Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in LASIK on November 15, 2024
Are you considering a vision correction procedure like LASIK to enjoy clearer vision? As the most popular laser eye surgery in the United States, thousands of patients are achieving visual freedom with LASIK every year.
Although it is quick and minimally invasive, it is natural to be nervous before any procedure. Learning how LASIK works can help you prepare and feel more comfortable going into your procedure.
Keep reading to learn more about how LASIK works and find out whether it could be the right vision correction procedure for you.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a procedure that involves changing the shape of your cornea to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These refractive errors are typically caused by a misshapen cornea or an eye that is too short or long.
The procedure itself takes less than 30 minutes and requires minimal recovery time. Many patients notice visual improvements almost immediately after LASIK, while others have more gradual improvements.
After LASIK, you can expect reduced reliance on glasses or contacts and the chance to enjoy clear, high-definition vision.
How Does LASIK Work?
Refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism cause irregularities in how light bounces off the retina and sends images to the brain, leading to blurry vision. LASIK reshapes the cornea to allow light to hit the retina in the best spot for clear vision.
To access the cornea, your LASIK surgeon will make a small flap on its surface with a femtosecond laser. Then, they will carefully lift the flap and use an excimer laser to reshape the corneal tissue underneath.
They will gently put the flap back in its place, where it can act as a natural bandage while your eye heals. Your eyes will heal on their own, meaning you won’t require sutures or stitches.
Are You Awake During LASIK?
You will be awake during LASIK, but you don’t have to worry about feeling any pain or keeping your eyes still. The procedure is so minimally invasive and fast that it does not require general anesthesia.
Instead, your LASIK surgeon will apply numbing drops to your eyes before beginning the procedure and may offer you anxiety medication if you’re feeling nervous. They will also place a small suction ring and an eyelid holder on your eyes to keep them from moving.
Although your LASIK surgeon will ask you to stare at a light while they reshape your cornea, you don’t have to worry about keeping your eyes still. The lasers used during the procedure track the position of your eye a thousand times a second, meaning it will always be centered on your cornea.
What are the Benefits of LASIK?
LASIK offers many benefits to qualified patients, including:
Easy Procedure and Recovery
With the procedure taking less time than an episode of your favorite television show, it’s easy to fit into a busy schedule. The recovery is also very quick and easy, with many patients resuming work, driving, and other activities the day after LASIK.
Reduced Dependence on Visual Aids
Once your refractive errors have been corrected with LASIK, you can reduce and even eliminate your need for visual aids. This not only saves you the hassle of chores like remembering to pick up your contacts or cleaning your glasses, but allows you to enjoy greater freedom as well.
You won’t have to worry about making extra room in your suitcase for visual aids or sacrificing clear vision when you want to do things like swimming.
High-Definition Vision
Crystal-clear vision can enhance every moment after LASIK, whether you’re gazing out at a colorful sunset, admiring the sights on your next vacation, or laughing over a drink with friends. Sharp, clear eyesight can also improve your performance with sports, driving, and hands-on work.
Are you ready to explore the benefits of visual freedom with LASIK? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
