Tips on how laser eye surgery works

Tips on how laser eye surgery works

Hello there! Do you need a vision correction? Have you been battling myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism? If yes, you need to visit your eye specialist. He (the eye specialist) will conduct a series of tests on you. Then, you may ask to undergo laser eye surgery. 

Many people have heard their doctor saying, “you need laser eye surgery’ and they were scared. Honestly, there’s no cause for alarm. The laser eye surgery Sydney procedure is straightforward. And it is one of the safest ways to regain sight without complications. Research shows that laser surgery is as simple as cataract surgery. But, of course, many people don’t know this. 

Hence, we are here to make things work for you. We traveled in thought and realized one way to help people is to explain how LASIK surgery works. In other words, we want to expose you to something tangible. So, we will provide essential tips on how laser eye surgery works. 

But before we proceed, creating a piece of background knowledge would be lovely. Hence, we will discuss the meaning of laser eye surgery briefly. Then, we will proceed to tips on how it works. Are you ready for the ride? Let’s ride! 

What is laser eye surgery? 

The use of laser eye surgery to treat astigmatism, presbyopia, long-sightedness, and short-sightedness is becoming more common. The cornea, the transparent layer at the front of the eye, is reshaped as part of the procedure. An “excimer” laser is used for this reshaping, which aids eye focus and significantly enhances natural eyesight. 

Another laser, the femtosecond laser, is used in the LASIK treatment to create a micro-thin flap under which the reshaping occurs. Anesthesia eye drops are used during laser eye surgery to lessen discomfort, and the surgeon inserts a tiny “clip” to keep the eyelid open.

The Intralase femtosecond is used initially to form a tiny flap in Lasik or IntraLASIK. The excimer laser then recognizes and tracks the eye using iris registration technology. Reshaping occurs as the flap is raised. Each eye takes fewer than seven minutes to complete the process.

Although no pain is involved with laser eye surgery procedures, patients should anticipate feeling some pressure as the Intralase laser produces the flap. In addition, patients occasionally describe a stinging feeling for a few hours following the laser treatment.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis

In Australia, this is the most typical laser eye surgery procedure. Patients who are myopic, short-sighted, long-sighted, or need reading glasses can all undergo the procedure. However, it may not be suited for people with very high prescriptions (greater than +5.00 or -8.00), in which case implantable contact lenses are a good alternative.

With the Intralase femtosecond laser, the surgeon uses a tiny flap of fragile corneal tissue to do the surgery. The corneal flap is then replaced after the exposed tissue is laser-reshaped.

The flap remains hinged to the cornea throughout the surgery. This reduces healing time by allowing the tissue to be precisely repositioned. In addition, natural suction holds the flap in position.

Photorefractive Keratectomy

The PRK procedure, once used to treat people with poor prescriptions, has been replaced by LASIK. In contrast to LASIK, no flap is made during the procedure; instead, the entire epithelial (outer) layer is removed to expose the area. Your cornea is then reshaped using the laser.

Because it takes some time for new epithelial cells to regenerate on the eye’s surface, PRK recovery is slower than LASIK recovery. Regular recovery times range from five to seven days.

Laser epithelial keratomileusis

The LASEK eye operation combines techniques from the LASIK and PRK procedures. It is used to treat astigmatism and mild to moderate short sight. Like PRK eye surgery, the corneal epithelium is divided; however, the physician flaps out of this tissue rather than destroying it, as with LASIK eye surgery.

The cornea is then reshaped using the laser. After the laser eye surgery, the surgeon repositions the epithelial tissue and applies a bandage contact lens to the eye to maintain the epithelium in place while it heals.

Tips on how laser eye surgery works

What to expect before and after laser eye surgery

It is expedient for you to know that you must see your doctor before the LASIK surgery procedure. And what are the possible things you need to fix with your doctor? Your eye surgeon will perform a series of tests on your eye. 

Then, why thorough examination? First, the test must show if you’re a good candidate for laser eye surgery. Also, the surgeon will explain the benefits, risks, dos, and don’ts involved before, during, and after the process. 

More importantly, you must ask questions. During your consultation period, if there’s anything you don’t understand about refractive surgery, please ask your doctor. If you wear contact lenses, ensure you cease wearing them for at least one week for soft lenses and four weeks for hard lenses before your consultation.

Expectations on the day of surgery

You can feel slightly uncomfortable or in slight pain after the treatment. It’s vital not to rub your eyes, even if you might want to, because doing so could move the corneal flap. After surgery, these symptoms will start to get much better. Even though recuperation durations are short, you might want to consider taking one or two days off from work.

To assist in reducing inflammation and preventing infection, your doctor may prescribe eye drops. Additionally, using artificial tears to lubricate the eye may be indicated. Call your doctor immediately if you have excruciating pain, redness, or reduced eyesight. 

On a final note

Laser eye surgery cost is one of the reasons why people are scared of undergoing this process. But remember, your vision correction procedure is essential. So, please give it all it takes. Furthermore, laser vision correction is straightforward. So, please don’t be scared. 

Dear reader, we hope you’ve seen something inspiring here. In this write-up, we discussed the meaning of laser eye surgery. Then, we provided full details on how it functions. Finally, do you have something to say regarding this topic? Please feel free to share with us. Thanks for reading! 

See also: What to do before and after laser eye surgery

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