How Is Lasik Eye Surgery Performed?
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Pre-Surgery
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Several weeks before Lasik surgery, you stop wearing your contact lenses. You also complete your pre-operation appointments with your eye doctor. During these visits, the doctor examines your eyes and takes down your cornea measurements, since Lasik works on the corneas. Furthermore, you also discontinue the use of skin creams, makeup, perfume, cologne and even certain hair products prior to surgery. The goal is that the eyes are 100 percent clean before undergoing Lasik.
The Surgery
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The first part of Lasik surgery involves the doctor administering numbing eyedrops. The doctor may also administer a mild sedative if you feel on edge. After giving the numbing drops, the doctor cleans and tapes back the eyelashes, and places a speculum between the eyelids to keep the eye open. Then, the doctor places a suction ring on the eye, which flattens the cornea. The doctor then uses an instrument called a microkeratone to make a small incision into the cornea, creating a flap in which the laser energy will go. The doctor then uses a laser to reshape the lens, so it directs light correctly on the back of your eye, allowing your vision to improve. When finished, the doctor places the flap back over the eye, which will heal on its own.
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After Surgery
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After Lasik (which usually takes about 5 minutes per eye), you are given a clear plastic shield to protect your eyes. You are then driven home (you won't be able to drive for about 1 day). You will wear the shields while sleeping, to avoid bumping the eye. Most post-operative treatment plans also require you to administer medicated eyedrops, since one side effect of the surgery is dry eye. Apart from that, the recovery period after Lasik is remarkably smooth and comfortable.
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