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The Lasik procedure involves more than simply shooting lasers at the eye to in turn, get clear vision. While the procedure is relatively quick and painless there are many things to do to prepare for the surgery and to expect during and afterwards.

The first step to the Lasik procedure is to be counseled by the eye care professional and surgeon. Various vision tests will be performed to determine if the individual is a candidate for surgery. The Lasik professionals will provide education on the procedure, discussing possible side effects, risks, cost for the procedure and preparations for surgery.

For this screening process, it is recommended that contact lenses be removed at least a week ahead of the screening time. This is because contact lenses can change the shape of the eye over time. As eye measurements will be taken at the screening, it is important to have accurate numbers to go by. Allowing the eyes time to reshape themselves by not wearing contacts for a period of time helps provide accurate measurements, which will result in a more successful surgery.

Once deemed to be a candidate for the Lasik procedure, the individual will need to prepare for surgery. If the patient is a contact lens wearer, it is often recommended that these lenses should be removed for a period of time prior to the surgery, as it is with the screening process.

On the day of the Lasik procedure, a friend or family member will be needed to provide transportation after the procedure. Medications are given prior to surgery that can affect the ability to drive afterwards. Vision will typically be blurred or smoky as well, so it is important to have transportation available.

The Lasik procedure takes less than a half an hour in total length including preparation, the surgery itself and recovery. The patient will be given oral medications to promote relaxation and numbing eye drops.

The patient will then lie down on their back while the laser equipment is put into place. A lid speculum will be used to hold the eye lids open preventing blinking and fluttering. A special ring is used to help stabilize the eye. When the ring is put into position, pressure is applied and vision is diminished. The microkeratome, or cutting tool, is used at this time to cut a flap in the surface of the eye. Once the flap is cut, the ring and microkeratome are removed and vision is restored.

The next step in the Lasik procedure is when the laser is put into place. At this time, the surgeon will instruct the patient to stare into a light without moving the eye. The light is provided to give an area to focus on while the laser corrects the refractive error.

It is important to keep the eye focused on the light and as still as possible. However, slight fluctuations are accounted for with the latest technology and if sudden movements of the eye are made, the laser equipment is designed to shut off to prevent damage.

Once the laser portion of the Lasik procedure is finished, the flap will be replaced into its normal position and the eye will be covered with gauze or some type of patch. The flap will then take some time to heal after surgery. Special goggles are provided for nighttime use to prevent accidental rubbing of the eye.

After surgery, eyes may feel irritated, itchy or have a burning sensation. Prescription eye drops are provided for repeat use for several days following the Lasik procedure to help promote healing and provide some relief. A prescribed pain reliever may be recommended for patients experience mild pain.

Follow up visits are an important part of the Lasik procedure. In most cases, several rechecks are needed over the following weeks to help ensure that the eye is healing and vision is improving. An immediate improvement in vision is often a result but over the next several months, vision can continue to improve.

The Lasik procedure is quick and relatively painless. For what little pain may be experienced after the procedure, for many it is worth it to be rewarded with clear vision. All aspects of the Lasik procedure should be discuss with the eye care professional prior to the surgery and any concerns or questions should be addressed at that time.

As a nurse Heather Gurzell understands the importance of researching the entire process of Lasik Sacramento. After doing her homework Heather highly recommends one of the Pacific Laser Eye Center’s Northern California locations, such as their Lasik Santa Rosa California location.

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