Posted by: Associates in Ophthalmology (NJ) in LASIK
Considering LASIK? You will need to spend some time preparing for LASIK, but the procedure is quite short.
Taking only about 15 minutes for each eye to be corrected, you will be in and out of your procedure before you know it. But there is quite a bit that you need to do during this brief period of time.
Here’s a quick rundown of the procedure so you have an idea of what to expect when you have LASIK!
Preparing For LASIK
The first step in preparing for LASIK is ensuring that you are a good candidate for the procedure. You can sign up for a LASIK consultation right now by contacting Associates in Ophthalmology.
There are several factors taken into consideration when someone considers LASIK. A good candidate for LASIK is one who meets the age requirement.
The FDA legally states that patients must be at least 18 years old to undergo LASIK. Most doctors want patients to wait until their twenties to get LASIK for vision stability.
A good LASIK candidate cannot be currently pregnant. They also need to have stable vision that hasn’t changed for at least a year.
They need to be in good health and have eyes that don’t have any conditions like glaucoma or cataracts. They must also be willing to follow all preop and postop instructions to the best of their ability.
You will be tested on all this and more during your LASIK consultation.
Instructions To Follow Before LASIK:
Some instructions you will need to follow before your LASIK procedure are:
- You will need to stop wearing contacts for two weeks (longer if they are hard contacts) to allow your corneas to resume their natural shape.
- You will need to remove any makeup, lotions, or perfumes from your face the day before LASIK.
- You should flush your eyes with eye drops as well.
- Arrange a ride to and from the procedure during your preparation.
The Day of the Procedure
On the day of your LASIK procedure, you should arrive at the practice early. This will give you plenty of time to finish any paperwork.
It will also give you time to ask any questions you may have about LASIK. Remember to not reapply any of the makeup, lotions, or perfumes you removed. They can cause irritation and infection after the surgery is over.
After you sit down, if you feel anxious, your surgeon may offer you anti-anxiety medication. Your eyes will then be numbed with special anesthetic eye drops so you will feel no pain. Only one eye is worked on at a time.
First, a laser opens a flap in the top layer of your cornea. When that flap is lifted up, another laser removes tissue from the middle layer of your cornea.
How much tissue and where to remove it is something that’s predetermined. This is thanks to precise computer software, ensuring accurate results.
After the lasers finish, the flap is then closed. The cornea is so adept at healing itself, you will not need to get stitches.
Recovering From LASIK
The ride that you had planned out before having LASIK will come in handy, as you will not be able to drive for one or two days. You should expect to attend a followup appointment within 48 hours of LASIK.
After having LASIK, your vision may be a little blurry or unstable. This is normal and usually subsides after a few days. It’s also normal to experience symptoms of dry eye.
This is temporary and goes away on its own. If you find your dry eyes are bothering you, let your doctor know. They can prescribe eye drops to help with symptoms.
Most patients that have LASIK can get back to everyday activities within a few days of the procedure. You should be cautious around bodies of water for a month after the procedure.
Do not go swimming in any lakes, pools, the ocean, or go in any hot tubs for at least a month. After about three to six months, most patients are at their peak vision. Most patients that undergo LASIK experience 20/20 vision, if not better!
Think that LASIK could be for you? Then schedule a LASIK consultation at Associates in Ophthalmology in Livingston, NJ today and find out!
