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.
A preoperative evaluation is required of any person who wishes to have this operation. An eye specialist will take a clinical history and conduct a physical examination with the aim of determining whether one is a possible candidate or not. Issues that the doctor may be interested in include the intraocular pressure, the corneal thickness and the pupillary dilation among others. If underlying abnormalities are identified the operation may be rescheduled or cancelled.
There are a number of other things that have to be done as part of preparation depending on your medical history. If one wears permeable contact lenses for instance, they will be required to stop wearing them three weeks before they are examined by the ophthalmologist. Other types of lenses are usually stopped three days prior to the examination. You should not be on blood thinners or any other drugs likely to increase the risk of bleeding.
Being a minor operation, Lasik is usually conducted in an outpatient clinic. General and regional anesthesia are not needed except in very rare circumstances which means that you will be awake as the operation goes on. A few drops of local anesthesia are applied directly to the eye to numb it so as to reduce discomfort. The surgeon will instruct you to fix your gaze to a certain object an act that properly positions the cornea.
The laser is directed to the area of interest and directed slowly as it cuts through the upper corneal surface. Very thin corneal flaps are created so as to access the underlying tissue (the stroma). It is this tissue that is targeted for reshaping. A special computer software has been developed to help in calculating the amount of laser to be used in a specific case to avoid unnecessary injuries.
There are several side effects that may arise from this procedure. Discomfort may be experienced on the first and second day and is mainly characterized with itchiness. Other common problems include dryness of eyes, double vision, challenges of night travel and visualization of halos. Artificial tears are usually given to help with the dryness. A procedure known as punctal occlusion may also be done for the same.
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.
Advancing age may erode the benefits attained from Lasik. This usually affects less than 5% of patients and may require a repeat procedure. It is important that patients understand that Lasik may not be effective in some cases of visual abnormalities. The presence of a very thin corneal layer or extreme nearsightedness contraindicates it in affected patients.
A preoperative evaluation is required of any person who wishes to have this operation. An eye specialist will take a clinical history and conduct a physical examination with the aim of determining whether one is a possible candidate or not. Issues that the doctor may be interested in include the intraocular pressure, the corneal thickness and the pupillary dilation among others. If underlying abnormalities are identified the operation may be rescheduled or cancelled.
There are a number of other things that have to be done as part of preparation depending on your medical history. If one wears permeable contact lenses for instance, they will be required to stop wearing them three weeks before they are examined by the ophthalmologist. Other types of lenses are usually stopped three days prior to the examination. You should not be on blood thinners or any other drugs likely to increase the risk of bleeding.
Being a minor operation, Lasik is usually conducted in an outpatient clinic. General and regional anesthesia are not needed except in very rare circumstances which means that you will be awake as the operation goes on. A few drops of local anesthesia are applied directly to the eye to numb it so as to reduce discomfort. The surgeon will instruct you to fix your gaze to a certain object an act that properly positions the cornea.
The laser is directed to the area of interest and directed slowly as it cuts through the upper corneal surface. Very thin corneal flaps are created so as to access the underlying tissue (the stroma). It is this tissue that is targeted for reshaping. A special computer software has been developed to help in calculating the amount of laser to be used in a specific case to avoid unnecessary injuries.
There are several side effects that may arise from this procedure. Discomfort may be experienced on the first and second day and is mainly characterized with itchiness. Other common problems include dryness of eyes, double vision, challenges of night travel and visualization of halos. Artificial tears are usually given to help with the dryness. A procedure known as punctal occlusion may also be done for the same.
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.
Advancing age may erode the benefits attained from Lasik. This usually affects less than 5% of patients and may require a repeat procedure. It is important that patients understand that Lasik may not be effective in some cases of visual abnormalities. The presence of a very thin corneal layer or extreme nearsightedness contraindicates it in affected patients.
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