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Did You Know That LASIK Is An Acronym?
Posted by: Georgia Eye Associates in LASIK
Most people know that LASIK is the name of the popular laser vision correction surgery. But many people are not aware that LASIK is actually an acronym.
LASIK stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis. With a name like that, it’s easy to see why LASIK is referred to as an acronym. Keep reading to learn more important facts about LASIK!
When Was LASIK Introduced?
LASIK has been available to the general public since the 1990’s when it became FDA approved. Since its introduction, LASIK has become the most popular laser vision correction procedure.
LASIK is an effective way to correct vision problems. In fact, millions of people have undergone LASIK! They can now live their life free from glasses and contacts. Who would say no to the opportunity for clear vision?
What Kind Of Refractive Errors Can LASIK Correct?
LASIK can correct astigmatism, farsightedness (hyperopia), and nearsightedness (myopia). These refractive errors occur because of an irregularly shaped cornea.
When the cornea is not shaped correctly, it causes vision problems. These problems mean that people need glasses or contacts to see the world around them.
Why Would A Patient Not Qualify For LASIK?
There are many reasons why a patient may not be a good candidate for LASIK surgery. A few reasons include:
- Dry eye syndrome
- Injury to the eye
- Under the age of 18
- Pregnancy or if the patient is breastfeeding
What Happens During LASIK?
LASIK is a procedure that reshapes the cornea by using an excimer laser. The procedure itself is actually a two-step process. First, the LASIK surgeon uses a laser to create a tiny flap in the surface of the cornea.
This flap is then folded back to allow the excimer laser to reshape the inner cornea. By reshaping the inner cornea, refractive errors are corrected. LASIK patients are able to enjoy a quick procedure that lasts about 15 minutes per eye. After LASIK, patients experience a quick recovery time.
Recovering After LASIK
After LASIK at Georgia Eye Associates, it’s important to treat your eyes with TLC! Yes, the recovery process after LASIK is short, but there are several things you should follow.
When you get home after LASIK, your eyes may feel sensitive. Avoid looking at any screens like a tablet or television, since this could tire your eyes. It’s best to lay in a dark and quiet room and rest your eyes for a few hours.
It’s okay if you fall asleep since it will give your eyes time to heal. When you wake up, the numbing eye drops may wear off. This could result in pain or a gritty sensation in your eyes. If it’s bothering you, a pain reliever like Advil can help make it more bearable.
Your eyes will feel less sensitive as time goes on. If your eyes aren’t bothering you, you can return to most of your everyday activities in the next day or two after LASIK. Avoid bodies of water like the ocean, or lakes, as water can carry bacteria into your eyes.
When you take a shower or wash your hair, make sure to avoid getting water in your eyes. Even water in the shower can carry bacteria and lead to infection!
You’ll need to attend several follow up appointments as your eyes heal after LASIK. It’s important to attend these, as they help your eye doctor know if your eyes are healing. If something isn’t recovering correctly, it’s much easier to fix if it’s caught early!
Want to start your LASIK journey? Schedule a LASIK consultation with the experts at Georgia Eye Associates in Tucker today!
Tags: Eye Care, Laser Vision Correction, LASIK, LASIK Eye Surgery, LASIK Surgery, Ophthalmologists
