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.
Before the operation, one should see an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). The specialist takes a clinical history of the condition in question and examines the affected eye. Some of the things that the doctor will be seeking to assess at this time include pupillary dilation, intraocular pressure and corneal thickness among others. If underlying medical conditions are identified, the operation will either be postponed or cancelled.
Your doctor will give you a set of instructions on how to prepare for the operation once you have been confirmed as a candidate. Wearers of permeable contact lenses need to stop wearing them three weeks before they are seen by their ophthalmologist. If putting other types of contact lenses, the stoppage should be done three days before. Another important precaution that should be undertaken is the stoppage of blood thinners.
Being a minor operation, Lasik is usually conducted in an outpatient clinic. General and regional anesthesia are not needed except in very rare circumstances which means that you will be awake as the operation goes on. A few drops of local anesthesia are applied directly to the eye to numb it so as to reduce discomfort. The surgeon will instruct you to fix your gaze to a certain object an act that properly positions the cornea.
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 several side effects that may arise from this procedure. Discomfort may be experienced on the first and second day and is mainly characterized with itchiness. Other common problems include dryness of eyes, double vision, challenges of night travel and visualization of halos. Artificial tears are usually given to help with the dryness. A procedure known as punctal occlusion may also be done for the same.
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.
As you age, some visual abnormalities may recur which may necessitate a repeat of Lasik. In about 96% of patients, this is hardly necessary. It is important to bear in mind that not all visual abnormalities will be corrected using the procedure. Patients with severe nearsightedness or extremely thin corneas, for example, do not qualify as candidates.
Before the operation, one should see an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). The specialist takes a clinical history of the condition in question and examines the affected eye. Some of the things that the doctor will be seeking to assess at this time include pupillary dilation, intraocular pressure and corneal thickness among others. If underlying medical conditions are identified, the operation will either be postponed or cancelled.
Your doctor will give you a set of instructions on how to prepare for the operation once you have been confirmed as a candidate. Wearers of permeable contact lenses need to stop wearing them three weeks before they are seen by their ophthalmologist. If putting other types of contact lenses, the stoppage should be done three days before. Another important precaution that should be undertaken is the stoppage of blood thinners.
Being a minor operation, Lasik is usually conducted in an outpatient clinic. General and regional anesthesia are not needed except in very rare circumstances which means that you will be awake as the operation goes on. A few drops of local anesthesia are applied directly to the eye to numb it so as to reduce discomfort. The surgeon will instruct you to fix your gaze to a certain object an act that properly positions the cornea.
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 several side effects that may arise from this procedure. Discomfort may be experienced on the first and second day and is mainly characterized with itchiness. Other common problems include dryness of eyes, double vision, challenges of night travel and visualization of halos. Artificial tears are usually given to help with the dryness. A procedure known as punctal occlusion may also be done for the same.
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.
As you age, some visual abnormalities may recur which may necessitate a repeat of Lasik. In about 96% of patients, this is hardly necessary. It is important to bear in mind that not all visual abnormalities will be corrected using the procedure. Patients with severe nearsightedness or extremely thin corneas, for example, do not qualify as candidates.
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