Just like the rest of your body, your eyes will become weaker and less agile with age. The vast majority of Americans rely on glasses and contacts in order to maintain a full range of vision, but that reliance can become frustrating, especially if your prescription continually changes as your eyes become progressively worse. LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that has the ability to save your sight and minimize or even eliminate the need for glasses and contacts.
What Exactly Is LASIK?
LASIK stands for laser in situ keratomileusis. It is the most common laser eye surgery used to achieve vision correction because it improves unaided visual acuity. The ultimate goal of LASIK surgery is to see clearly without the need for contacts or glasses at all.
The LASIK procedure occurs in a few steps. First, the laser creates a thin flap in the cornea. An Excimer laser is then used under that flap to reshape the cornea by removing ultra thin layers one at a time. The flap automatically attaches itself back to the corneal bed without the need for stitches. In the end, the laser corrects the refractive error that had led to nearsightedness and astigmatism.
What Else Should You Know?
One of the reasons LASIK has become so popular is because it’s quick, simple, and virtually painless. Current LASIK technology can treat most degrees of nearsightedness and astigmatism, as well as mild to moderate degrees of farsightedness. This makes it a virtual miracle solution for people who once thought they’d rely on glasses for the rest of their lives.
What’s the Procedure Like?
First, your eye is numbed using topical anesthetic drops so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. You also don’t need to worry about needles or injections. During surgery, your eye will be held open with a special device to prevent blinking, and your eyeball will be lubricated to avoid dry eye. The process only takes about 15 minutes per eye!
The most common postoperative discomfort only lasts for about six to twelve hours and is usually limited to a feeling of mild dry eye. You will need someone to drive you home after your appointment, but you will still be able to notice an immediate improvement in your vision that continues over one or two weeks. Recovery time after LASIK is so quick that you’ll most likely be able to return to your normal activities the very next day.
If you’re ready to fix your weak eyesight in the time it takes you to eat lunch, then call (813) 779-3338 to make an appointment at The Eye Clinic of Florida in Tampa, Florida. At the Eye Clinic of Florida, Dr. Adam Mahootchi is committed to providing the highest quality eye care at the most affordable price.