Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is the procedure in which it will reshape the transparent dome-shaped structure in the front of your eye or cornea to correct vision problems or refractive errors.

This is a permanent change that eliminates or reduces your need to wear contact lenses or eyeglasses.

Here are the most common reasons to undergo a laser eye surgery.

Your doctor will determine to form a comprehensive laser eye surgery specific eye exam which procedure is best for you.

Most patients achieve 20/20 or better vision after laser eye surgery. This procedure is recommended for people 18 years and older because their eyes might still be changing.

As with any other medical procedure, laser eye surgery carries some risk of complications but it very rare to become serious.

Some of the possible risks include:

• Infection
• Persistent dry eyes
• The need for a retreatment
• Persistent night vision problems
• LASIK flap complications (for LASIK surgery)

You will consult first with an Optometrist. In order to prepare for the laser eye surgery, your doctor will advise you clean your eyelashes leading to the days of your surgery.

If you are wearing contact lenses, stop using those days before the procedure. You will be advice not to drive home after the surgery.

Here you can find out what to expect from your laser eye surgery.

Some of the types of laser eye surgery include:

• Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery – this is the most common that people used and this will reshape the transparent dome-shaped structure in the front of your eye (cornea).
• Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) – the surgeon will prepare a very thin flap of corneal tissue before using the laser to reshape your cornea.
• Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) -  this procedure will only remove the thin surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) then he will use a laser to flatten the cornea.
• Epithelial laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (epi-LASIK) – to separate the epithelium from the eye your doctor will use a small mechanized blunt knife then he will use a laser to reshape the cornea.

If you do not understand your laser eye surgery results, consult with your doctor.

Your eyes will be temporary dry after the surgery. Your doctor will give you prescriptions eye drops to prevent inflammation and infection and to keep your eyes moist.

Most patients notice improved vision within a few days of surgery but some have visions that may be blurry and hazy for the first day.

You will need to have a follow-up visit with your doctor to evaluate your eyes.