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 undergoing the surgery, you need to see an eye specialist (also referred to as an ophthalmologist). The specialist will examine you to determine your suitability as a candidate. Some of the important aspects that have to be evaluated include the intraocular pressure, pupillary dilation and corneal thickness. Underlying medical conditions may result in cancellation or postponement of the surgery. Examples include glaucoma and eye infections.
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.
The operation is typically done in an outpatient department since there is hardly any need to use general or regional anesthesia. A few drops of a local anesthetic drug or injections into the eye lids are usually sufficient to provide comfort as one is being operated. The doctor will ask you to fix your gaze on a specific object so that your cornea can be properly positioned.
The laser is focused on the area of interest and used to fashion two thin flaps from the corneal. The underlying tissue (the stroma) is shaped through a process known as ablation before the flaps are closed. The amount of laser that is needed for this action is generated by a special computer software. This helps prevent unwanted injuries on other parts of the cornea.
A number of side effects are associated with this procedure. Almost every patient experiences some degree of discomfort in the first 48 hours. Other likely problems include double vision, dryness of the eyes, halos around objects and difficulties while driving in the dark. These problems usually resolve with time even without intervention. Dryness may be managed with artificial tears if it persists.
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.
With advancing age, the initial benefits of Lasik may be lost gradually and the problems may recur. Fortunately, this affects a very small number of persons undergoing this surgery. It is worth noting that the procedure is not effective for all the cases of visual abnormalities and some cases may have to make do with other intervention such as glasses and contact lenses.
Before undergoing the surgery, you need to see an eye specialist (also referred to as an ophthalmologist). The specialist will examine you to determine your suitability as a candidate. Some of the important aspects that have to be evaluated include the intraocular pressure, pupillary dilation and corneal thickness. Underlying medical conditions may result in cancellation or postponement of the surgery. Examples include glaucoma and eye infections.
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.
The operation is typically done in an outpatient department since there is hardly any need to use general or regional anesthesia. A few drops of a local anesthetic drug or injections into the eye lids are usually sufficient to provide comfort as one is being operated. The doctor will ask you to fix your gaze on a specific object so that your cornea can be properly positioned.
The laser is focused on the area of interest and used to fashion two thin flaps from the corneal. The underlying tissue (the stroma) is shaped through a process known as ablation before the flaps are closed. The amount of laser that is needed for this action is generated by a special computer software. This helps prevent unwanted injuries on other parts of the cornea.
A number of side effects are associated with this procedure. Almost every patient experiences some degree of discomfort in the first 48 hours. Other likely problems include double vision, dryness of the eyes, halos around objects and difficulties while driving in the dark. These problems usually resolve with time even without intervention. Dryness may be managed with artificial tears if it persists.
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.
With advancing age, the initial benefits of Lasik may be lost gradually and the problems may recur. Fortunately, this affects a very small number of persons undergoing this surgery. It is worth noting that the procedure is not effective for all the cases of visual abnormalities and some cases may have to make do with other intervention such as glasses and contact lenses.
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