Everything You Need To Know About Lasik

Lasik is a procedure that uses a laser to help correct and reshape your cornea. With poor eyesight, your cornea will change shape and become more of a cone shape rather than being flat. You can use eyeglasses or contact lenses, or you can correct your vision and not have to wear any of these vision-correcting lenses by having Lasik eye surgery. Read on for further information about the Lasik procedure.

Finding A Lasik Eye Surgeon

Before getting Lasik, be sure you are using a professional surgeon that specializes in Lasik surgery. If you aren't sure how to find a Lasik eye surgeon, talk to your optometrist and ask for a referral.

Get to know your surgeon beforehand. The surgeon is going to be working on your vision, so if you should feel comfortable with him. Talk to your surgeon about the procedure itself and ask any questions you may have about the procedure, including what all is involved in the procedure and the recovery.

Prepping For Surgery

Before your surgery, don't wear any makeup, perfume or lotions that can cause an infection in your eyes. Your surgeon will tell you the do's and don'ts for your surgery prep. Also make sure to bring sunglasses with you and a helper to give you a drive home. You aren't going to be able to drive home afterwards, so be sure you have someone that can be there to help you.

The Surgical Procedure

You will not be put out for the surgery, but you will be given anesthetic to help numb the eye(s). A mark will be put on the eyes where the corneal flap will be cut that the surgeon will use as a guide. Eye retainers are placed on the eye that help hold your upper and lower eyelids open. A ring is placed on the eye to help hold it in place and still so the surgeon can make the necessary cuts without your eye moving. The laser will then cut a flap into the cornea and the tissue beneath is removed so the cornea can be reshaped. Next the flap is then replaced and the surgery is over. The procedure itself doesn't take long, just a few minutes.

After The Procedure

Once the procedure your vision will be blurry. When leaving after the procedure you'll need to wear sunglasses to help protect your eyes from the bright sunlight and other lights. About 24 to 48 hours after the procedure you'll go in for a checkup with the surgeon. You should have clearer vision about 2 - 3 days after the procedure, and should not need to wear your glasses or contact lenses.

Lasik can help correct your vision so you don't have to wear corrective lenses any longer. This can save you money over time and give you back your vision. Talk to your optometrist today about having Lasik eye surgery.