Why is this procedure done?
Laser eye surgery is often called LASIK. It is done to correct some eye problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. You may no longer need glasses or contact lenses after this surgery. A laser or a small cut is used to change the shape of the clear front part of the eye. This is your cornea. This lets the eye focus better and gives you clearer eyesight. ‚
What will the results be?
You will have normal eyesight. This is 20/20 vision. You will be able to see better without eyeglasses or contact lenses. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Full eye exam ¢ ˆ ’ To measure the curve, size, and shape of your cornea.
- Eye drops to be given by your doctor
- You will need to stop wearing your contact lenses. Wear eyeglasses for a few weeks before your surgery. Talk with your doctor.
- Do not wear eye or face makeup on the day of surgery.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the surgery. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Most people are awake for this type of surgery. You will be given a drug to relax you before the surgery. Your doctor will stop any pain with eye drops that numb the eye.
- Your doctor will use a tool to hold your eyelids open and still.
- There are two types of surgery:
- Laser surgery ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor will use a beam of light to cut the eye tissue. You will see a red or green light as the laser works. You may have loss of eyesight for a short time.
- Microkeratome ¢ ˆ ’ Your doctor will use a blade to cut and make a flap. The doctor will lift the flap and fold it back away from your eye. Then, the doctor will fold the flap back to its place. The flap heals without stitches.
- Your doctor may use bandages or an eye shield to protect the eye after the procedure.
- The surgery takes about 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home right after surgery.
- Your eyes may feel itchy and uneasy. You will have red or bloodshot eyes.
- Your eyes may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants. This most often goes away after 1 or 2 days.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do
- Take your drugs and use eye drops as ordered by your doctor.
- Do not rub or press your eyes.
- Do not put anything in your eyes unless ordered by your doctor. Ask your doctor when it is safe to use eye cream and makeup.
- Clean or wash your hands before touching your eyes. Do not let soap and water get into your eyes for the first few days.
- Ask your doctor when you can return to your normal activities.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Uneven tissue removal. You may need to have another surgery.
- Eye infection
- Pain and swelling
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection or bad reaction. This includes redness, yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; very bad itchiness; lots of tearing.
- Very bad eye pain or sudden loss or change in eyesight
Where can I learn more?
Eye Smart ‚
http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/glasses-contacts-lasik/upload/lasik-patient-guide.pdf ‚
International Society of Refractive Surgery ‚
http://www.aao.org/isrs/patients/ref_procedures.cfm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