Since being FDA approved almost 20 years ago, LASIK has quickly become integrated into our daily speech about eyesight. There is a general understanding of the procedure and how it helps our eyes. However, not everyone is as up to date as they could be in order to make informed decisions regarding this procedure.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a term that defines a two-step process aimed at correcting vision through laser surgery. A LASIK surgeon in Orange County describes the process as starting with the surface of the eye and then moving beneath it to make a detailed correction. The surgeon uses a laser in order to create a tiny flap in the cornea, which they can then peel back to reveal the problem area. After this, a computer-operated laser is used to remove the unnecessary tissue. When all of the problem tissue is removed, the surgeon will add the tiny cornea flap back in place so that the eye can heal properly.
Surgeons of LASIK in Orange County cite that LASIK has over 45 FDA approvals and that the U.S. has completed over 19 million LASIK eye surgeries since being FDA approved. LASIK procedures are used to treat a variety of eye conditions, including astigmatism, hyperopia, myopia, and presbyopia.
How do the lasers work?
A LASIK surgeon in Orange County explains that the basic function of all lasers is the same. Lasers are made up of beams of light which are the same in wavelength and differ in speed. The lasers also work by referencing a color of light from the spectrum. Within LASIK operations, lasers can be distinguished by their role in the procedure. Femtosecond lasers are used to make a tiny flap in the cornea while excimer lasers are used to remove the tissue.
Laser technology is very important in LASIK surgery and other types of surgeries because it is so exact. While some people refer to LASIK as a cutting technique, this is not exactly true to the technology. Surgeons of LASIK in Orange County notes that LASIK eye surgeries are confined within the layers of the eye’s cornea. Therefore, the laser technology allows surgeons to avoid affecting any other parts of the eye.
How does LASIK feel?
Before beginning a procedure, LASIK surgeons use medical drops to numb and lubricate the eye. These drops are also applied during the procedure to ensure that patients feel little to no discomfort. A LASIK surgeon in Orange County explains that some patients experience mild effects after the procedure; however, these last no longer than 5 hours.
In order to ensure direct access to the eye, patients are kept awake during the procedure and given mild sedatives to stay relaxed. A LASIK surgeon in Orange County states that patients should not be worried about moving their eyes or body throughout the surgery because the laser tracking technology is advanced enough to follow those movements and will automatically shut off if needed.
How safe is LASIK?
Previous in-depth research finds that LASIK has one of the highest satisfaction rates from patients and a very large success rate. Since these procedures are so widely studied and practiced, they are a proven method of safe and effective vision correction. LASIK practitioners have over 7,000 clinical studies backing their work and to continue to evolve technologies and processes in order to best accommodate patients.
Are there any side effects that patients should prepare for?
After a LASIK procedure, it is normal for patients to experience some temporary side effects. Some common symptoms include dryness, light sensitivity, and eye irritation. Other symptoms that patients tend to experience are slight glares, halos, starbursts, and ghosting at night. A LASIK surgeon in Orange County advises speaking with a doctor about side effects in order to track their persistence. Many symptoms resolve fairly quickly, while others can take a bit longer to fully fade. Doctors can provide additional help in relieving symptoms through medical drops.
Is LASIK eye surgery the right option for me?
If you decide that LASIK could be beneficial to your lifestyle, speak with a LASIK surgeon in Orange County to determine if you are an eligible candidate for the procedure. Outline your vision goals and schedule a consultation to make the leap toward better eyesight.