Recently, LASIK eye surgery has exploded in popularity, thanks to its many benefits. It’s one of the most advanced eye correction procedures and is suitable for patients with short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. LASIK can help you get rid of glasses and contact lenses, particularly if you seek help from a qualified ophthalmologist. However, undergoing LASIK surgery is an important decision, and understanding the facts eases the associated fear and tension.

LASIK eye surgery- How does it work?

 LASIK stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis and is a famous eye correction surgery for fixing vision defects. The main goal of the surgery is to reshape the cornea, and it’s safe and very effective. But, its outcome is dependent on the patient’s health.

Here’s what you should know about LASIK eye surgery

1. Not everyone qualifies for LASIK surgery

In our Los Angeles office, to be an eligible candidate for lasik surgery  you need to have sufficient thickness in the cornea. If it’s too thin, you may benefit from other procedures like PRK. Another aspect is the age limit, and you must be over the age of 18. However, there’s no upper age limit, and the elderly can still benefit from this surgery.

Your health and eyes should be in excellent condition. If you have other eye conditions or are not responding to treatment, you should resolve the issue before undergoing LASIK surgery. What’s more, you should be in excellent health and suffer from uncontrolled immune conditions like HIV/AIDS, diabetes or arthritis.

2. There are different types of LASIK

 There are different kinds of LASIK surgery, and you’ll learn about them during the initial lasik consultation. All involve slicing and reshaping your cornea to alter its shape using a laser. This way, the light entering the eye will be more focused on the retina hence more precise vision.

The common forms of LASIK surgery are intra LASIK and wavefront LASIK. Intra LASIK uses a laser to slice the cornea instead of a blade. Wavefront LASIK is more advanced and highly accurate, with a 20/20 chance of vision improvement.

3. LASIK uses local anesthesia

During surgery, the surgeon will numb your eye using anesthesia. The process takes about 20 minutes, and the doctor will also offer oral agents to improve relaxation. This will ease discomfort when creating the flap or peeling it back.

4. LASIK is effective, safe & fast

 LASIK is an outpatient eye procedure, and you don’t have to spend a night in the hospital bed. It’s safe and very effective in correcting refractive errors. Lasik surgery recovery is fast, and you’ll notice a significant change in your vision almost immediately. However, the outcome depends on the type of refractive error, eye health and many other factors.

5. You may require an enhancement after the surgery

 You may need an enhancement to ensure better vision. This involves tweaking, lifting or touching up the flap, and the need is diagnosable within the first six months after the surgery. Also, a healthy diet is vital, and you should consume foods rich in vitamins.

In summary, LASIK benefits many patients with refractive eye disorders and is highly effective. However, it’s advisable to seek treatment from a reputed ophthalmologist to ensure excellent results. If you’re considering LASIK surgery, get examined by a doctor to determine your eligibility before the procedure.