Important Facts About Lasik Surgery
LASIK is short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It involves the surgical removal of a thin flap on the cornea (the top transparent window covering the iris) using a laser. The laser reshapes the cornea in such a way that light rays focus on the retina instead of the surrounding areas. This provides better focus and a clearer image than can be achieved by wearing glasses. Lasik is usually an outpatient procedure and usually lasts about an hour.
Although this procedure is best for people with astigmatism and nearsightedness, it is also suitable for people who suffer from farsightedness and high hyperopia (myopia) or other visual impairments, and even people with high levels of presbyopia. Some people experience side effects after lasik surgery including dry eyes, halos, glare, and blurred vision. In addition, some people may experience difficulty in adjusting to artificial lenses after the procedure, but this usually improves with time. Other possible complications include infection, dry skin, dry eyes, eyelid swelling and changes in eye color.
Before you get lasik surgery, you will be given a numbing eye drops prior to the procedure, which will help you to relax during the procedure. The numbing eye drops will prevent you from getting too much pain or discomfort. A small instrument called a microkeratome might be used during the procedure. It is a circular piece of equipment with a blade that the doctor will use to make small incisions in your eyes.