Thinking about ditching your glasses? You're not alone. LASIK has become one of the most popular vision correction options available today.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of laser vision correction that reshapes your cornea to improve your vision. The procedure aims to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
During the lasik procedure, an ophthalmologist creates a thin flap in your cornea using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. They then fold back this flap to access the underlying corneal tissue. Using an excimer laser, the surgeon precisely removes microscopic amounts of tissue to reshape the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. Once complete, the flap is repositioned and heals naturally without stitches.
"LASIK has revolutionized vision correction by offering a quick procedure with minimal discomfort and rapid recovery for most patients," notes Dr. Sarah Johnson of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Before Your LASIK Surgery
Before undergoing vision surgery, you'll need a comprehensive eye examination. Your doctor will:
- Measure corneal thickness
- Map your cornea
- Evaluate your pupil size
- Check for dry eye
- Determine your prescription stability
You'll need to stop wearing contact lenses several weeks before your evaluation and surgery (soft contacts for 2 weeks, hard contacts for 4+ weeks). This allows your cornea to return to its natural shape.
The night before surgery, you should thoroughly clean your eyelashes to reduce infection risk. Don't apply makeup, lotions, or perfumes on the day of surgery.
The Day of Your LASIK Procedure
On surgery day, the entire laser eye surgery process typically takes less than 30 minutes, though the laser is only used for about a minute per eye. Here's what happens:
- Your eyes are numbed with drops
- An eyelid holder keeps you from blinking
- The surgeon creates and lifts the corneal flap
- The excimer laser reshapes your cornea
- The flap is repositioned
Many patients report feeling pressure but minimal pain. You might experience blurry vision immediately after, which is normal. You'll need someone to drive you home afterward.
What Can I Expect During LASIK Recovery?
The lasik recovery timeline varies by individual, but here's a general guide:
First 24 Hours
Your eyes may burn, itch, or feel gritty. You'll likely experience blurry vision and sensitivity to light. Most surgeons recommend sleeping or resting with your eyes closed.
"I couldn't believe how quickly I started seeing clearly," says Michael, a LASIK patient from Portland. "By the next morning, I could read the clock across the room without glasses for the first time in 20 years."
First Week
Vision typically stabilizes, though fluctuations are common. You'll have a follow-up appointment 24-48 hours after surgery. Avoid rubbing your eyes and use prescribed eye drops religiously to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
First Month
Most patients return to normal activities, though you should avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and contact sports. Some experience dry eyes and halos around lights, especially at night.
Three to Six Months
For most patients, vision fully stabilizes, and side effects like dry eyes diminish significantly.
Common Questions About LASIK Results
How soon will I see clearly?
Many patients notice improved vision immediately, with significant clarity by the next day. However, your vision may fluctuate for several weeks as your eyes heal.
When can I drive?
Most patients can drive within 24-48 hours, but wait for your doctor's approval.
When can I return to work?
Many people return to work within 1-3 days, though this depends on your job requirements and individual healing.
Understanding LASIK Risks
While laser eye surgery has a high success rate, it's important to understand potential risks:
- Dry eyes (usually temporary)
- Glare, halos, or double vision
- Under or overcorrection
- Infection (rare)
- Vision loss (extremely rare)
The FDA reports that over 95% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better, with many reaching 20/20.
Is LASIK Right for You?
Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK surgery. You may not qualify if you:
- Have certain autoimmune disorders
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have unstable vision
- Have severe dry eye
- Have thin corneas
A thorough consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist is essential to determine if LASIK is appropriate for your specific situation.
Remember that while LASIK can reduce or eliminate dependency on glasses or contacts, some patients may still need reading glasses as they age due to presbyopia, a natural aging process of the eye.
For more information about laser vision correction options, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
