longer may be necessary – expect 4 weeks per decade of wear |
What Happens During LASIK Surgery?
Understanding what happens during the LASIK procedure can alleviate your anxieties.
The Procedure Duration
Contrary to what many believe, the actual LASIK procedure is relatively quick, typically lasting less than 15 minutes in total.
The Process
Upon arrival at the LASIK centre, you’ll be prepared for surgery, which involves:
- Receiving anaesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes.
- Creating a corneal flap using a laser (outdated surgery uses a microkeratome) allows the surgeon access to reshape your cornea.
- Reshaping of the cornea using a computer-controlled excimer laser, which precisely removes corneal tissue to correct your vision.
- Replacing and smoothing the flap back to its original position.
Throughout the process, your doctor will communicate with you, ensuring you are comfortable and aware of each step.
Post-LASIK Surgery: Immediate Aftercare and Recovery
After the LASIK procedure, understanding the immediate aftercare and the recovery process is crucial for optimal healing and vision improvement.
Immediate Rest and Relaxation
Post-surgery, it’s essential to rest. Doctors typically advise taking the remainder of the day off to relax. Avoiding strenuous activities and giving your eyes time to heal is critical.
Follow-Up Appointments
A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled for the day after the surgery. This allows the surgeon to assess the procedure’s success and check for any immediate concerns.
Protective Measures
Patients are often given special shields or glasses to protect their eyes post-surgery. These protect against accidental rubbing and exposure to light and dust. Wearing these protective items, especially during sleep, is vital for the first week following surgery.
Managing Discomfort
Some patients may experience slight discomfort akin to having a dry contact lens in the eye. However, this usually subsides within a few hours.
Long-Term Care and Vision Improvement
Vision Changes and Adaptation
Immediately after the surgery, many patients notice a significant improvement in their vision. Over the following weeks, as your eyes heal, you may experience fluctuations in your vision. This is a normal part of recovery and is usually linked to dryness.
Long-Term Precautions
Your doctor will provide guidelines for the weeks following LASIK. These typically include avoiding eye makeup, lotions, and creams near the eyes and refraining from activities that could strain the eyes or expose them to water, such as swimming.
Routine Eye Check-Ups
Regular eye check-ups post-LASIK are essential. They help monitor your healing process and ensure that your vision remains clear and stable.
The Impact of LASIK Surgery on Lifestyle and Vision Quality
Opting for LASIK can significantly impact your lifestyle and vision quality. Many patients experience a newfound freedom from glasses and contact lenses, leading to increased confidence and ease in daily activities.
Lifestyle Improvements
Activities like sports, swimming, and even simple tasks like reading can become more enjoyable without relying on corrective lenses.
Vision Quality
Though individual results can vary, most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK. Improving vision quality often leads to a reduction in eye strain and an overall enhancement in visual perception.
Long-Term Benefits
The long-term benefits of LASIK can include not only improved vision but also a reduction in the costs and inconveniences associated with glasses and contact lenses.
For more information on eye health and vision correction options, explore our blog and learn about different eye conditions and treatments.
Common Concerns and Misconceptions about LASIK Surgery
Addressing common concerns and clearing up misconceptions is critical to making an informed decision about LASIK surgery.
Myth vs. Reality
One common misconception is that LASIK is painful. The procedure involves minimal discomfort, thanks to numbing drops used during the surgery.
Eligibility for LASIK
Another concern is whether one is a suitable candidate for LASIK. Factors like the thickness of your cornea and overall eye health are crucial in determining eligibility. Consulting with a qualified surgeon is the best way to assess your suitability.
The Fear of Long-Term Complications
Long-term complications from LASIK are rare. Most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision with minimal side effects. However, it’s important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Alternatives to LASIK Surgery
For those who might not be ideal candidates for LASIK, there are alternatives:
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is another form of laser eye surgery, similar to LASIK, but typically used for patients with thinner corneas. Learn more about PRK laser eye surgery.
| PRK | LASIK |
Up to -12D (dioptres) | Up to -12D (dioptres) | |
Yes | No | |
1 in 7,000 | 1 in 21,000 |
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE is a minimally invasive laser procedure, an alternative for those unsuitable for LASIK or PRK. SMILE lenticule extraction can only currently treat short-sight and astigmatism. It cannot treat long-sight.
LASEK vs PRK
These two procedures are identical and are the most common alternative to LASIK, with only a technical difference in the surgical technique.
If you are unsuitable for LASIK or prefer a surface laser approach, most surgeons now use PRK combined with mitomycin C (MMC) during surgery to prevent corneal haze and blurry vision in the post-operative healing phase.
| PRK | LASEK |
4-7 days | 4-7 days | |
Same as LASEK | Same as PRK | |
Up to -12D (dioptres) | Up to -12D (dioptres) | |
Yes | Yes | |
1 in 7,000 | 1 in 7,000 |
Implantable Contact Lenses
Implantable contact lenses (ICLs) are an excellent alternative to LASIK. The main requirement is sufficient space to accept the lens. This is determined by measuring the anterior chamber depth (ACD) using special eye scanners. Learn more about implantable contact lenses.
FEATURES | ICL | LASIK |
Up to -18D (dioptres) | Up to -10D (dioptres) | |
1 in 3,000 | 1 in 21,000 |
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
RLE is another option, particularly for those with presbyopia or high levels of myopia. It involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one. RLE is usually used in patients aged 50+.
FEATURES | RLE | LASIK |
Up to -25D (dioptres) | Up to -12D (dioptres) | |
Several days to weeks | ||
1 in 3,000 | 1 in 21,000 |
Preparing for Your Consultation: Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Before undergoing LASIK, it’s crucial to have a thorough consultation with your surgeon. Here are some key questions to ask:
- Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
- What can I expect in terms of vision improvement?
- How many procedures have you performed?
- What are the potential risks and side effects?
- What is the recovery process like?
Being well-prepared for this conversation can help set realistic expectations and ease any anxieties you may have.
You can find helpful information on David’s blog, including articles about advances in vision correction technology, treatment options for different eye conditions, and tips for maintaining healthy eyesight.
FAQ: Common Questions about LASIK Surgery
To provide additional clarity on LASIK surgery, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
- What is the success rate of LASIK surgery?
- LASIK has a high success rate, with most patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. However, outcomes can vary based on individual factors.
- How long does the effect of LASIK last?
- The results of LASIK are permanent, though age-related vision changes may occur.
- Can LASIK correct all types of vision problems?
- LASIK is highly effective for myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism. For more complex issues, other treatments may be recommended.
- Is there an age limit for undergoing LASIK?
- LASIK is typically performed on adults aged 18 and above. There’s no upper age limit, but older individuals may have other eye conditions to consider.
- What are the main risks associated with LASIK?
- While LASIK is safe, potential risks include dry eyes, glare, and under or over-correction. Discussing these with your surgeon is essential.
- How much does LASIK surgery cost?
- The cost of LASIK varies depending on the clinic and specific patient needs.