If you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may be interested in LASIK surgery. LASIK eye surgery is commonly performed as laser refractive surgery to correct nearsighted or farsighted vision problems caused by an imperfectly shaped cornea. It uses a laser to reshape the cornea or the clear front part of your eye.

What is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is the best-known and most commonly preferred type of refractive eye surgery to correct vision problems. This vision correction surgery corrects vision in people who suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, and astigmatism. This uses a special type of cutting laser to precisely change or reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye so that light focuses on the retina in the back of the eye. LASIK is one of the best alternatives to glasses or contact lenses. Glasses or contact lenses can correct vision, but reshaping the cornea itself can improve your vision in the long term. In many cases, you may no longer need glasses or contact lenses.

For people experiencing farsightedness, LASIK surgery can correct this vision problem by steepening the flat cornea. For nearsightedness, on the other hand, the surgery procedure will flatten the cornea that is too pointed or steep. People with astigmatism have an irregular cornea shape. Through LASIK, their cornea can be smoothed into a more normal shape. LASIK surgery is a quick and painless surgery that only takes less than five minutes.

What to do before and after LASIK Surgery?

LLASIK surgery has a very high success rate. However, this does not mean that it is the right vision problem solution for everyone. Before getting approved or to ascertain if you are a good candidate for LASIK, you will have to consult and have an eye examination with your laser eye surgeon first. During the consultation, it’s important to inform your surgeon of your medical history and any medication that you are currently taking or allergic to. This is to assess your ocular health, the quality of your vision, and to determine if LASIK surgery is suitable for you.

The day before your surgery, you should stop using creams, lotions, makeup, perfumes, and other facial products and cosmetics to prevent an infection from occurring. Arrange for someone to pick you up going to and after your surgery since you will be unable to drive yourself due to your eyesight being blurry. After the surgery, your eye may experience a mild burning or itching once the eye drops wear off. We caution you not to rub your eye as it can dislodge the flap and disturb the healing process. Take plenty of rest after your surgery. Arrange a day off from work or school, so you won’t put too much pressure on your eye right away.

Who is considered to have LASIK?

Tired of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses? You’ve probably had a fair share of experience with the frustrations that come with being dependent on eyewear for better vision. If you’d like to be free from eyeglasses and contact lenses, you might want to consider LASIK eye surgery.

However, we remind everyone that LASIK is not always suitable for everyone. A good LASIK surgery candidate should be at least 18 years old and have a stable prescription for at least 2 to 3 years. You must also be in good overall health to ensure no illness or disorder will prevent your body from healing. This also includes being free from eye diseases, corneal abnormalities, scars, or infections. Consult with your eye doctor to determine if LASIK is right for you.

Why visit your Optometrist for Post LASIK?

If you’ve had post LASIK in Alexandria, Virginia, our optometrists will want to see you 24-48 hours after to ensure that your eye is healing smoothly. It is also important to see your eye doctor yearly for eye checkups or exams. This will not only ensure seamless healing but regular visits are also needed to safeguard your eye health. As part of the natural aging process, your eye health or vision is going to change, even after LASIK. Regular eye exams help in catching any potential eye problems early.

We care about our patients and want your vision to be in the best condition possible. Post LASIK care at Oliver Opticians will help you determine if you need further eye treatment, care, or a new prescription. We have helped many patients achieve amazing results with our LASIK surgery. If you are suitable for LASIK or want to know if LASIK is right for you, schedule an eye consultation with Oliver Opticians today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a common refractive eye surgery that reshapes the cornea using a laser to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This procedure helps light focus correctly on the retina, improving vision and reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses.

How does LASIK correct vision?

LASIK surgery involves creating a thin flap on the cornea and using a laser to reshape it. For nearsighted individuals, the procedure flattens the cornea, while for farsighted individuals, it steepens it. Those with astigmatism have an irregularly shaped cornea, which LASIK smooths into a more regular shape to improve vision.

Who is a good candidate for LASIK?

Candidates for LASIK should be at least 18 years old, have a stable vision prescription for at least 2 to 3 years, and be in good overall eye health. Individuals with eye diseases, corneal scars, or certain medical conditions may not be suitable for LASIK and should consult with an eye specialist to determine eligibility.

Is LASIK a painful procedure?

LASIK surgery is generally painless because numbing eye drops are used before the procedure. Patients may experience slight pressure on the eye during the surgery and mild discomfort or dryness afterward, but this usually subsides within a few days.

How long does LASIK surgery take, and what is the recovery time?

The LASIK procedure typically takes less than 10 minutes per eye. Most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours, with full recovery taking a few weeks. It is important to follow post-surgery care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

Protect Your Eyesight Today!

Your eyesight is precious, and we’re here to protect it! Visit Oliver Opticians for expert eye care tailored just for you. Book your appointment today and experience the difference.