LASIK Surgery: What to Anticipate Before, During, and After

LASIK Surgery: What to Anticipate Before, During, and After

If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses, LASIK surgery might be an exciting option for you. This quick, outpatient procedure can significantly improve your vision. But what exactly happens before, during, and after LASIK? Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to help you grasp the process.

Before LASIK: Preparing for the Procedure

1. Initial Consultation – Your eye doctor will examine your eyes to determine if you’re a good candidate for LASIK. They will check your cornea thickness, eye health, and prescription stability.
2. Stop Wearing Contacts – If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to switch to glasses for a few weeks before surgery. Contacts can change the shape of your cornea, and your doctor needs the most accurate measurements.
3. Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions – Your doctor may ask you to avoid makeup, lotions, or perfumes on the day of the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
4. Arrange Transportation – Since your vision will be blurry after surgery, you’ll need someone to drive you home.

During LASIK: What Happens in the Operating Room

1. Numbing Drops – Your surgeon will apply numbing eye drops to ensure you don’t feel pain.
2. Creating the Flap – A special laser or blade creates a thin flap in your cornea. This part might feel like slight pressure, but it’s painless.
3. Reshaping the Cornea – A laser then reshapes your cornea to correct vision problems like near-sightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
4. Flap is Repositioned – The surgeon carefully places the flap back in place, where it heals naturally without stitches.
5. Quick Procedure – The whole process usually takes 10-15 minutes per eye!

After LASIK: Recovery and Results

1. Blurry Vision at First – Right after surgery, your vision may be blurry or hazy, but this improves within a few hours.
2. Follow Post-Op Care Instructions – Your doctor will provide eye drops to prevent infection and dryness. Use them as directed.
3. Rest Your Eyes – Avoid screens, bright lights, and rubbing your eyes for the first 24 hours.
4. Follow-Up Appointments – Your doctor will check your healing progress within a day or two after surgery.
5. Vision Improvement – Most people notice clearer vision within 24-48 hours, with full results in a few weeks.
6. Temporary Side Effects – You may experience dryness, glare, or halos around lights, but these usually fade over time.

Final Thoughts

LASIK is a life-changing procedure that offers freedom from glasses and contacts. While the recovery is relatively quick, following your doctor’s advice ensures the best results. If you’re considering LASIK, talk to an Eye Specialist to see if it’s right for you!

Would you consider LASIK? Let us know in the comments below!