And What To Expect From LASIK Surgery Today

LASIK surgery has been performed nearly 20 million times in the US since its inception. The procedure itself has come a long way in a relatively short period of time.

PAST

The method that inspired LASIK was first used in 1948 to correct a refractive error. This corneal tissue sculpting method was developed by José Barraquer Moner. He froze an anterior corneal tissue disc and then used a lathe to remove corneal tissue.

As years passed, the technique was improved. In 1989, doctors were able to replace the disc without having to use any sutures.

PRESENT

Today the LASIK procedure is completely non-invasive, safe, and more effective, making it one of the most common types of corrective eye surgeries. Taking only 10-15 minutes, it can be customized for your individual needs. As any eye surgeon can attest, it’s a very simple procedure.

What to expect before the procedure:

• Your LASIK surgeon will explain the procedure, and discuss benefits. Although risks are very rare, it is necessary for patients to be informed.
• An eye examination will be performed. Pupil dilation, cornea thickness, cornea curvature, and refractive error are all measured.
• The eye doctor may tell you not to wear contact lenses for a week or two before the procedure and not to wear eye makeup or accessories on surgery day.
• The doctor will provide specific care instructions for pre-op and post-op.

What to expect during the LASIK procedure:

• Eye drops will be given to numb the eye(s)
• A mild sedative will be prescribed for you to take one hour prior to your appointment
• To keep the eye wide open, the team will place an eyelid holder on the eye.
• To flatten the cornea and prevent the eye from moving, a suction ring is used.
• Using either a blade or a femtosecond laser, a thin flap is created in the cornea.
• The flap is then lifted and a second laser called the excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea.
• The flap is put back in place and the edges are smoothed out. No sutures are required.

What to expect after the procedure:

• Afterward, your eye(s) may feel scratchy. You may have burning, discomfort, or itching for a few hours.
• Your doctor may place an eye shield over the affected eye(s) for a day to protect your eye(s) and allow healing...
• After the shield is removed, the doctor examines the eye(s) and tests your vision.
• Prescription eye drops may be given to prevent infection, inflammation, or dry eye.
• Vision could be blurry on the first day. This is common and it will improve as the days progress.
• During the healing process, your doctor will tell you to avoid contact sports, swimming, hot tubs, driving, and other activities until your vision improves.

FUTURE

The future of LASIK is still evolving. Researchers are looking into a microscopy technique that would allow doctors to have the precise degree of corneal refraction. With this advancement, surgeons could provide patients with 20/20 or greater vision. It could also potentially eliminate the need to cut into the cornea to perform LASIK.

Along with this, they are brainstorming ways to use eyedrops to correct refractive errors. While this advancement could be possible, it is still decades away.

Rochester Eye Associates is YOUR LASIK headquarters. Are you a good candidate for LASIK? Now is the time to find out. We are currently offering $400 off LASIK surgery.

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