Important Information On Lasik Eye Surgery San Antonio Patients Need To Know

By Frances Long


One of the most important developments in eye surgery is the adoption of laser techniques which have reduced the complications and improved the outcomes. Lasik which is the abbreviation for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure that is used in the management of visual errors such as astigmatism, short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and presbyopia. Before undergoing Lasik eye surgery San Antonio residents should know a number of things.

If a decision to have the operation has been made, you need to start the process of preparation. If you are on any blood thinners or aspirin then you need to stop them before you undergo the operation. This is done to minimize the risk of bleeding. Smoking also increases this risk and should also be stopped not later than two weeks before the surgery.

Another important aspect of the preparation is to undergo an ophthalmic examination. The examination will help the doctor confirm the diagnosis and the severity. They will make a decision as to whether or not surgery is beneficial. The surgeon will inform you what exactly they plan to do and the possible risks that they anticipate. Some people may not be ideal candidates for the procedure. These include individuals with very thin corneas and those with extreme forms of myopia.

The disorders are corrected by changing the curvature of the cornea. The cornea is a part of the eyeball that just overlies the lens. It determines the angle at which the incident ray enters the eye and that at which the refracted ray travels. The end result is formation of an image. If the image is not forming on the retina, alternating the corneal curvature will help normalize the problem.

The Lasik procedure is considered a minor surgical operation. This means that many centers perform it within the outpatient department. It may also be done safely in the office of an eye surgeon. Once you have been placed on the operating table, you will be asked to fix your gaze on a given target. The strength of laser rays needed is determined by a special computer software then pulsed to the cornea.

A modern technique known as wave front has been adopted by most surgeons and is becoming routine practice. The technique is used in locating the areas that require correction with great precision hence avoiding unnecessary injury to other areas. This is done through two stages. The first is the creation of a flap of corneal tissue. This is followed by vaporizing the tissues underneath the flap using the laser.

There are a number of complications that may arise from this surgery. The commonest problem is dryness of the eyes. It is most likely to be seen after about six months after the operation. The management options here include the use of prescription tears and a minor procedure known as punctual occlusion. Other possible complications include double vision, increased sensitivity and infections.

Lasik is a safe and effective surgical procedure that is used in managing visual abnormalities. Most persons (about 98% of those operated) report improvement within a few days of having the operation. Remember that the degree of improvement will vary from one person to another depending on factors such as the severity of the initial problem and the skill of your surgeon.




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