Over 45 million people around the world, suffer from difficulty in their visions. Many of them use contact lenses or glasses to correct their vision, which is just a temporary solution to a permanent problem. While some people do enjoy wearing glasses and contacts, a majority of them often fetch for procedures that can correct their vision.
For such people, Lasik eye surgery is a great solution that can be performed on patients who have myopia, hyperopia as well as astigmatism.
What happens during a Lasik eye surgery?
Since the procedure is performed on the eyes and it is a rare procedure to follow, generally expert surgeons are picked for the task. They study the patients’ medical history, their food and alcohol habits, history of sickness or medications etc. and figure out a sound solution.
Once the doctor considers the procedure, they will give you drops that numb your eyes. These drops do not work for some and are generally injected with mild sedatives.
They make use of instruments called a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser to make a thin flap or an incision in the cornea. Once the incision is made, they peel them back with the help of another laser and replace the tissue lying underneath it. Once the problem is corrected, they put the flap back inside, and the surgery is completed.
The procedure takes a good 20 minutes but can vary depending on the experience of the doctor.
What should you prepare for?
Some procedures conducted before the surgery include:
- A thorough examination of the eye
- Eye check-up to measure the refraction rate, the thickness of the cornea, and eye pressure
- Mapping of cornea and dilation of pupils
- Don’t wear contacts for at least three weeks before your surgery or evaluation
- Make sure you take your eyeglasses along with you so that the surgeon can diagonzie based on the prescription.
- Eat a light meal before going in for the surgery
- Take all the prescribed medication
- Do not wear eye make up
- Do not wear heavy hair accessories
What should you expect after the surgery?
Once the procedure is completed, the eyes might feel dry. Generally, prescription drops are provided to prevent the inflammation and infection of the eyes, which also helps them to keep moist. Most of the times, eyes which undergo this surgery will heal quickly, and most of the patients report and enjoy a better vision within days of the treatment. You might also receive a plastic covering to help you sleep for a few days after the treatment.
Bottom Line
Your vision can change after undergoing the procedure. More than 10% of the entire population that undergoes this procedure might require a second round of Lasik to restore the effects and side effects. However, more than 90% of them do just fine with one procedure.