What to expect during the LASIK procedure: a step-by-step guide

LASIK has been performed on millions of people over the last 30 years, with a success and satisfaction rate of more than 90%. This is one of the best options for correcting your refractive error. With a typically quick recovery and a relatively painless procedure, it’s easy to see why LASIK is one of the most popular eye surgeries. If you’re considering having the surgery, the LASIK procedure step-by-step guide will help you prepare and understand what to expect.

LASIK Procedure Step-by-Step Guide

•       Ten minutes in the operating room, and you are done. The laser is used for less than a minute for each eye. However, the actual duration of the procedure may differ depending on the type and extent of correction required.
•       You do not need to be concerned about the procedure because eye drops will numb your eyes before it begins.
•       While you are lying on the treatment bed, your eyelids are gently held open, and a precision flap-making instrument is carefully placed.
•       You will be asked to focus on a specific fixation light. The surgeon electronically activates a precision instrument and folds away a corneal flap, revealing the cornea’s middle layer.
•       The cornea is then reshaped using an excimer laser. More specifically, to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
•       The corneal flap is then repositioned. Natural forces hold the flap in place until the surface heals completely.
•       LASIK surgery has a quick recovery time, with the flap typically healing within hours. Most patients are able to return to normal activities just 24 hours after surgery. You will be given a prescription for eye drops to use for five days following surgery. You must also wear sunglasses at night to avoid rubbing your eyes during the first two nights following surgery.

 

Answers to Your Concerns About the Procedure

After going through the LASIK procedure step-by-step guide, it is natural to feel anxious or afraid about it. Procedures involving the eyes frequently result in specific fear, phobias, and general squeamishness. Here, we’ll look at some of the most common reasons people are afraid of laser eye surgery.

Will it Hurt

Fear is natural. However, this quick and safe surgical procedure is carried out only after anaesthetic drops have been applied to your eyes and is completely painless. Mild irritation may occur in the days following surgery, but this is manageable and temporary.

Fear of being conscious

While it may be easier to accept surgery under general anaesthesia (without knowing what is going on), many patients are concerned about remaining awake and aware during laser eye surgery. Although the procedure is carried out while you are awake and conscious, your eyes will be numbed. You may feel pressure as your surgeon creates a flap in your cornea, but there will be no pain.

The advantage of being awake is that you can alert your surgeon at any time if you require their assistance. Your surgeon will guide and reassure you throughout the procedure. Also, if you are still nervous, valium (diazepam) can be given to calm you down.

Fear of Losing Sight

Undergoing laser eye surgery may seem like a big risk. What if there are complications or a bad outcome? While any type of surgery carries some risk, you may be relieved to know that laser eye surgery is a very safe and low-risk procedure, with no reported cases of total blindness.

Follow the LASIK procedure step-by-step guide to have a smooth laser eye surgery.

Preparing for LASIK Surgery

 The LASIK procedure explained above makes it clear that the most important factor is finding the right clinic for the procedure. Choosing the right clinic from so many options is a difficult task. However, platforms like Curebridge can make things easier. It also has a significant impact on how smoothly your recovery will go and whether you will have the best vision possible. After going through the LASIK procedure step-by-step guide, these few tips will make it easier to prepare for the procedure. Let’s take a look at these tips.

1. When Using Contact Lens

Contacts change the shape of your cornea, making it difficult for your surgeon to perform accurate assessments. Going without contacts for at least a week prior to the procedure will allow your cornea to regain its normal shape. As a result, your doctor will be able to perform accurate calculations when reshaping your cornea. If you wear hard contact lenses, it is recommended that you remove them at least four weeks before surgery. You can wear glasses if you believe you need them.

2. Give Enough Rest for Eyes

Although LASIK surgery has a short recovery time, it is necessary to get enough rest. Make sure you schedule at least one day off from work in advance. This will allow you to rest comfortably and give your eyes time to heal. It will also keep you away from the office computer, which is strongly advised in the first 24 hours after surgery.

3. Get a Helping Hand

You cannot drive yourself home after LASIK surgery. As a result, make arrangements ahead of time for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Although many patients can drive themselves to their appointments the next day, it is still recommended that you have someone drive you so that you do not strain your eyes. While at home, make sure the person helps with housework within the first 24 hours so you can get enough rest.

4. Stop Using Makeup

You must refrain from wearing makeup for at least 24 hours before the surgery, regardless of how used to it you are. To reduce the risk of infection in your eyes and ensure a successful surgery, keep your face clean. Also, avoid using perfumes, lotions, or creams on the day of your surgery.

