Patients who are frustrated with wearing contact lenses or glasses may be a candidate for Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). At Metro Eye Care, we use the iFS Intralase Advanced Femtosecond Laser and the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q Laser, the most advanced lasers available for performing LASIK.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses. It is an elective procedure that produces permanent results. Traditional LASIK involved the use of blades. At Metro Eye Care, however, we perform only bladeless LASIK with the iFS Intralase Advanced Femtosecond Laser. Bladeless LASIK is more precise and results in less potential complications.
When a patient undergoes LASIK, the cornea is changed permanently. The femtosecond laser creates a small flap. The flap is then lifted and the excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Who Is A Good Candidate For LASIK?
Although LASIK is a very safe procedure, it is still surgery. This means that not everyone is a good candidate. The only way to know is to come in for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. Patients will be asked to discontinue the use of contact lenses three days prior to your consultation.
What To Expect During LASIK
On the day of the procedure, patients are asked to wear comfortable clothes and avoid the use of makeup. Transportation must be arranged, as patients can not drive following the procedure.
The procedure only takes approximately fifteen minutes, but patients will be at the LASIK center for about an hour. Vision might seem smoky or foggy at first, but that is only temporary. Each patient is different, so visual recovery may take a few days to clear up.
We recommend that patients lie down with their eyes closed for several hours after the procedure. The numbing drops will start to wear off after a few hours, at which point eyes might feel uncomfortable or scratchy, but they should not hurt. Using the eye drops that are prescribed will reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. Artificial tears should also be used to prevent dryness for several weeks or months after the procedure.
Recovering From LASIK
Having LASIK is amazing, but there is still a recovery period. The day after LASIK, patients may rely heavily on the eye drops and artificial tears. This provides comfort and prevents eye rubbing which can lead to complications. Patients will need to avoid makeup and getting water into their eyes for the first two weeks. There will be several follow-up appointments (usually the day after the procedure, one week after, and one month after) to ensure proper healing. The recovery process can take about three months, although the precise time period varies from patient to patient.
If you are interested in LASIK, schedule your consultation at Metro Eye Care today.
