Eye Laser Surgery is a safe, effective way to correct vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. It also treats some underlying conditions, such as glaucoma.
LASIK
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is the most common type of refractive eye surgery. It reshapes the cornea, the clear front layer of your eye, so light focuses properly on the retina in the back of your eye. This procedure has many variations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
A femtosecond laser is used to create an ultra-thin flap on the surface of your cornea. This is then replaced with new tissue that has been reshaped by the laser. During the process, you can feel a slight pressure from the flap.
Femtosecond laser eye surgery has been used for more than 30 years to reshape the cornea of people with myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. The procedure has several variations, including a SMILE technique.
During the procedure, your eye surgeon will use a small laser or bladed surgical tool known as a microkeratome to create an ultra-thin flap on your cornea. Your doctor will fold this flap back, then reshape your cornea using the laser.
Before surgery, your doctor will test your eyes to make sure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. This includes checking your prescription and whether or not you have other eye problems. Your doctor also will ask about your age, occupation and lifestyle needs, goals and expectations.
Your doctor may prescribe a few drops of medication to keep your eyes ttps://eyelasersurgeryvancouver.ca moist and prevent inflammation, which you can use after the procedure. You might experience some dryness, and your vision may be blurry during this time.
Itching and pain after the procedure are normal, although you should resist rubbing your eye to avoid dislodging the corneal flap. The discomfort and pain should improve quickly after the surgery.
Recovery after LASIK is short, and your vision usually improves within days or weeks. It’s important to drink plenty of water and use the prescribed eye drops. Your doctor may also recommend a plastic shield over your eye at night to protect it from rubbing, as rubbing can cause damage.
Some people might experience some blurriness after laser eye surgery. This can happen if there is a problem with the healing of your eye, such as infection. Your doctor will monitor your progress to make sure the treatment is working and that you’re not experiencing any side effects.
If your vision is not as sharp as you want it to be, you can choose to have additional laser procedures. Your doctor can determine whether or not you’ll need a second procedure after three to six months to further reshape your cornea.
During your appointment, your eye surgeon will discuss the various procedures available and help you decide which is best for you. Each laser treatment is designed to target the specific vision problems you have, and your ophthalmologist will recommend the best course of treatment for your particular situation.