5. Relax and Make Yourself Comfortable

Ensure you are ultimately comfortable on the day of your operation. This will allow you to rest well without straining or enduring unnecessary challenges. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off in case you will need a change. Moreover, ensure your home and bedding are vacuumed and cleaned to eliminate dust particles. Maximum cleanness will help you avoid chances of experiencing irritation, itchiness, and infection in your recovering eyes. Follow the LASIK procedure step-by-step guide for a better understanding.

6. No Alcohol, Smoking, and Caffeine

Alcohol can dry out your eyes, making surgery more difficult for you. Water, on the other hand, keeps you hydrated, which promotes healing. Caffeine should be avoided because it interferes with sleep, which is necessary after surgery.

7. When in doubt, feel free to ask the Doctor

If you believe your doctor needs to know something about you, make sure to discuss it with him or her. Be open and honest with your doctor so that they can advise you accordingly. Make sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions for preparation. If your doctor advises you to do or not do something, it is for your own good. Follow the LASIK procedure step-by-step guide to have a smooth laser eye surgery.

What to Expect after LASIK

A person can expect to experience different effects at various points after the procedure. Follow the LASIK procedure step-by-step guide to know what to expect after the surgery.

Immediately after

In the period immediately after LASIK surgery, a person may experience the following:

•     A burning sensation in the eye
•     Itching of the eye
•       A feeling that there is something in their eye
•       Watering of eyes

The doctor will prescribe eye drops to relieve pain after surgery. They may also ask the person to wear a clear shield over their affected eye for several nights to help protect the eye while they sleep.

24–48 hours after

The first follow-up with the doctor is within the first 24-48 hours after surgery.

During this first visit, the doctor may test the person’s vision and examine their eye. They may also give the person more eye drops, which can help prevent infection or inflammation. People should avoid wearing contact lenses in the eye that received the surgery.

In most cases, a person can return to work the day after the procedure.

1–3 weeks after

During the first few weeks after surgery, individuals may experience the following:

• Some blurred vision
• Changes of vision
• Dry eyes
• Visual glares or halos that appear around lights

Up to 6 months after

After LASIK, the eye takes 2-3 months to heal, and vision improves over time. Typically, patients experience stable and clear vision within 6 months of surgery.

A person’s eye doctor will usually schedule regular follow-up appointments for up to 6 months.

During these visits, a specialist will check the following:

•       Vision improvement
•       Progress in healing
•       Side effects from the treatment

If a person has experienced any side effects, such as dry eyes or visual disturbances, they will usually resolve within a few months of surgery.

If a person’s vision problems persist more than 6 months after surgery, their eye doctor may recommend that they undergo another laser surgery procedure known as an enhancement. This procedure, like LASIK, aims to fine-tune a person’s eyesight. Follow the LASIK procedure step-by-step guide to have a great experience.

Dry eye

Dry eye is the most common side effect of LASIK surgery.

Symptoms of dry eye include:

•       Decreased time for the eyes to become dry after each blink
•       Reduced sensitivity of the cornea
•       Reduced sharpness of vision

These symptoms usually last for about a month after LASIK surgery. However, a small number of people may experience these symptoms for a year or more.

Infections

LASIK surgery is generally considered safe. However, in extremely rare cases, a person may develop an infection in their eye following the procedure. Infections are uncommon after LASIK, with less than 0.1% of patients experiencing them.

To reduce the risk of developing an eye infection, a person should follow medical advice regarding postoperative care. Follow the LASIK procedure step-by-step guide to reduce infections.

LASIK Surgery Recovery Tips

A doctor may ask a person to follow several steps to help them aid their recovery after LASIK surgery.

 The steps for recovery may include the following:

•       Avoiding the use of lotions, creams, or makeup around the eye for 2 weeks
•       Continuing to scrub eyelashes for some time after surgery
•       Avoiding swimming and hot tub use for 1–2 months
•       Avoiding strenuous activities, such as boxing, football, and karate, for at least 4 weeks after surgery
•       Ensuring nothing gets in the eyes in the first few weeks
•       Shielding the eyes from being hit or bumped.

In the first few days after surgery, people will instinctively want to rub their eyes. However, they should not do this because it may dislodge the flap.

Not following the steps outlined above may lengthen a person’s recovery time. Follow the LASIK procedure step-by-step guide to have a faster recovery.

About Curebridge

If you are looking for high-quality healthcare facilities, Curebridge is a platform that not only connects patients with appropriate healthcare providers in India but also provides aftercare and logistics support, such as travel, lodging, consultations, and treatments.

Curebridge has a team of experienced professionals who can guide patients through the complexities of the Indian healthcare system. The platform is committed to providing transparent and affordable pricing, offering patients various payment options tailored to their circumstances. For more details, chat with us at +91-9152065206 or email [email protected].