The Basics of LASIK Eye Surgery (continued)

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What to Expect During the Procedure

A number of patients who have undergone LASIK eye surgery are surprised to find out how little time the actual procedure takes and how little the discomfort is experienced. Well, we cannot say that this is often the case as the result varies from person to person. This result is even affected by the technology used, as well as the technique of the performing surgeon or doctor. However, many patients are still astonished as to how little time it takes to make such a big difference. Many have even claimed that with the LASIK surgery, there is little or no pain. And, since it is given that LASIK is an outpatient vision correction procedure, you then have the chance to go home directly afterward.

Now, here is what to expect while undergoing the procedure:

• You will be awake and aware throughout the entire procedure.
• You will be asked to lie upon a treatment table and a pillow will be placed under your knees.
• In order to make you comfortable and the procedure pain-free, numbing drops will be placed in the eye intended for treatment.
• You will feel the plastic drape in you eye lids as it is placed there to keep the eye lashes away from the treatment area.
• You will feel some discomfort when the speculum is gently placed on your eye to ensure that your eye stays open while the doctor does his job. Well, this is just natural since only the eye itself has been frozen and not the eyelids, right?
• You will feel some pressure and your vision will go dark when a suction plate is applied to your eye. After the vision goes dark, you will feel a vibration as the LASIK flap is created.
• You will be asked to look at the colored light in order to center the laser treatment on the pupil.
• You will hear a clicking or snapping noise during the procedure. This is actually the noise of the laser in action.
• You can smell somewhat like that o burning hair during the treatment. This is for the fact that the laser is actually vaporizing tissue.
• You will be taken to a recovery room to rest your eyes for a few minutes after the procedure. And, as the anesthetic wears off the, you will notice a burning sensation in your eyes. According to experts, this is just normal and will usually last for five to six hours as the surface epithelium heals.
• Expect your vision to be blurry right after the procedure. Although if you have a small to medium correction, you can typically read the clock across the room.
• Before you leave the clinic, a slit lamp microscope will be used to check and ensure that the flap has not moved and is on its original position.

That’s simply it! You will then be ready to go home and start with your postoperative care of your treated eye.

Postoperative Directions and Tips

Many surgeons and LASIK patients have noted that as soon as the anesthetic wears off, you eyes will be watery, light sensitive and sore. According to them, this phase of the healing usually lasts for about 6 to 8 hours until the surface layer of your eye, particular the layer at the edge of the flap, heals. So, during this period, it is highly suggested that you take your eye drops if you have one, and if possible, try to sleep wearing your shields.

The following day, your eyes will still be light sensitive and blurry. Well, during this period, it is typical to be able to go back to most of your normal routine from 3 to 7 days.

Also worthy to note is that after the LASIK eye surgery, you may experience a sort of fluctuation in your vision from morning to evening. Also, you can expect to see halos around lights at night. According to some experts, this is normally caused by a normal postoperative swelling, commonly known as edema. So, don’t just worry as this is just a normal part of the healing process. You may wait for several for this fluctuation to resolve.

Many of the patients who have experienced LASIK treatment further note that even though they see 20/20, the vision may not be as sharp, clear or well defined as before. The primary cause of this is actually a small loss of contrast. This is often considered as a minor tradeoff for acceptable vision without glasses.

Things to Do After the LASIK Eye Surgery

• As mentioned earlier, you should wear the eye shields after the operation. Wear this at night for about 4 nights to prevent you from rubbing your eyes while you sleep.
• You should relax and rest for 24 to 48 hours immediately after the procedure.
• You can place gently place a cold cloth across your eyelids for the first 24 to 48 hours as this will help greatly with comfort.
• If you are working, prepare to take 3 to 7 days off from your work.
• You can use Tylenol and Aspirin for discomfort.
• You can apply eye drops and antibiotic drops onto your eyes as prescribed by your surgeon.

Things to Avoid After the LASIK Eye Surgery

• Always remember NOT to rub your eyes.
• Avoid getting soap or shampoo near your eyes.
• Avoid dusty and smoky environments for about one week.
• Avoid hot tubs, pools, saunas, and water sport activities also for one week.
• If you engaged in some activities that could result in a direct blow to your eye, refrain from doing them for several months.
• Also refrain from driving for the first 3 to 7 days until you have gained 20/40* vision correction.
• Do not wear make-up for one week postoperatively.
• Since reading, watching TV and computer use usually strain your eyes, do them in moderation for the first few days following the LASIK vision correction.

Postoperative Medication

Typically after the LASIK surgery, you will be required by your surgeon to apply eye drops. Well, I have here below a sample of the medication schedule that you may be asked to follow.

Tobradex (Antibiotic/steroid)

• One drop four times a day for two days.
• One drop three times a day for two days.
• One drop two times a day for two days.
• One drop one time a day for two days.

Artificial Tears

• You can apply one drop while awake for every 30 to 60 minutes for 2 to 3 days.
• Apply one drop every 4 hours for 3 to 4 days thereafter.

Postoperative Appointments

Usually after the LASIK eye treatment, you will be required to go back to the clinic 24 hours after the procedure. This is highly required for an examination.

Also, it is important to note that you will be required to hear postoperative appointments which are typically one week, one month, and three months from your surgery date. If in case you experience further problems after your surgery, additional number of visit may be necessary.

Note that every postoperative appointment is as necessary as the LASIK surgery itself. Thus, they should not be missed or skipped. Also, every appointment will help you to evaluate your healing process. And, if certain new dilemmas occur between your follow up visits, never wait for your regular appointment. Contact your clinic immediately in order for you to determine if an earlier appointment is recommended. Just take some extra care.

Okay, that’s all! Just note however that LASIK eye procedure is a serious treatment that requires enough time for you to decide. Thus, consider it seriously. You should not only base your choice for a LASIK on the cost of the surgery. Always remember that you also have to think about quality and service. After all, LASIK is a procedure you will likely have only once in your lifetime and your vision is one of the most significant assets of yours.

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