LASIK is a procedure that gives you clear vision without needing glasses or contacts. The surgery only takes about 30 minutes to perform.
Most patients start noticing results almost immediately! But, achieving the full potential of your vision may take up to a few days.
You may experience some blurriness as your eyes begin to heal and adjust. Keep reading to find out more about LASIK and how it works!
How LASIK Works
LASIK works by changing the shape of your cornea. The cornea allows light through.
It focuses a large part of the light through the pupil and lens onto the retina. When the cornea is too flat, too round, or misshapen, the result is a refractive error. Refractive errors include farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism.
LASIK does not reshape the surface of the cornea directly. This is because the cornea is incredibly thin, and the thickest part of it is the middle layer.
To reshape the middle layer of the cornea, the surgeon has to open the top layer of the cornea. They do this by creating a flap with a laser, leaving a small amount of tissue attached.
You won’t feel any pain since your eyes are numb during the entire procedure. At most you may feel a slight pulling sensation or some light pressure. This may be slightly uncomfortable but it should not cause you any pain.
After opening the flap, a second laser removes tissue from the middle layer. How much and where to remove tissue is predetermined using 3D scanning and mapping software.
After reshaping the cornea, the flap is then closed. The tissue will reconnect so quickly that you will not need stitches or glue to keep it shut.
Recovering from LASIK
You should expect to go through a relatively lengthy recovery period after receiving LASIK. Although it’s not as demanding as other surgeries, you will still need to be vigilant while you heal.
Most problems from LASIK occur from complications after the surgery is over. You will be more limited in your activities at the beginning of your recovery.
As a general rule, you should avoid anything that will put your eyes at risk. This includes exercise, swimming, heavy lifting, and even sleeping without your eye shields.
Although it’s surprising, water can be extremely dangerous to your eyes during recovery. Do your best to avoid getting any water in your eyes during the first month after LASIK.
This means no swimming in the ocean, any lakes, rivers, or even hot tubs and pools! Water can carry bacteria which can cause infection to your more vulnerable eyes. As your eyes heal more and more, you will be able to incorporate more of your daily life back into your routine.
Before LASIK, You Need A Consultation
You can get a full timeline of what a normal LASIK recovery looks like during a LASIK consultation. A LASIK consultation is the only way to find out if you qualify for the procedure.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the procedure. It’s important to feel comfortable before you move forward with any procedure, LASIK included.
Think LASIK could be right for you? Schedule your LASIK consultation at Westlake Eye Specialists in Austin, TX now!
What do you have to lose if you’re tired of depending on glasses and contacts to see?
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