LASIK is one of the simplest, most pain-free medical procedures to date. During this treatment process, the surgeon will gently hold your eyelids open using a lid speculum, before creating a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea so a laser can reshape the tissue underneath.
Laser vision correction (LVC) is considered the safest eye correction surgery to obtain a “specs-free” life for patients with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (blurring of vision due to improper shape of the eye).
It is not uncommon for your eyes to sting a bit or to feel a little gritty and/or sensitive to light after your procedure. “Patients have described their vision after LASIK comparable to looking under water. I usually ask patients to go home and keep their eyes closed for a few hours.
Your doctor uses numbing drops before the surgery starts. When the laser begins reshaping your cornea, you won't feel it at all. After surgery, your eyes may feel a little gritty or uncomfortable. But if you follow your doctor's directions carefully, you'll heal quickly with no long-lasting pain problems.
The surgery is not without complications, but it is rare for any extreme issues to arise. One paper has found that the majority of Lasik recipients were happy with their results, with only 1.2% reporting dissatisfaction.
During the procedure, the eyelids are held open with a small medical device to prevent blinking. It is therefore impossible for you to close your eye or blink during the procedure. We keep the surface of your eye lubricated with drops, so your eye does not get dry, and you will not feel the need to blink.
But LASIK surgery begins with numbing eye drops, and sometimes a mild sedative, to help you relax. Still, some patients notice mild discomfort, such as pressure, vibration or dimmed vision, during the procedure. You don't have to worry about blinking, though, because a specially designed instrument holds your eye open.
It's okay to cry after your LASIK surgery. Whatever the reason you may want to cry, natural tears won't harm your eyes or delay the healing process. Crying may actually keep your eyes lubricated and that helps the healing process. In fact, many patients cry immediately upon sitting up after LASIK.
Serious LASIK complications are extremely rare, occurring in less than 1 percent of procedures. Most side effects from LASIK are part of the normal healing process and go away over time.
LASIK surgery has a good track record. Complications are rare, and most people are satisfied with the results. Certain side effects, particularly dry eyes and temporary visual issues (such as glare), are fairly common.
Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure.
The Food and Drug Administration in September approved a new laser eye procedure known as Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, or SMILE. Noel's doctor recommended giving it a try. The procedure employs a laser, similar to the one used in LASIK, to remove a small piece of the cornea to reshape the eye.
SMILE Eye Surgery
SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) eye surgery is the latest FDA-approved procedure that corrects even severe nearsightedness. In a SMILE procedure, a special laser creates a tiny incision in the cornea, which allows a surgeon to remove the lenticule from the eye.
Listen to music or play a game on your smartphone to keep your mind occupied before treatment. Your surgeon may even allow you to listen to music during the procedure. If you need something to help you relax, ask for it.
Before the procedure begins, you will be given anesthetic eye drops that numb the eyes. This will help reduce discomfort during the operation. Then, they'll use an instrument that will keep your eyes open, so you do not have to worry about blinking throughout the procedure.
Advanced Technology Accounts for Movements
During the LASIK procedure, if you sneeze, cough, or make an involuntary movement, the laser will pause and wait. It can also readjust itself accordingly. The sophisticated laser tracks and compensates for the movements of your eye.
During Surgery. The surgery should take less than 30 minutes. You will lie on your back in a reclining chair in an exam room containing the laser system. The laser system includes a large machine with a microscope attached to it and a computer screen.
This is a common concern, but rest assured that blinking and moving during LASIK surgery usually is not a problem. Numbing drops are applied to your eyes prior to surgery to make your LASIK procedure comfortable and decrease your natural urge to blink.