The LASIK surgery procedure can help correct certain problems in the eyes and improve vision. During this procedure, a surgeon will use an Excimer laser to make permanent changes to the shape of the cornea. The cornea is the clear lens that covers the front part of the eye.
Risks
Like any surgery, there are some risks associated with LASIK surgery. Vision loss is a possibility. The degree of vision loss can vary and is sometimes irreversible. Some patients may start seeing halos or a glare. This is usually more noticeable at night. Double vision is another risk.
Even patients who have improved overall vision after the procedure can develop new problems with their sight. They may begin to have trouble seeing images at night or in fog. Sometimes a patient’s eye problems are either over corrected or under corrected.
LASIK surgery can cause some patients to develop dry eye syndrome. This happens when the eyes can’t make enough tears to keep the eyes comfortable and moist. This condition can hinder vision and is sometimes permanent. Patients with this condition may have to use drops to ease the symptoms.
It’s important to have realistic goals before the procedure. Not every patient will have perfect vision after having LASIK surgery. Some patients will still need glasses or contacts even if their prescriptions weren’t very strong.
Preparing for Surgery
Patients will have to undergo an initial consultation before the procedure to see if they are a good candidate for the surgery. Avoid wearing contacts a few weeks before your evaluation and wear glasses instead. Contacts can change the shape of the cornea. These changes can last for several weeks. A misshapen cornea can have a negative effect on the results of your surgery. This can compromise your vision.
The Procedure
The LASIK surgery procedure will take about a half hour. The physician will put a numbing drop in the patient’s eye. The doctor will then use a lid speculum to keep the eyelids open. A mechanical device containing a blade is used to cut the cornea’s flap.
The doctor will then use a laser to direct energy into the tissue of the cornea. This will cause the formation of several thousand tiny bubbles of water and gas. They will then widen attach themselves to separate tissue below the cornea to form a flap. The doctor will then put the flap back in place. The patient will wear a shield after the procedure to keep the flap in place. It’s important to wear the shield until the eye is completely healed.
