LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is an amazing procedure, but not many people know exactly how it works. The colloquial term “Laser Eye Surgery” can summon intimidating images for someone who doesn’t know what to expect during a procedure. Of course, everyone wonders whether or not LASIK surgery is painful, how long it takes to recover from LASIK, or simply how long the procedure takes. If you’re considering LASIK at Illinois Eye Center, this is a walk through of the day-of your LASIK procedure.
to determine if LASIK is right for you, the first step is a comprehensive eye exam. Rather than just testing for abnormalities such as nearsightedness, your doctors need to be positive that your corneas and the rest or your eyes are healthy enough for the procedure. If your eyes are healthy, you’ll be ready to schedule a procedure!
The day of your procedure, be sure to avoid any antihistamines or drugs that may cause dryness of the eyes. Luckily, there are no diet restrictions. Wear your glasses, not your contacts (for the last time). If you have gas permeable contacts you’ll be instructed to stop wearing those a few weeks prior to your appointment. If you have soft contacts, stop wearing those a few days prior. Be sure to avoid wearing any eye makeup, lotions, hair spray or earrings.
When you arrive at Illinois Eye Center, we will have some paperwork for you to sign, and then you’ll wait a short time before your procedure. It’s important to have someone drive you (or make other arrangements), but tell them not to worry about having to wait a long time, as the whole procedure typically takes about two hours.
When it’s time for your procedure, members of our LASIK team will clean your eyelids and lashes. They will give you several different types of eye drops to prevent infection, inflammation, and pain. Pain is the most common concern for LASIK patients, and we assure you that you will only feel a bit a pressure. But, if you have trouble relaxing, you’ll be administered a light sedative if you feel you need it.
When you’re ready, you’ll enter our laser suite. At Illinois Eye Center, we use the WaveLight® Refractive Suite, the most advanced form of blade-free LASIK available. The first step of the procedure is creating the corneal flap. We employ the WaveLight® FS200 Laser to perform this step with precision and speed. Following this, we use the WaveLight® EX500 excimer laser to correct vision imperfection by reshaping the inner cornea. Thanks to the WaveLight® suite, these steps are completed quickly, personalized to your eyes alone, with total accuracy. Learn more about this exceptional LASIK technology today.
After the procedure, your vision will be a bit blurry and your eyes will need a day of rest. Go to sleep or – keep your eyes closed and allow them to heal.
The next day you will awaken and instinctively reach for your glasses – but you won’t need them! That will stop happening soon, just give it time.
If you’re interested in learning more about LASIK, sign up for a free seminar at Illinois Eye Center!