Many questions accompany embarking on the journey with LASIK surgery for better eyesight. It becomes imperative to understand some intricacies of the procedure, plus its pros and cons. These common questions range from apprehensions about candidacy to inquiries about the surgery process and recovery. A deeper look at LASIK surgery reveals lots of insights for people undergoing these vision correction surgery procedures. Let’s answer the frequently asked questions about LASIK surgery!
What is LASIK Surgery?
Laser-Assisted Situ Keratomileusis is abbreviated as LASIK, this procedure helps reduce refractive errors that contribute to dependency on eyeglasses and contact lenses. The procedure involves using an accurate laser that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by changing some parts of the contact lens in the cornea.
This refractive surgery is done by forming a very small flap on the cornea and restructuring the tissues beneath for improved vision. This is usually a short surgical process that lasts for one or two minutes for each eye, and most such patients report marked vision improvement immediately afterward.
Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Several pre-operative measurements are conducted in a comprehensive eye exam that will determine a candidate for LASIK. Normally, persons with stable eyesight falling in a particular prescription range do not suffer from certain eye diseases and health problems and are likely to be considered eligible. However, most surgeons thoroughly examine corneal anatomy, refractivity, and overall ocular status before clearing a patient for surgery.
Aspirants should be realistic about what happens during the surgery course, anticipated complications, the healing process after undergoing the treatment options, and the entire enhancement procedure itself.
How Safe is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is considered one of the safest procedures for most patients. Anesthetic drops minimize pain experienced during the surgical procedure. A microcomputer system controls all stages of the process, thus guaranteeing it is precise and consistent. Although all surgical procedures involve some elements of risk, the complication rate in the case of a LASIK surgery makes the entire procedure and process very safe.
The patients experience gentle sensations of pressing lightly on them while undergoing surgery, and most patients notice an improvement in their sight almost immediately afterward. It is also essential for many patients to consult an experienced eye surgeon and discuss the potential risks and proposed treatments in making a decision on LASIK surgery.
What to Expect During LASIK Surgery?
Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are refractive errors corrected through LASIK surgery. The eye surgeon gives the patient some anesthetic drops prior to the procedure for a more comfortable experience.
The patient was awake during the procedure, with some mild sedation provided for relaxation purposes. It takes a few seconds for each eye as the surgeon uses a computer-controlled excimer laser to formulate a corneal flap and change the shape of the cornea. In most cases, they only describe feeling a light pressure sensation or a mildly painful pressure. This entire process takes a maximum of minutes, meaning that after a few hours, people can continue their daily normal activities.
Are There Risks or Side Effects?
Although LASIK is generally a safe operation, as with any surgery, it may have a negative side. Temporary symptoms such as light sensitivity, dryness in their eyes, and blurred vision are normal for some people immediately after they have had LASIK done on them. These normally fade a few days later. Serious complications are very rare.
Individuals interested in LASIK should talk to an experienced ophthalmologist about possible side effects during a free consultation and assess whether they are good candidates for the LASIK procedure.
How Long Does LASIK Surgery Take?
The duration of the actual laser vision correction procedure for the LASIK surgery is generally short, only about a few seconds per eye. However, all these steps, from pre-operative preparation to post-operative instructions, last for about 15 minutes to half an hour for both eyes.
Though short-lived, LASIK is beneficial because it permanently improves eyesight, with most patients’ vision improving immediately after the LASIK procedure.
LASIK Recovery: What’s Involved?
Recovery from LASIK is usually fast. Directly after the LASIK procedure, people often report suffering from minor pains, marked by light sensitivity around the eye region and a gritty eye feeling. The patient is also advised to use prescribed eye drops and artificial tears that aid in quick healing and reduce dryness for more comfort.
Most patients witness improved vision in about one day or two, and the best improvement is noticed within one week. At this point, one will need to consider the surgeon’s post-operative instructions, which may involve avoiding vigorous activity and putting on safety goggles.
Can Both Eyes Be Treated Together?
Yes, treating both eyes with a single LASIK surgery session is normally possible. Often, treating both eyes at once is chosen because it shortens the total recovery and helps people see better with both eyes faster. Nevertheless, the treatment of two eyes at a time depends on the patient’s situation, findings made by the eye doctor during the consultations, and recommendations by an eyelid surgeon.
LASIK Cost and Insurance Coverage?
LASIK surgery price is affected in particular by a number of factors – type of equipment, skill level of the surgeon, economic region, and degree of vision defect elimination. LASIK laser surgery typically averages between $500 and $2,000 per eye. That’s why we should ask about the full price covering pre-operative examinations, surgery, and post-surgery care.
Whether one can get insurance coverage for LASIK or not is determined by the insurer involved and the policy term. In general, many insurance plans deem LASIK as an elective surgery, so they are often not covered by such plans. Some vendors also have vision plans available or discounts on laser eye surgery corrections. Talking to the doctor’s office about how LASIK operations can be paid and any possible finance would help determine the cost.
What Results Can I Expect After LASIK?
Most patients obtain notably better vision after the LASIK operative procedure. This process seeks to rectify refractive error problems like myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism so that people with perfect vision can be free from spectacles and lens dependency.
The eyes heal over a period of time, and vision usually improves in the days and weeks following the surgery. However, some attain 20/20 vision or more depending upon the starting prescription and the eye’s ability to heal. The patient should take follow-up appointments recommended by the surgeon to enhance the results of the LASIK and have constant health monitoring in place.
Get LASIK Eye Surgery At Bagan Strinden
Bagan Strinden is one of the most reliable facilities for top-class eye medical care, particularly laser vision correction procedures. The latest technology and highly skilled laser surgeons working towards precision, safety, and customer satisfaction make Bagan Striden’s procedures unparalleled in this industry. Make sure to check out our procedures!
We approach our LASIK patients thoroughly by conducting pre-surgical evaluations and exact surgeries and closely monitoring post-surgical results, leading to better vision outcomes. One may consider undertaking LASIK in Bagan Strinden if looking for dependable and excellent eyesight correction procedures. Contact us today!
