If you’re considering LASIK surgery, you have a lot to think about. Are you a candidate for the surgery? What should you expect during the procedure? And most importantly, what will life be like after LASIK? While we can’t tell you with 100% certainty what your life will be life after LASIK (everyone is different, you know), we can let you know what you should expect!
What to Expect During Surgery
On the day of your surgery, you should come to our office wearing no makeup or lotions on your face. Also, make sure to arrange a ride home. You will not be able to drive after the surgery. You will take a mild oral sedative about 30 minutes before the procedure, if you choose. Your doctor will brief you again on what will happen during surgery, and what to do after. Then, your surgery will start!
To begin, your doctor will use numbing eye drops to make sure you don’t feel anything during surgery. Then, they will gently prop the eyelids open using a lid speculum. This will ensure you do not blink during the surgery.
Next, your doctor will use a femtosecond laser to create a thin, hinged flap on the surface of the eye. This flap will be carefully pulled back to expose the inner layers of the cornea for treatment.
Your doctor will then use an excimer laser to reshape the surface of the eye. This is what makes your vision clear! Once properly reshaped, the flap will be smoothed back into place. No stitches are necessary after LASIK surgery.
The Recovery
LASIK recovery is known for being quick and relatively simple. And while we agree, we still encourage our patients to take recovery from LASIK seriously. LASIK is regarded as extremely safe, but complications are possible, especially if proper after-care is not followed.
The day after your surgery, you will come back into the office for a follow-up appointment. During your recovery, you will feel some discomfort in the form of dryness, irritation, and tearing. For most people, these side effects go away after a few days or weeks. Your eyes should not feel very painful, and if they do, let your doctor know as soon as possible.
You will use lubricating eye drops as needed to keep your eyes feeling comfortable. You will also be prescribed medicated eye drops to help promote healing, avoid infection, and reduce inflammation. Be sure to use these drops as recommended by your doctor!
The Results
Many people notice an improvement in their vision immediately after their procedure. For others, it may take a few days to notice an improvement. You may notice some fluctuations in your vision as your eye heals, and this is completely normal. After the healing period is over, you should experience clear, crisp vision. Most people achieve 20/20 vision or better!
Here are some of the things that get easier after LASIK surgery:
- You can wake up in the morning without having to fumble for your glasses to see.
- You can go swimming without worrying about losing glasses or contact lenses.
- You don’t need to spend a bunch of money on glasses replacements, contact lenses, contact lens accessories, etc.
- You can take in all of the scenery on your morning run without foggy glasses or drying contact lenses.
- No more squinting to see your television or street signs when driving.
- You get the idea!
Clear vision is life-changing for countless reasons. If you are interested in finding out what your post-LASIK life will be like, contact Loden Vision Center in Nashville for a LASIK consultation.
