Preparing for LASIK surgery
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Preparing for LASIK Surgery

Key AspectDetail
Pre-Procedure PreparationUnderstand eligibility and make necessary lifestyle adjustments.
During the ProcedureThe procedure is quick and involves minimal discomfort.
Post-Procedure CareRest and follow protective measures; slight discomfort may occur.
Recovery and ResultsVision improvement is often immediate, with further stabilization.
Long-Term CareRegular check-ups and precautions for maintaining vision quality.
Addressing ConcernsDispelling myths and addressing common fears about LASIK.
Alternatives to LASIKOptions like PRK, SMILE, ICLs and RLE for those not suitable for LASIK.
Consultation PreparationEssential questions to ask your surgeon before the procedure.
LASIK Surgery FAQsAnswers 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.

Adult woman removing one contact lens

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 LensAdvice to Stop Wearing Before Surgery
Soft contact lensesStop for one week
Toric contact lenses for astigmatismStop for two weeks
Hard or rigid contact lenses, including RGPsStop 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.

Have a question about LASIK Surgery? Get in touch today

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.

Have a question about LASIK Surgery? Get in touch today

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

Can treat all prescriptions

Prescription range *

Up to -12D (dioptres)

Up to -12D (dioptres)

Thin corneas

Fix astigmatism

Fast recovery


Post-op pain

Yes

No

Needs operating theatre

Infection rate

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


Can treat all prescriptions

Speed of recovery

4-7 days

4-7 days

Final vision

Same as LASEK

Same as PRK

Prescription range *

Up to -12D (dioptres)

Up to -12D (dioptres)

Thin corneas

Fix astigmatism

Fast recovery


Post-op pain

Yes

Yes

Needs operating theatre

Infection rate

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


High and extreme prescriptions

Prescription range

Up to -18D (dioptres)

Up to -10D (dioptres)


Thin corneas

Maintains ability to read

Fast recovery

Reversible

Operating theatre

Infection rate

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

Extreme prescriptions

High prescriptions

Prescription range

Up to -25D (dioptres)

Up to -12D (dioptres)

Thin corneas

Maintains ability to read with modified procedure

Fast recovery

Several days to weeks


Reversible

Operating theatre

Infection rate

1 in 3,000

1 in 21,000

Have a question about LASIK Surgery? Get in touch today

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:

  1. Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
  2. What can I expect in terms of vision improvement?
  3. How many procedures have you performed?
  4. What are the potential risks and side effects?
  5. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. How long does the effect of LASIK last?
    • The results of LASIK are permanent, though age-related vision changes may occur.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. How much does LASIK surgery cost?
    • The cost of LASIK varies depending on the clinic and specific patient needs.

Have a question about LASIK Surgery? Get in touch today

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