A Look at the LASIK Procedure

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a highly popular and effective way of correcting vision problems while attaining freedom from dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. During your LASIK consultation in Chicago, your LASIK surgeon can walk you through the procedure and explain the technology he or she will use. There have been numerous advances in laser eye surgery technology, which have made the procedure safer, faster, and more effective.

Identifying Ideal Candidates

Many people are good candidates for LASIK eye surgery; however, only your ophthalmologist can determine if it’s right for you. You may be a good candidate if you have refractive errors, which are nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The LASIK procedure corrects these vision problems by reshaping the cornea, which allows the eye to more effectively focus rays of light on the retina.

Understanding the Procedure

Before going ahead with the LASIK procedure, your ophthalmologist will make sure you understand what’s involved. First, the ophthalmologist will administer a topical anesthetic to the eyes to numb them. Then, he or she will place an eyelid holder between the eyelids. This prevents you from blinking during the procedure. A suction ring placed on the eye prevents the eye from moving, and lifts and flattens the cornea. Although this procedure is painless, you may feel some pressure at this point. Additionally, your vision may become dim. This is normal. Then, the ophthalmologist uses a special laser to create a flap on the cornea, which allows the laser to shape the corneal tissue. The flap is sealed back in place without stitches. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes per eye.

Recovering from the Procedure

After the LASIK procedure, you should have someone drive you home. Plan to spend the remainder of the day resting quietly at home. It’s critical to avoid rubbing your eyes because this can dislodge the corneal flap. To protect your corneas, your ophthalmologist will give you an eye shield to wear over each treated eye. You’ll also receive instructions on applying eye drops to relieve any dryness and facilitate healing.