The LASIK Journey: From Consultation to Recovery
LASIK eye surgery offers a life changing solution for those looking for freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Approaching surgery with confidence brings about clarity for more than just your vision. Breaking down the LASIK journey from consultation to recovery helps to ease our patients’ worries about what to expect. As one of the top refractive surgery practices, Great Plains Eye Specialists provides a straightforward, informative, step-by-step guide to LASIK surgery, one of the most popular options for safe and effective vision correction.
LASIK is a refractive surgery that aims to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. It works by reshaping the cornea, the transparent dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye, to improve how light is focused onto the retina. Before undergoing LASIK, a consultation is scheduled with an ophthalmologist or LASIK surgeon to assess candidacy for the procedure. This evaluation includes a comprehensive eye examination, refractive error testing, measurement of corneal thickness and mapping of the corneal surface. Candidates for LASIK should have stable vision, good overall eye health and realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.
Once deemed a suitable candidate for LASIK, preoperative preparations commence. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions to follow in the days leading up to the procedure. These may include discontinuing the use of contact lenses to allow the corneas to stabilize, as well as avoiding certain medications that could affect the surgery’s outcome.
On the day of the procedure, patients arrive at the surgical center prepared for their vision transformation. LASIK is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day. The process begins with the administration of numbing eye drops to ensure comfort throughout the surgery. Next, is the creation of the flap. The surgeon uses a specialized instrument called a microkeratome or femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea, which is then folded back to expose the underlying tissue. With the corneal flap lifted, a precisely calibrated excimer laser is used to remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissues, reshaping the cornea according to your unique prescription. Once the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is carefully repositioned, where it adheres naturally without the need for sutures.
Nearly immediately following the LASIK procedure, vision is significantly improved, although you may experience some blurriness and discomfort for a few hours post-surgery. Recovery timeline is influenced by a variety of factors; however, most people return to normal activities within a few days. During the first few weeks following LASIK, it is not uncommon to experience mild blurry vision, glare or halos. Following post-operative care instructions including the use of prescription eye drops will help alleviate some of these symptoms. While vision may continue to improve in the days and weeks following LASIK, full visual stabilization may take several weeks to months. During this time, patients may experience minor fluctuations in vision, but these typically resolve as the eyes adjust to their new shape. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure that your eyes are healing as expected. These appointments provide an opportunity to address any concerns or questions you may have during the recovery process.
To begin the LASIK journey from consultation to recovery, it starts with an appointment request by calling 605-718-5123 or visiting WEBSITE. Great Plains Eye Specialists looks forward to supporting you in achieving your best vision possible.