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LASIK FAQ: Answering Your Basic Questions About LASIK Surgery

March 27, 2012

We are answering your most frequently asked LASIK eye surgery questions.

Within the last few decades, LASIK eye surgery has become one of the most popular, raved about corrective vision procedures in the world. While this surgery was limited to certain vision problems and age groups when it’s clinical trials were first performed in the U.S. in 1995, nowadays everyone from celebrities to grandparents to athletes have had their vision permanently corrected through the use of LASIK surgery.

In fact, more than 10 million people have been the recipient of this popular medical procedure and are never turning back to eyeglasses or contact lenses again.

However, despite how popular this beneficial eye surgery is, many people still are unsure about how LASIK vision correction works and how it can change your vision, and your life, forever.  To help you work through the common questions that often come with LASIK surgery, as well as to help you understand the ins and outs of this procedure, we are sitting down to answer some of your most frequently asked LASIK surgery questions.

By understanding the basics of this beneficial procedure, as well as what makes up an ideal LASIK candidate, you can finally decide whether or not this life-changing vision correction procedure is right for you.

What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK surgery stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. The name refers to the use of a laser to reshape the cornea without invading the adjacent cell layers, which is exactly what LASIK eye surgery does.  This beneficial vision corrective procedure is capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism, all by using advanced laser technology.

The procedure itself works by carefully creating a flap of corneal tissue that folds back to reveal the corneal stroma underneath. Next, a cool beam of ultraviolent light is used to remove a small amount of tissue, thereby altering the shape of the cornea. This alteration allows light to focus more sharply on the retina, producing images that are clear and precise.

Who Is A Good Candidate For LASIK Surgery?

LASIK can benefit a large number of people, including those who suffer from myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. However, the ideal candidate should be someone who has established realistic expectations about the procedure and has a strong desire to be less dependent on corrective lenses. Candidates should also be at least 18-years-old and have a prescription that has remained stable for at least one year.

Is The Procedure Painful?

LASIK surgery patients experience very little to no discomfort both during and after their procedure. Before the surgery, patients are given a topical anesthetic  which numbs the eye, therefore you will experience no pain during the procedure itself. Most patients simply report a sensation of pressure when the doctor is creating the eye flap, however it will not cause any pain or discomfort.

What Can I Expect Following My LASIK Procedure?

In most patients who undergo LASIK eye surgery, the procedure helps to improve uncorrected vision, or one’s vision without the use of any corrective lenses. However, over half of all patients can expect to achieve 20/20 vision or better. Within one day of the surgery, patients are expected to achieve good vision and will find that their eyes feel fairly normal. However, their vision will continue to improve for up to three to four months following the procedure.

If you are interested in finding out more about the benefits of LASIK eye surgery and whether or not this procedure is right for you, be sure to contact OCLI today to set up a free LASIK screening at our East Hanover office. Do not let your corrective lenses hold you back for one more day.  With LASIK surgery, your vision and your life could significantly improve with just one simple appointment.

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