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.
There are a number of other things that have to be done as part of preparation depending on your medical history. If one wears permeable contact lenses for instance, they will be required to stop wearing them three weeks before they are examined by the ophthalmologist. Other types of lenses are usually stopped three days prior to the examination. You should not be on blood thinners or any other drugs likely to increase the risk of bleeding.
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 beam is directed to the cornea and used to cut out two flaps from the top most layer. This exposes the underlying layer of tissue also known as the stroma. The shaping process targets this layer. After the reshaping, the flaps are closed. The strength of laser is controlled by a computer software so as to avoid injuring the entire length of the cornea.
A number of side effects are associated with this procedure. Almost every patient experiences some degree of discomfort in the first 48 hours. Other likely problems include double vision, dryness of the eyes, halos around objects and difficulties while driving in the dark. These problems usually resolve with time even without intervention. Dryness may be managed with artificial tears if it persists.
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.
With advancing age, the initial benefits of Lasik may be lost gradually and the problems may recur. Fortunately, this affects a very small number of persons undergoing this surgery. It is worth noting that the procedure is not effective for all the cases of visual abnormalities and some cases may have to make do with other intervention such as glasses and contact lenses.
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.
There are a number of other things that have to be done as part of preparation depending on your medical history. If one wears permeable contact lenses for instance, they will be required to stop wearing them three weeks before they are examined by the ophthalmologist. Other types of lenses are usually stopped three days prior to the examination. You should not be on blood thinners or any other drugs likely to increase the risk of bleeding.
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 beam is directed to the cornea and used to cut out two flaps from the top most layer. This exposes the underlying layer of tissue also known as the stroma. The shaping process targets this layer. After the reshaping, the flaps are closed. The strength of laser is controlled by a computer software so as to avoid injuring the entire length of the cornea.
A number of side effects are associated with this procedure. Almost every patient experiences some degree of discomfort in the first 48 hours. Other likely problems include double vision, dryness of the eyes, halos around objects and difficulties while driving in the dark. These problems usually resolve with time even without intervention. Dryness may be managed with artificial tears if it persists.
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.
With advancing age, the initial benefits of Lasik may be lost gradually and the problems may recur. Fortunately, this affects a very small number of persons undergoing this surgery. It is worth noting that the procedure is not effective for all the cases of visual abnormalities and some cases may have to make do with other intervention such as glasses and contact lenses.
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