LASIK eye surgery has come a long way over the years. It used to sound like a magical technology we knew little about.
In 1998, the first LASIK laser was approved by the FDA specifically for LASIK, made by Lasersight Technologies. Since then, over 10 million Americans have had LASIK!
LASIK eye surgery cost has also become more accessible over the years, making it easier for more people to afford it. Before you have surgery, talk to the experts and get the facts you need.
If you’re planning to have LASIK eye surgery soon, and want to know what to expect about the recovery process, then keep reading!
What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
During LASIK surgery, a surgeon creates a flap on the https://eyelasikaustin.com/candidate-lasik-surgery/cornea of your eye using a laser. The flap of corneal tissue is folded back, and the laser reshapes the layer under it, which corrects your vision.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Certain people make ideal candidates for LASIK. Qualifications include:
- You are at least 18 years old
- Your eye prescription is stable
- No vision changes in the past year
- No illnesses that affect healing, such as rheumatoid arthritis
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should wait to have LASIK. The hormones in pregnancy can affect your vision.
Interesting Facts About LASIK
LASIK eye surgery has evolved! Over 96% of people who get LASIK have success! Let’s look at more stats like:
- Only 0.3% of people experience problems after surgery
- 20/20 vision or better in 90% of people
- About 35% of people in the United States have fixable eye problems
- The first laser eye surgery ever was in 1989
- LASIK procedures only take about 15 minutes
- Over 45% of people who get LASIK do not have any side effects at all
- LASIK uses NASA Technology
The most common age for LASIK is between 20 and 40 years old when eyes are at their healthiest!
Common Conditions Treated
The most common reasons for LASIK are the correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. People with astigmatism have an irregular shape to the curvature of the cornea leading to blurry vision. Typically, this can be easily corrected with LASIK!
How Much Is LASIK?
LASIK eye surgery price ranges from $2000 to $3000 for each eye. Most of the time insurance companies will not cover this cost as it is considered cosmetic.
Insurance may pay in special circumstances, so it is worth checking with your benefit plan. There are plenty of LASIK financing plans offered, often with no down payment, no interest, and low monthly installments.
LASIK Eye Surgery Side Effects
Complications and risks are rare but with any surgical procedure, there are side effects to be aware of like:
- LASIK surgery can cause dry eyes for several months
- Halos, sensitivity to light, and double vision may last a few weeks
- Under-corrections can happen with not enough reshaping
- Over Corrections happen with too much reshaping
- Uneven tissue removal can cause an astigmatism
- Problems with regrowth of corneal tissue
- Vision can slowly change over time
Rare surgical complications can result in loss of vision. Some people may not be able to see as sharply and clearly as they once did.
Preparing for LASIK Surgery
There are steps you can take to prepare for your surgery to ensure a smooth process which include
- Be prepared for the costs and portion you have to pay
- Make sure you have a ride home as you will be feeling the effects of the sedative used for surgery
- Don’t use eye makeup, cream, perfumes, or lotions on surgery day
Your doctor may want you to clean your eyelashes and face daily before your surgery to minimize the risks of infection.
During LASIK
Before the procedure, your doctor will give you medication to help you relax. Numbing drops are put in your eyes, to help you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
A type of ring is placed on your eye, and you may experience a pressure sensation in your eye. Your surgeon will then use a laser to create the corneal flap. Finally, a second laser is used to reshape your cornea. You will have to focus on a point of light to keep your eyes well positioned during the procedure.
The pulses of the laser work to reshape your cornea with extreme precision. Once this is completed, the flap on your cornea is laid back into place. This flap heals without stitches.
The Recovery Process
Immediately following your LASIK surgery, your recovery period will last around 6-12 hours. For the first 3-4 hours after surgery, your vision will be quite steamy,, but this will clear up quickly for most patients.
Due to this, you should not drive yourself home and plan to rest and relax for the rest of your day. Avoid activities that strain your eyes, such as reading or watching television.
The day after your procedure, you will see your eye doctor for a check-up to assess your vision and how you are healing. After this visit, you are usually allowed to return to school or work.
You will notice big improvements in your vision immediately, but full recovery takes time and it can take up to 6 months for your vision to stabilize.
Some general guidelines to follow are:
- Avoid putting any pressure on your eyes
- No swimming for at least two weeks after your surgery
- No major contact sports for at least 2 weeks
Your surgeon will let you know any other specific guidelines you need to follow!
LASIK Eye Surgery
Are you ready to start seeing clearly? It is time to find out how LASIK eye surgery can help you!
We can schedule you for a complimentary screening so you know where you stand. You can get all your questions answered, and feel comfortable about where to go next.
Contact us today. Our professional experts are one of the best decisions you can make for your vision. It’s time to scrap those glasses or contacts for good!
