Many people choose to have laser surgery, such as Lasik, to reduce or eliminate the need for prescription eyeglasses. During an eye examination, an eye doctor can determine if a person is a good candidate for the procedure. The doctor looks at many factors, such as the health of the eye and the eyeglasses prescription. If a person elects to have Lasik eye surgery, the doctor will schedule any additional appointments or refer the patient to an eye surgeon.
Measurements
Once a person decides to proceed with Lasik eye surgery, the doctor will need to take measurements of the cornea, the front surface of the eye. If a person wears contact lenses, the doctor will tell the patient she must not use the lenses for a period of time before the measurements since contacts can reshape the cornea, states the U.S Food and Drug Administration. For the measurements, the patient places his chin on a large, bowl-like machine, looking straight ahead at a target light. The doctor or a technician will then take the measurements. The doctor uses these numbers during the surgery to help reshape the cornea for a good visual outcome.
Pre Operative
An hour or more before the surgery, nurses or technicians will place a number of eyedrops in the patient’s eyes. These drops numb the eye and help prevent infection. As well, the doctor may give a light sedative prior to the procedure. Shortly before the doctor begins, a nurse will lead the patient into the surgery room where the individual will recline in a chair.
Procedure
The doctor begins by placing an instrument over the eye to keep the eyelids from closing. The surgeon will then use an instrument to gently cut the cornea in a nearly full circle, then peel over the cornea. A large machine, the laser, will move over the eye, and the surgeon will look through a microscope, monitoring the impulses of the laser. These impulses reshape the cornea, explains The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Once the surgeon finishes using the laser, she will move the corneal flap back in place. The surgeon will then repeat the same procedure on the second eye.
Post Operative
After the surgery, the doctor will require the patient to wait a short time in the surgical facility to ensure the person tolerated the procedure well. Once released, the person must have a driver since vision will appear blurry. The doctor may have placed clear shields over the eyes to help protect them until the follow-up visit, which is typically one or two days after the surgery. The doctor will often prescribe eyedrops for the patient to use for a few weeks after Lasik eye surgery. These drops aid in healing and help prevent infection. Vision should gradually improve after the procedure, though vision may fluctuate for a few months while the eye heals, says MayoClinic.com.
