One of the best and most common methods for improving someone’s vision is LASIK eye surgery. In addition to treating other eye conditions, this procedure mainly fixes impaired vision. It is a great substitute for contact lenses and glasses, enabling people to see without the need for them.
LASIK eye surgery has recently seen major advancements. You can learn everything you need to know about LASIK surgery in this blog, including what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, and what the risks of LASIK surgery are.
Before Surgery: The First Appointment
Thinking about LASIK often starts when glasses or contacts feel irritating, or if you have certain other refractive errors that need to be addressed. That’s when you can consider laser eye surgery as a permanent solution.
Initial Decision and Consultation
It’s crucial to let your doctor test your eyes before the LASIK procedure. Your ability to be operated on will be determined by these tests.
Since there are various types of LASIK surgery, your doctor will do tests and determine which is best for you. Additionally, they will go over the dos and don’ts prior to and during LASIK eye surgery during the consultation phase.
Preparing for Surgery
If you wear contact lenses, your doctor might ask you to stop using them for a few days or even a couple of weeks before the tests and the surgery. This is because contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of your cornea. The doctor needs to measure your eye in its natural state to plan the surgery accurately.
Apart from that, you must not use eye makeup on the day of the surgery. It is also recommended to refrain from applying unnecessary products on your face the day before the procedure.
Understanding the Procedure
The procedure for LASIK eye surgery will be explained by the physician. They will measure your eye and cornea to determine the amount of tissue that needs to be removed.
You will be aware of how the procedure will proceed on the day of the procedure, as well as the laser technology that will be employed.
During Surgery
The Process
LASIK takes about 15 to 20 minutes for both eyes. Numbing eye drops are used, and a device keeps your eyelids open. A thin flap is created on the cornea, then lifted so a laser can reshape the tissue underneath. You may feel slight pressure but no pain. Once done, the flap is placed back and begins healing naturally.
Immediate Aftercare
Your doctor will provide you with aftercare instructions following the procedure. You will need to take certain eye drops on a regular basis and follow various other instructions, such as avoiding constant contact with your eyes.
You have to visit your eye doctor within 24 to 48 hours following surgery. After that, you have to visit them based on the advised schedule. Attending these follow-up meetings is crucial because the doctor will monitor the patient’s recovery from the procedure.
Recovery Time
The recovery period following LASIK eye surgery might range from a few days to a few weeks. You typically experience discomfort during the first three to four hours following surgery. During the first week or so of your recuperation, your doctor might suggest that you wear black-screen goggles.
You should use eye drops as prescribed by your eye doctor while you heal. For a few days, you should also avoid using any screens, including your phone and TV. Additionally, you might have to wait a long time to apply eye makeup.
Vision Changes
Before and after LASIK, the vision will be entirely different. Within a few hours following the procedure, you might begin to see clearly. The vision you had before myopia, astigmatism, or other eye conditions impacted is typically restored with laser surgery.
It could take three to six months to stabilise vision completely. Problems like sporadic blurriness and disruptions in night vision could arise during this period. Regular attendance at appointments is necessary to prevent complications.
After Surgery
First Few Hours
Right after LASIK, your vision may be hazy, like seeing underwater. This is a normal, temporary blurriness. Your eyes may feel irritated, too, or seem extra sensitive to light. There could be slight watering as well.
The doctor will ask you to rest your eyes – avoid TV, phones or reading. Sleep if possible. You’ll also get medicated eye drops to apply.
Next Day Checkup
Most patients have a follow-up appointment the next day. This visit allows the doctor to check your eye and ensure everything is healing as expected.
Many people notice a big improvement in vision just 24 hours after the procedure. However, it’s still early, and the vision might fluctuate for a few days.
What to Avoid
- Do not rub your eyes
- Skip water splashing in the eyes
- Avoid dusty areas
- Use all prescribed eye drops diligently
You must follow the doctor’s advice strictly after surgery to protect your eyes.
Back to Routine
Most patients resume regular activities in 2-3 days. Take a few days off work if possible. Limit screen time and take breaks to rest your eyes.
Driving can usually be started within a week, but only after the doctor says the vision is clear enough. Avoid sports and the gym for 1-2 weeks.
Long Term Healing
Over the next few weeks, your eyes continue to heal and adjust. Some people experience dryness, especially in air-conditioned environments. The prescribed eye drops will help with this. The dryness usually improves over time.
Your doctor may schedule a few more check-ups over the coming months to make sure everything is going smoothly.
Is LASIK Permanent?
Yes, the changes made to your cornea are permanent. However, your eyes may still undergo natural ageing changes. For example, after the age of 40 or 45, most people need reading glasses due to a condition called presbyopia. LASIK doesn’t prevent this, but it does reduce or remove your need for distance glasses.
Conclusion
LASIK is a very commonly done and safe eye surgery in India. Eye hospitals have advanced technologies, and experienced doctors do these routinely. But evaluation beforehand and follow-up care later are very important.
Don’t rush into this. Speak to your doctor openly if planning this – clear all doubts. See if you are a good candidate. Once done properly, LASIK offers freedom from glasses and lenses for years to come, whether it’s foggy lenses in the rain or losing contacts while out.
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