What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It’s a type of laser refractive surgery that allows your eye doctor to alter the shape of your cornea, correcting numerous vision problems.
LASIK offers the opportunity to correct the following vision issues:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): If your cornea is abnormally curved or your eyeball is longer than normal, you may have trouble seeing things that are far away, but your up-close vision may be perfectly normal.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): If your cornea is flatter than normal or your eyeball is shorter than average, you may have trouble seeing things that are close to you, as well as things farther in the distance.
- Astigmatism: If your cornea is unevenly curved or flattened, you may have trouble achieving proper focus in both your near and far vision.
All of these vision problems are caused by cornea irregularities. LASIK surgery can correct those issues, restoring your vision and reducing your reliance on corrective eyewear.
What Happens During LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is often completed in less than 30 minutes. Once you’re comfortable in the treatment chair, your eye doctor at Professional EyeCare Associates places numbing drops in your eye and cleans the surrounding skin. A special tool called a lid speculum keeps your eyelids open during the procedure.
Once numb, your doctor uses an automated microkeratome to create a flap in your cornea. At this point in the procedure, you’ll be asked to focus on a small light and maintain a steady gaze. That keeps your eye in the right position during the laser portion of the procedure.
Next, an ultraviolet laser beam removes incredibly small portions of your corneal tissue until the proper shape is achieved. The corneal flap is then carefully placed back into position, and will usually heal without the need for sutures.
What Can I Expect After LASIK Surgery?
At the end of your procedure, a shield is placed over your eye to protect it during the healing process. It’s important to adhere to your eye doctor’s advice on how long to wear the shield.
You may experience sensations of itching, burning, or irritation after the procedure, but over-the-counter pain medications should be sufficient to address any discomfort. Within a few days of your procedure, you should feel better, although you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities like contact sports for several weeks after your LASIK surgery.
It’s normal to have fluctuations in your vision in the weeks following LASIK. Within three to six months after the procedure, your vision will stabilize. Be sure to come in for routine follow-up visits to ensure the healing process is moving forward properly.
If you’d like to learn more about what LASIK surgery can do to improve your vision, book a consultation with Professional EyeCare Associates today online or by calling the office.
Professional EyeCare Associates
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The team of doctors at Professional EyeCare Associates in Paramus, NJ, are friendly, professional, and focused on your vision care.