LASIK is an acronym for "Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis." This eye correction surgical procedure is also sometimes referred to as laser surgery or refractive eye surgery. The LASIK surgery is often performed to correct a variety of vision issues including far-sightedness, near-sightedness, and astigmatism. Today, LASIK eye surgery in Boise is easily the most common vision correction procedure performed in the area. Who Qualifies for LASIK Eye Surgery in Boise? Only an ophthalmologist or a LASIK surgeon can determine whether a patient is a good fit for the LASIK procedure, but certain groups of patients are generally considered the best candidates for the procedure. Patients must have healthy eyes to undergo LASIK surgery, and they must also have a condition that is known to benefit from LASIK. While far-sightedness, near-sightedness, and astigmatism are the most common vision problems that LASIK surgery deals with, your ophthalmologist or LASIK surgeon may determine that other vision issues could be helped by LASIK as well. How Does LASIK Eye Surgery Work? The LASIK eye surgery in Boise begins with an anesthetic. This is administered via eye drops and is designed to help you relax your eyes during the procedure. It also helps to prevent any pain that might happen during the surgery. Following anesthesia the surgeon will fashion a protective flap in order to access the corneal tissue. Patients won't be able to see clearly during this, and will usually only see the bright light of the laser. Next, the laser light pulses are sent into the inner corneal layers. A clock like ticking noise can be heard as the laser pulses are sent into the eye. The laser will guide the tissue in the inner layer of your cornea to be shaped in a way that your eye will match your contact or glasses prescription. Once the corneal tissue has been shaped into the ideal form for vision correction, the LASIK surgeon will gently and precisely replace the protective corneal flap. Once the corneal flap is securely placed, it will adhere and will be in the ideal position to begin the natural healing process. Most lasik eye surgery in Boise will take a short rest period following the surgery, or will go home to take a nap. In general, pain is rare, and irritation is uncommon after the first day. How Long is a LASIK Surgery Procedure? The LASIK surgical procedure is generally a very short one. Patients who are having vision correction for both eyes will usually be done with the whole procedure within 15 minutes, and this will be even shorter for those needing correction in only one eye. How Soon Can Results from LASIK Be Seen? While each patient may be different, most LASIK surgical patients will begin to see some improved vision within only 24 hours. It is normal to have some slight irritation and light sensitivity immediately after LASIK surgery, but these fade quickly. Precautions to Take Before LASIK Surgery Your ophthalmologist or LASIK surgeon will advise you about specific precautions that apply to your case, but it is common for patients to be told to refrain from wearing contact lenses for about two weeks prior to surgery. Contact lenses can impact the shape of the cornea and it is important for the cornea to be in its most natural state possible for the ultimate laser correction. Follow-Up After LASIK Surgery In most cases, you will return to your ophthalmologist or LASIK surgeon the day following the surgery for a checkup. This may be followed by another checkup later since your vision prescription will have changed dramatically. Your ophthalmologist or LASIK surgeon can check to make sure if your visual acuity is sufficient to allow you to drive without vision correction, or to go about your daily activities without vision correction. Most patients experience a very dramatic improvement in their vision.
Related Articles -
lasik, eye, surgery,
|