Lasik (laser in-situ keratomileusis), is an eye procedure used to correct abnormalities of vision such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia among others. The main aim of the procedure is to change the shape of the cornea which in turn changes the angles of reflection and refraction. If they have plans of undergoing Lasik San Antonio residents need to understand a number of things on the procedure.
Before undergoing the surgery, you need to see an eye specialist (also referred to as an ophthalmologist). The specialist will examine you to determine your suitability as a candidate. Some of the important aspects that have to be evaluated include the intraocular pressure, pupillary dilation and corneal thickness. Underlying medical conditions may result in cancellation or postponement of the surgery. Examples include glaucoma and eye infections.
Your doctor will give you a set of instructions on how to prepare for the operation once you have been confirmed as a candidate. Wearers of permeable contact lenses need to stop wearing them three weeks before they are seen by their ophthalmologist. If putting other types of contact lenses, the stoppage should be done three days before. Another important precaution that should be undertaken is the stoppage of blood thinners.
Being a minor operation, Lasik is usually conducted in an outpatient clinic. General and regional anesthesia are not needed except in very rare circumstances which means that you will be awake as the operation goes on. A few drops of local anesthesia are applied directly to the eye to numb it so as to reduce discomfort. The surgeon will instruct you to fix your gaze to a certain object an act that properly positions the cornea.
The laser is directed to the area of interest and directed slowly as it cuts through the upper corneal surface. Very thin corneal flaps are created so as to access the underlying tissue (the stroma). It is this tissue that is targeted for reshaping. A special computer software has been developed to help in calculating the amount of laser to be used in a specific case to avoid unnecessary injuries.
There are several side effects that may arise from this procedure. Discomfort may be experienced on the first and second day and is mainly characterized with itchiness. Other common problems include dryness of eyes, double vision, challenges of night travel and visualization of halos. Artificial tears are usually given to help with the dryness. A procedure known as punctal occlusion may also be done for the same.
After Lasik patients usually reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. A number of them may not even need them afterwards. Generally, improvements are noted within a day or two. There is no need for stitches or bandages as is the case with many other types of operations. The doctor will prescribe some antibiotics to help keep infections at bay as you continue to recover.
Advancing age may erode the benefits attained from Lasik. This usually affects less than 5% of patients and may require a repeat procedure. It is important that patients understand that Lasik may not be effective in some cases of visual abnormalities. The presence of a very thin corneal layer or extreme nearsightedness contraindicates it in affected patients.
Before undergoing the surgery, you need to see an eye specialist (also referred to as an ophthalmologist). The specialist will examine you to determine your suitability as a candidate. Some of the important aspects that have to be evaluated include the intraocular pressure, pupillary dilation and corneal thickness. Underlying medical conditions may result in cancellation or postponement of the surgery. Examples include glaucoma and eye infections.
Your doctor will give you a set of instructions on how to prepare for the operation once you have been confirmed as a candidate. Wearers of permeable contact lenses need to stop wearing them three weeks before they are seen by their ophthalmologist. If putting other types of contact lenses, the stoppage should be done three days before. Another important precaution that should be undertaken is the stoppage of blood thinners.
Being a minor operation, Lasik is usually conducted in an outpatient clinic. General and regional anesthesia are not needed except in very rare circumstances which means that you will be awake as the operation goes on. A few drops of local anesthesia are applied directly to the eye to numb it so as to reduce discomfort. The surgeon will instruct you to fix your gaze to a certain object an act that properly positions the cornea.
The laser is directed to the area of interest and directed slowly as it cuts through the upper corneal surface. Very thin corneal flaps are created so as to access the underlying tissue (the stroma). It is this tissue that is targeted for reshaping. A special computer software has been developed to help in calculating the amount of laser to be used in a specific case to avoid unnecessary injuries.
There are several side effects that may arise from this procedure. Discomfort may be experienced on the first and second day and is mainly characterized with itchiness. Other common problems include dryness of eyes, double vision, challenges of night travel and visualization of halos. Artificial tears are usually given to help with the dryness. A procedure known as punctal occlusion may also be done for the same.
After Lasik patients usually reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. A number of them may not even need them afterwards. Generally, improvements are noted within a day or two. There is no need for stitches or bandages as is the case with many other types of operations. The doctor will prescribe some antibiotics to help keep infections at bay as you continue to recover.
Advancing age may erode the benefits attained from Lasik. This usually affects less than 5% of patients and may require a repeat procedure. It is important that patients understand that Lasik may not be effective in some cases of visual abnormalities. The presence of a very thin corneal layer or extreme nearsightedness contraindicates it in affected patients.
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