Eye laser surgery involves the use of a non-thermal laser beam to reshape the cornea to help it reflect light to the retina in a more precise way. The cornea is reshaped in different ways to combat the various conditions that affect the eye. Nearsightedness is corrected by the removal of some tissue from the cornea. Getting rid of some tissue flattens the cornea. Farsightedness is corrected by steepening the edges of the cornea while astigmatism is righted by smoothing its surface. Here you get answers to the five FAQs before eye laser surgery you should get answered to put your heart to rest.
FAQs about the eye surgery
How safe is laser surgery?
Laser surgery is a surgical procedure; that cannot be discounted. And like any surgical procedure, it comes with its risks. It is, however, not known to have any adverse side effects apart from a maximum of 5% of the patients undergoing dry eyes and night time glare. No case of blindness caused by this procedure has been reported, and any loss of vision is known to have occurred in less the one percent of the patients. An error is difficult to come upon because the whole process is automated, with computer guided accuracy.
How long will it take to recover?
Laser surgery is of two kinds; LASIK and PRK. HI Lasik surgery is less invasive and takes about two days for the body to normalize and discomfort to end. PRK is a more invasive kind of surgery since it involves reaching the deeper layers of the cornea. These require at least one week or more to heal. You should know the kind of surgery you are eligible for so as to know the recovery time you will need off work.
Will it hurt?
Another of the FAQ before eye surgery is if the procedure will hurt. The good news is that it does not hurt. While you will be conscious through the whole process, your eyes are administered anesthetic eye drops that numb them from pain. The ophthalmologist is then at liberty to prescribe painkillers if the need is there. LASIK surgery will have a shorter time under medication compared to PRK because of the duration of healing to take place.
Can I get both eyes done at the same time?
It is a common practice to perform the procedure at the same time when performing LASIK surgery. That is however not the case with PRK since it takes up to a week for the vision to stabilize after this particular procedure. The ophthalmologist may choose the duration to give you between the treatment of both eyes.
When can I resume my routine?
The last of the commonly asked FAQs before eye laser surgery is how long you should stay from strenuous activity. In average you should stay away from sporting activity for about six weeks to allow for proper healing. This applies in particular for activities like swimming. Regular activities that do not apply pressure to your body can be taken up a few days after surgery as your body adapts. Be sure to listen to your body as it gives the tell tale signs when you push it too far.
