LASIK: Before, During, and After Treatment

Imagine being able to see clearly without the use of glasses or contact lenses.  For millions of men and women who have chosen laser vision correction, the dream has become a daily reality.   Now, while you may have heard the term LASIK before, many patients aren’t sure what this cutting-edge procedure is really all about.  To help you make an informed decision, we wanted to give you a general sense of what to expect before, during and after treatment.  Ready to find out more?

What to Expect with LASIK

• Before: If you are tired of dealing with poor vision and are considering LASIK, the first step to take is making an appointment with your ophthalmologist.  He or she will help you determine if you’re a good of candidate for this procedure.  There are a number of factors that determine if LASIK is right for you, one being eye health.   Candidacy can also hinge on corneal thickness as well as a patient’s individual prescription.  You should be over a certain age — generally 21 years of age — and your vision should be stable.  You and your doctor will discuss other factors that make a good LASIK candidate.  Your ophthalmologist will also outline pre-surgery procedures, such as not wearing contact lenses for 1-3 weeks before you undergo LASIK.
• During: When it comes time for your procedure, you will first be given numbing eye drops to keep you comfortable throughout. As our practice offers cutting-edge iLASIK™, the procedure is fully customized using cutting-edge 3D eye mapping.  Based on this unique “road map,” we then use a special laser to cut a thin flap in your cornea.  This flap will be peeled back, and a second laser will be used to reshape the cornea, allowing light to be correctly focused on the retina.  The flap made in your cornea will then be set back in place, and your LASIK procedure is complete — the entire procedure usually takes no more than a matter of minutes.
• After: While someone will have to drive you home following your LASIK procedure, many patients are able to resume normal activities in just a day or two.   You will be given prescription eye drops following your procedure, to minimize any mild discomfort you may experience.  Be sure to follow all post-surgical instructions and attend all your follow-up appointments.  In terms of improved vision, many patients see an apparent improvement in vision as quickly as the next day.

LASIK in Winchester

To learn more about laser vision correction or any of the procedures we offer, contact us today and schedule a consultation.  Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, and you can reach us directly at (540) 722-6200.  We look forward to serving you.

Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/lasik/lasik-before-during-and-after-treatment

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