LASIK Procedure: What to Expect

Embarking on your journey towards clearer vision with LASIK can be both exciting and a little daunting. To help you feel prepared and informed, we’ve outlined the steps involved in the LASIK procedure, from your initial consultation to the post-operative care.

Initial Consultation

Your LASIK experience begins with a comprehensive eye examination. During this consultation, our eye care professionals will:

1. Assess your vision and determine your candidacy for LASIK.
2. Measure your corneal thickness, pupil size, and eye surface to ensure your eyes are healthy enough for the procedure.
3. Discuss your medical history and any medications you’re currently taking.
4. Answer any questions you may have and explain the benefits and potential risks associated with LASIK.

Pre-Operative Preparations

If you are deemed a suitable candidate for LASIK, you’ll receive detailed instructions to prepare for the surgery:

• Avoid wearing contact lenses for a specified period before the surgery, as they can alter the shape of your cornea.
• Refrain from using lotions, creams, or makeup on the day of the surgery to prevent any contamination.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure since your vision might be blurry immediately after the surgery.

The LASIK Procedure

On the day of your LASIK surgery, the procedure itself is relatively quick, typically lasting about 30 minutes for both eyes. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Preparation: You’ll be comfortably reclined and numbing eye drops will be administered to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
2. Creating the Corneal Flap: Using a femtosecond laser, a thin, circular flap is created on your cornea. This flap is then gently lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue.
3. Reshaping the Cornea: A cool, excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea, correcting the specific refractive error in your eye. The laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue with high precision.
4. Repositioning the Flap: After reshaping, the corneal flap is carefully placed back into its original position. It adheres naturally without the need for stitches.

Post-Operative Care

Following the procedure, our team will provide you with post-operative care instructions to promote healing and ensure the best possible outcome:

• Initial Recovery: You’ll rest in a recovery area for a short period. Your vision may be blurry, and you might experience mild discomfort or a gritty sensation in your eyes.
• Follow-Up Visits: You’ll need to attend several follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. It’s crucial to adhere to these appointments to ensure your eyes are recovering correctly.
• Medications and Precautions: You’ll be prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, or engaging in strenuous activities for the first few weeks.
• Vision Improvement: Many patients notice an improvement in their vision within the first 24 hours, with continuous enhancement over the following weeks.

Long-Term Care

LASIK is designed to provide long-lasting results. However, maintaining regular eye check-ups is essential to ensure your eyes remain healthy. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK, significantly reducing or eliminating their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering LASIK in Albuquerque and want to learn more, schedule your consultation with our experienced eye care professionals today. Eye Associates of New Mexico is here to guide you every step of the way on your journey to clearer vision.