The eye is one of the five sense organs, as it is primarily responsible for vision. This happens through the detection of light, colors, & movements, as well as the recognition of people, objects, & surroundings. However, its essence is more than just this as it is also important for the following in varying measures:
- Communication & Expression
- Safety & Awareness
- Balance & Coordination
- Cognitive Development & Learning
- Overall Wellbeing
Against this backdrop, the medical sciences have come up with effective and efficient ways to correct vision problems. LASIK eye surgery happens to be one such as it can help people battling farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism.
However, people with these issues need to be mindful of where they have such surgeries within and even beyond Manhattan. You can see Manhattan Lasik at Diamond Vision for more information on the need to have such procedures done in the right center. In the spirit of ensuring this, details on what to expect before, during, and after such surgeries are shared here. So, read on to stay well informed.
Ideal Expectations Before, During, & After LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK is essentially laser treatment for the reshaping of the eye cornea. This vision treatment option is so effective that it eliminates or significantly reduces the need for contact lenses and glasses. As a result, it is not just about ensuring clearer vision but doing so in a very convenient manner.
However, achieving the intended goal with this surgery requires the successful execution of all the various steps. The said steps are:
Initial Consultation
The whole journey should start with a consultation and a comprehensive one. One of the major reasons for this phase is the determination of one’s eligibility for this procedure. More specifically, the cornea is thoroughly examined.
Besides determining eligibility for the procedure, this meeting is also about clearly establishing health goals as it concerns your vision. Overall, it is about ensuring you are well-informed enough to decide to go ahead with the procedure or otherwise. For example, both benefits and risks are expected to be explained to you.
Preparation
Not everyone who has an initial consultation will get to this phase for several reasons. For starters, it could outrightly be that the person is ineligible. Furthermore, it could be that the prospect decides otherwise after being informed about certain things.
However, for those who eventually end up moving to this phase, it is about preparing for the eye surgery, and there are typical guidelines to this effect. Some of them include:
- Steering Clear of Eye Makeup, Perfumes, and Body Lotions – More often than not, this only applies on the surgery date. However, there could be peculiarities requiring adhering to this rule much sooner.
- Proper Transport Arrangement – This is required as driving immediately after the procedure will not be possible
- Avoiding Contact Lenses for Some Weeks (or Few Days at least) – The use of contact lenses distorts the cornea’s natural shape
By the way, some of these guidelines apply to all eye surgeries and not just this procedure. For example, you can read this article to see some similarities, as well as differences between LASIK & cataract surgery.
LASIK Procedure
Of course, you would have seen this one coming as the goal of preparation is eventually having the procedure carried out. Once again, this is not a procedure that should be performed in the wrong place.
This implies that it should be performed by competent and experienced medical practitioners and under the right conditions. The procedure is supposed to be minimally invasive and quick. Speaking of being quick, it should take no more than 15 minutes.
So, the question is what happens during the procedure. Well, there are several stages, and they include:
Application of Eye Drops
There are not just regular eye drops but those with numbing effects. This prevents discomfort for the patient.
Thin Flap Creation
For the record, LASIK is an acronym that stands for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. The point being established here is that this refractive surgery involves the use of a laser.
Bearing this in mind, the laser is first needed for the creation of a thin flap in the eye’s cornea. This is required to expose the underlying tissue.
Cornea Tissue Reshaping
Besides the kind of laser used for flap creation, as explained above, another one is used. More specifically, it is for reshaping the cornea’s underlying tissue.
Flap Repositioning
The earlier created flap in the cornea will have to be properly repositioned. This has to happen in such a way that switching will be unnecessary, as healing will happen naturally.
Vision improvement happens almost immediately after the procedure. Also, little pain may be felt immediately after the surgery.
Recovery
Aftercare is important, just as is the case with every other surgery. Bearing this in mind, here are some things to expect:
Common Side Effects
Some side effects may set in for just a few days (at most) after the surgery. Possible side effects that may be experienced include:
- Light Sensitivity
- Temporary Blurry Vision
- Dryness
- Mild Discomfort
Adherence to immediate aftercare instructions and attending follow-up appointments would go a long way in alleviating these.
Immediate Aftercare
Taking time to rest is important. This is especially true for a few hours after the surgery. Furthermore, bright lights should be avoided, and protective eyewear should be worn.
Follow-Up Visits
Check-ups are usually scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the best results. So these appointments are not missed. For more information on why this is necessary, you can see: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/.
Long-Term Care
Most of the immediate aftercare instructions are about preventing and managing common side effects. However, there are equally long-term care guidelines, many of which are aimed at consistently achieving the surgery’s objective. Some of the long-term aftercare guidelines include:
- Being Mindful of UV Exposure & Excessive Screen Time – Wearing sunglasses is one of the recommendations for this
- Attending all Follow-Up Appointments
- Using the Right Eye Drops for Preventing Dryness
The right center would pay attention to all of these stages. This is rather than just a few of them.
Conclusion
LASIK eye surgeries are and continue to be life-changing for several people with vision issues. However, certain things are necessary, as pointed out here. For starters, eligibility has to be properly determined. Furthermore, eligible candidates need to have the procedure done in the right center.
