Detailed explanation of LASIK

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is currently the most popular refractive eye surgery. LASIK causes less afterward pain and offers quick vision recovery. A microkeratome or a laser can be used to create a thin flap during LASIK. After lifting the flap, the surgeon removes some corneal tissues with an excimer laser. Both hyperopic and myopic patients can get visual correction from LASIK through reshaping the cornea. LASIK flattens the too-steep cornea in myopic people and creates steep cornea for hyperopic patients.

Examination and checkup before the surgery

There are many things can be done before a LASIK procedure. It is necessary for every patient to choose a suitable and competent surgeon of LASIK surgery. The doctor will then examinee the eyes for potential dry eye disease and makes a decision that whether the patient is a good candidate for LASIK. Patients may also receive a wavefront analysis in order to provide more precise guidance during the procedure. In addition, medications that the patients currently take should also be evaluated.

Some treatment details during the surgery

LASIK is ambulatory and requires quite a few actions at the patient’s side. This procedure typically takes less than five minutes and seldom applies an oral sedative. After anesthetizing the eyes, the surgeon positions the patient in a right way and uses a retainer to keep his or her eye open. During the painless procedure, there are still further steps. The surgeon will then use an ink marker to mark the cornea for the creation of a very-thin flap. Computer is also used to adjust the laser operated to reshape the cornea. During the laser applying process, the patient may experience a steady clicking sound and a mildly acrid smell.

Recovery tips after a painless LASIK

In general, a higher prescription requires a longer surgical process. If necessary, the other eye can be treated at the same visit after the completion of the first eye. But this practice is rarely taken because it involves more risks. LASIK causes less aftermath pain than PRK, so that only a few prescription medications will be enough. In the short term after the surgery, patients need proper rest and relaxation. Most patients can return to work in the next day. In addition, strenuous exercise and rubbing should be avoided during the first week after LASIK.

Most patients will get a good visual outcome

The recovery period after LASIK varies significantly from one person to another. While vision improvement occurs in some patients immediately, the vision can be stable in some individuals after a few days or even weeks. But most patients can restore 20/40 vision or better. Postoperative complications including eye infection and night glare are sometimes inevitable. Patients should keep proper expectation that LASIK can not cure all visual problems. For instance, presbyopic people over 40 can not get help from regular LASIK.

LASIK solutions for the presbyopic

Regular LASIK surgeries only deal with myopia and hyperopia by reshaping the corneal surface. Both of the eyes will be treated in a same way and get normal vision. In fact, regular LASIK is suitable only for young adults who suffer from just one refractive error. Presbyopic patients are definitely beyond the control of traditional LASIK procedure. Modern solutions for them include monovision LASIK and presbyLASIK. The first one creates two single-vision eyes respectively for near and distance vision. The second surgery will create multifocal eyes.