LASIK eye surgery is an effective vision correction option for patients seeking an alternative to glasses and contact lenses. If you’re considering a LASIK procedure or already have your surgery scheduled, here’s an overview of what you can expect.
Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK, is a frequently performed type of laser surgery in which a specialized laser is used to change the shape of the cornea in order to improve a patient’s eyesight. Reshaping the cornea corrects both myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) by allowing the proper light refraction necessary for clear vision.
At Island Eyecare, all patients opting for surgical correction are carefully evaluated by a physician prior to the procedure. The doctor will ask about your prior medical history and give you a thorough eye examination. During the exam, the doctor will need to rule out any existing eye conditions such as inflammation, infection, glaucoma, or other issues that could compromise the safety of your LASIK procedure. Then they will carefully measure and evaluate your corneas to determine which areas need reshaping. Based on these measurements, it will be decided how much corneal tissue to remove.
Since contact lenses change the shape of your cornea, patients who use contacts will need to stop wearing them for several weeks prior to the evaluation and LASIK procedure. Your doctor will give you individualized instructions to follow based on your specific circumstances and how long you’ve been wearing contact lenses.
Before scheduling your surgery, your Island Eyecare physician will inform you of the risks and benefits of LASIK surgery and give you the opportunity to ask questions.
You’ll also want to take into account practical considerations, such as the cost of the surgery and who will be transporting you on the day of the surgery. LASIK is regarded as an elective procedure, so insurance is unlikely to cover the expense. As you’ll still be feeling the effects of the anesthetics and your vision will likely be blurry immediately following the surgery, it’s best to have someone drive you home afterward.
The physicians at Island Eyecare are highly trained in the most technologically advanced LASIK equipment available and are always available for a consultation. Talk to our physicians today to see if LASIK is the right solution for you.
For more information, please visit our website at https://seeislandeyecare.com.