Eye Laser Surgery, or LASIK, is a common procedure performed to correct refractive errors, such as myopia (short-sightedness) and hyperopia (long-sightedness), and to help people avoid the need for contact lenses. This non-invasive procedure uses a computer-controlled, ‘cool’ laser that doesn’t burn tissue. It vaporizes small amounts of tissue, and then reshapes the surface of the cornea to improve vision.
During the procedure, your doctor will place numbing drops in your eyes to make you feel relaxed and comfortable during the treatment. He or she will then use a blade or a laser to cut a small hinged flap away from the front of your eye, which allows your surgeon to access the part of your cornea that needs to be reshaped.
Your doctor then folds back the flap, revealing your cornea’s middle layer, called the stroma. The stroma is then gently reshaped with pulses of the laser, according to your unique prescription.
After the reshaping is complete, your doctor will put the flap back in place. The procedure is finished in less than 30 minutes.
Most of the time, you can go home on the day of your laser procedure and see very good vision within 24 hours. However, some people may experience a mild amount of pain or irritation in the eye after the treatment, and if you have severe dry eye, your vision may be blurry for several days.
You may also have a slight halo or glare around your vision at first, although these symptoms usually resolve on their own after a few months. You may also need to wear lubricating eye drops to help with the symptoms of dry eyes.
Your eyes will be irritated and red for a few days, but this will clear up soon. Some people may need to wear a soft, clear patch on the top of their Laser eye procedure in Canada for several weeks after their procedure.
It is important to find a doctor that is experienced in laser eye surgery, as this type of vision correction requires specialized skills and training. The best doctors have a comprehensive understanding of the laser system and how it can be used to treat a wide range of vision problems.
Before undergoing laser eye surgery, your doctor will take a thorough history and perform an in-depth exam of your eyes. This will help your doctor to determine if you are a candidate for this treatment and which type of surgery is most suitable for you.
If your doctor feels you are a candidate for LASIK, the next step is to schedule your procedure. At this time, your doctor will be able to answer any questions you have about the procedure and explain any risks or complications that may arise.
After your LASIK eye surgery, you will need to come into the office for follow-up visits with your surgeon. These visits are to monitor your progress and ensure that your new vision is stable.
You might need to return for more than one visit, especially if your vision continues to worsen after the procedure. This is rare, but can occur in some cases.
