Glasses and contacts can be a burden in everyday life. Lasik surgery is a way to reduce dependency on glasses or contacts. It stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It permanently changes the curve of the cornea.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. This is potentially not for all people. Most medical insurance doesn’t cover the procedure, so cost can be a limiting factor. Prices have been coming down, but it is still not cheap.
It is important that there has not been any change in the contact or eyeglass prescription in the last year. This indicates that the eye is still changing shape and the effects of surgery will not last.
Before deciding on the procedure there are many things you need to think about. It is important to compare. The procedure will differ between doctor to doctor as well as device to device and procedure to procedure. Experience of the surgeon will also play a large part in the procedure.
Don’t make this decision solely based on price. Over the long run differences in cost will probably not make a big difference. Keep in mind that this is a procedure that lasts for a lifetime. Don’t settle for the first eye center or doctor you investigate.
Make sure to play your part and educate yourself. Read all the information your doctor gives you, and ask questions. You are paying for a service, so be sure you are getting what you are paying for. Any doctor you choose should be willing to talk about everything, including past successes and complications.
Before and after the procedure there are things that you are responsible for. Getting a baseline eye exam is the first step. This exam is essential for measuring the baseline curve of the eye and determining if you are a suitable candidate for surgery.
Contact lenses must be removed before the initial exam. Since contacts change the curvature of the eye, the baseline measurement won’t be accurate until the eye settles back to its normal curvature. The whole idea of the surgery is to reshape the eye. If the baseline measurement isn’t correct, the surgery won’t be correct.
Hard contacts need to be removed 4 weeks before baseline measurement. Rigid gas permeable lenses need to be taken out 3 weeks before and soft contacts have to come out 2 weeks before measurement. Depending on the timing, more than one baseline measurement may be made.
Any product used around the eye should be stopped the day before surgery. Lotions, makeup, creams, and perfumes can harbor germs and increase the likelihood of complications from infection. Debris along eyelashes can also cause problems and will be washed away before the procedure.
The day of the surgery you may have to take medication to relax you, so have transportation to and from the procedure. The process itself only takes about 30 minutes while you are conscious. The eye is numbed with drops and held open. You will stare at a light to hold the eye in place and the laser will cut. After the procedure a shield is placed over the eye for protection.
After surgery there should be regular visits with your doctor within the first 6 months. It may take up to six months for vision to stabilize after the surgery. Contact sports and strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 weeks after surgery. Hot tubs and swimming should be avoided for 8 weeks after the procedure.
Most people who have the procedure are satisfied with it, 92-98% of patients. Occasionally glasses or retreatment are needed later in life, but people are still happy. Lasik is not for all, but those who are good candidates are usually happy.
Ideally you will have figured out enough to help you to make your decision about LASIK. Look here for Corona California lasik. Check out this link for facts and information about LASIK in Beaumont.
Tags: eye care, glasses, laser eye surgery, LASIK, vision