Lasik is an abbreviation for laser in-situ keratomileusis, a procedure used in correcting various abnormalities of vision. Some of these abnormalities include presbyopia, nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. The objective of this procedure is to alter the shape of the cornea which in turn alters the angles at which light enters and leaves it after refraction. There are some things on Lasik San Antonio residents need to understand.
A preoperative evaluation is required of any person who wishes to have this operation. An eye specialist will take a clinical history and conduct a physical examination with the aim of determining whether one is a possible candidate or not. Issues that the doctor may be interested in include the intraocular pressure, the corneal thickness and the pupillary dilation among others. If underlying abnormalities are identified the operation may be rescheduled or cancelled.
Your doctor will instruct you on how you are to prepare for the surgery. If you wear permeable contact lenses you will be asked to stop wearing them for at least three weeks before undergoing preoperative evaluation. For other types, the period is three days. Other precautions include stopping any blood thinning medication that you may be using as well as abstaining from smoking until healing takes place.
The operation is typically done in an outpatient department since there is hardly any need to use general or regional anesthesia. A few drops of a local anesthetic drug or injections into the eye lids are usually sufficient to provide comfort as one is being operated. The doctor will ask you to fix your gaze on a specific object so that your cornea can be properly positioned.
The laser is directed to the area of interest and directed slowly as it cuts through the upper corneal surface. Very thin corneal flaps are created so as to access the underlying tissue (the stroma). It is this tissue that is targeted for reshaping. A special computer software has been developed to help in calculating the amount of laser to be used in a specific case to avoid unnecessary injuries.
There are a number of side effects that you should anticipate. There is a bit of discomfort in the first two or so days. Other commonly encountered side effects include visualization of halos, double vision, difficulties in driving at night and increased eye dryness. These problems usually resolve gradually over time. In case of persistent eye dryness, artificial tears can be used or a procedure known as punctal occlusion performed.
Most patients notice that their dependence on contact lenses and glasses is significantly reduced after the Lasik operation. A good number of them do not even need them later on. In general, there will be a huge improvement after a day or two and the vision will get better with time. No stitches or dressings are needed here but antibiotics are a strong recommendation.
Advancing age may erode the benefits attained from Lasik. This usually affects less than 5% of patients and may require a repeat procedure. It is important that patients understand that Lasik may not be effective in some cases of visual abnormalities. The presence of a very thin corneal layer or extreme nearsightedness contraindicates it in affected patients.
A preoperative evaluation is required of any person who wishes to have this operation. An eye specialist will take a clinical history and conduct a physical examination with the aim of determining whether one is a possible candidate or not. Issues that the doctor may be interested in include the intraocular pressure, the corneal thickness and the pupillary dilation among others. If underlying abnormalities are identified the operation may be rescheduled or cancelled.
Your doctor will instruct you on how you are to prepare for the surgery. If you wear permeable contact lenses you will be asked to stop wearing them for at least three weeks before undergoing preoperative evaluation. For other types, the period is three days. Other precautions include stopping any blood thinning medication that you may be using as well as abstaining from smoking until healing takes place.
The operation is typically done in an outpatient department since there is hardly any need to use general or regional anesthesia. A few drops of a local anesthetic drug or injections into the eye lids are usually sufficient to provide comfort as one is being operated. The doctor will ask you to fix your gaze on a specific object so that your cornea can be properly positioned.
The laser is directed to the area of interest and directed slowly as it cuts through the upper corneal surface. Very thin corneal flaps are created so as to access the underlying tissue (the stroma). It is this tissue that is targeted for reshaping. A special computer software has been developed to help in calculating the amount of laser to be used in a specific case to avoid unnecessary injuries.
There are a number of side effects that you should anticipate. There is a bit of discomfort in the first two or so days. Other commonly encountered side effects include visualization of halos, double vision, difficulties in driving at night and increased eye dryness. These problems usually resolve gradually over time. In case of persistent eye dryness, artificial tears can be used or a procedure known as punctal occlusion performed.
Most patients notice that their dependence on contact lenses and glasses is significantly reduced after the Lasik operation. A good number of them do not even need them later on. In general, there will be a huge improvement after a day or two and the vision will get better with time. No stitches or dressings are needed here but antibiotics are a strong recommendation.
Advancing age may erode the benefits attained from Lasik. This usually affects less than 5% of patients and may require a repeat procedure. It is important that patients understand that Lasik may not be effective in some cases of visual abnormalities. The presence of a very thin corneal layer or extreme nearsightedness contraindicates it in affected patients.
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