LASIK

What is LASIK?

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK, is a popular laser surgery procedure that corrects refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Refractive problems result from your cornea having an uneven shape, so it refracts — or bends — light improperly, resulting in a blurry image reaching your retina. LASIK works by reshaping the corneas, so they refract light properly and produce sharper vision.

Many people wear glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive problems. After LASIK, most people can see clearly enough to stop wearing glasses or contacts.

Are the effects of LASIK permanent?

LASIK is designed to cause a permanent improvement in vision. Rarely, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can return in the years following the surgery, but to much less of a degree than before surgery. Occasionally, some people can notice some blurry vision after the procedure.

If your original LASIK procedure wasn’t completely successful, you may elect to undergo a LASIK enhancement, effectively a touch-up. This follow-up procedure should clear up any issues.

Studies have shown that LASIK is safe and has no long-term complications, including in cases where people experienced refractive problems after the procedure.

What should I expect from LASIK surgery?

First, your expert ophthalmologist will determine if you’re a good candidate. LASIK is an effective, low-risk procedure for people with refractive issues whose general health and eye health are good. LASIK may not be appropriate if you have diabetes, an autoimmune illness, or if you have certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts.

Your doctor applies numbing eye drops to your eyes and offers a mild sedative pill, so you can relax and experience minimal discomfort. Most patients report no pain and only a small feeling of pressure from the laser.

It will take about five minutes per eye as your doctor reshapes your corneas with the laser. You may be concerned about blinking during the procedure, but your doctor will use a device to gently keep your eyes open.

What will I experience after surgery?

Your eyes should heal within 24 hours. Your doctor will need to test your vision before clearing you to drive, which will happen at a follow-up appointment a day or two after your procedure. You may feel tired from the mild sedative, so you’ll need to arrange for a ride home.

In the hours following the surgery, you may experience some itching and burning sensations as well as blurry vision. You should be able to see clearly and have no eye discomfort by the following morning. You can return to work the following day, but you are advised to rest a few days.

To see if LASIK is right for you, book an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Wayne H. Martin, MD today.