What does LASIK really mean?
Laser-assisted Keratomileusis (also known as LASIK) refers to a type or refractive surgery that is used to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK, also known as an eye doctor or ophthalmologist is an outpatient procedure. LASIK surgery can enhance vision by using a light to reshape a patient’s cornea. The cornea is part of the eye that allows light rays to be focused onto the retina. A blurred image may result from a poor corneal shape or an eye that isn’t perfectly formed. This is where LASIK surgery can be an option.
What Is LASIK and Why Do They Use It?
LASIK aims at correcting your refractive error, so that you can see better.
A healthy vision is essential for any activity. This includes reading, driving work, gardening, playing with kids and other activities. LASIK surgery is a common procedure that can improve your vision, allowing you to rely less on glasses and contacts. Most patients (95%) are satisfied. 90% of those who undergo LASIK have vision that is between 20/20/20 and 20/40.
LASIK surgery can be performed on patients who already wear contact lenses and glasses. Your eye specialist will discuss with your whether LASIK and other similar refractive procedures are an option.
The cost of having LASIK done depends on many factors such as the type of laser used and where you are located. Also, how much your ophthalmologist will charge. The average cost of LASIK is between $1500-2500 per eye.
How is LASIK Performed?
Before LASIK you’ll meet with a coordinator, or an eye surgeon. They will help you understand what to expect before and after the procedure. They will examine your eyes and ask questions about your medical history. The exam may include measurements of the thickness, refraction, eye pressure, and even blood pressure. They can map your corneas as well as dilate your pupils. The surgeon will answer all your questions. The surgeon will help you schedule an appointment.
This laser eye procedure can be performed at an outpatient surgery center, or in your doctor’s office.
A special type laser is used for LASIK surgery. It can precisely modify the shape or the contour of the dome-shaped clear tissues at the front of your eyes (cornea) in order to improve vision.
Simply put, your eye doctor will adjust the shape of your cornea so that light hits your retina correctly.
The cornea is the part of your eye that helps focus light so it can create an image on your retina. It works in the same way a lens in a camera directs light to create images on film. Refraction is the process of bending and focusing light. The eye and cornea are usually not perfectly formed and the retina image is often blurred or distorted. These errors are known as refractive problems. Contact lenses and glasses are available to correct any imperfections in the eye. Refractive surgery, a procedure that improves the eye’s focusing power, is a form of operative procedures. LASIK surgery allows for precise and controlled corneal removal using a special laser. This results in a cornea that is more focused.
What Happens During LASIK Vision Surgery?
The LASIK specialist will first use anesthetic drops on the patient’s eyes. He or she will then make a thin and hinged flap inside the cornea. The flap is folded back and the LASIK doctor uses a laser for cornea reshaping. This is what allows you to see clearly. During the procedure, a computer will be used by the LASIK specialist to monitor your eye and control the laser. After the cornea is reshaped by the surgeon, the LASIK physician will return the corneal flap to its original position. It can then heal without the need of sutures. LASIK is a quick procedure that takes only 5 to 15 mins.
The pressure from a suction ring placed on the corneal flap before it is cut can cause a feeling or blurred vision.
Your eye doctor can modify parts of your eyes using a laser programmed to do so. A small amount of corneal tissues is removed with each pulse from the laser beam. After reshaping your cornea, the surgeon will place the flap. The flap, typically heals without the use of stitches.
LASIK results
Clear sight can be achieved in no time. Patients who had LASIK performed will notice a significant difference in their sight within a few days. In most cases, you’ll be able see within 24 hours. However, normal activities can resume within 48hrs.
People who are well evaluated prior to LASIK will have the best long-term results.
It’s okay if LASIK surgery makes your eyes feel irritable. A laser touching an eye is something no one wants to contemplate. It might comfort you to know that LASIK is safe and rarely causes long-term side effects.
All surgeries have risks. Although side effects of LASIK eye surgeries are likely, they generally last only about a week. Some people might experience side effects that last for less time than others. Others might experience more severe side effects.
You must be aware of the pros and cons of LASIK. Discuss with your ophthalmologist the advantages and disadvantages LASIK and ensure that you have realistic expectations of what LASIK is capable of doing for you.
Visit our LASIK Nashville office to learn more about LASIK and the side effects, risks, and benefits. We will also help you prepare.
