Guide to Getting LASIK
LASIK eye surgery is a popular procedure, in part because it is able to treat common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. If you’re considering LASIK to treat your vision problems, then it’s important to know how the process works from start to finish. Choosing the right surgeon, knowing what to expect on the day of surgery, and understanding how LASIK recovery works can help you approach the process with confidence. Start your journey by reading our step-by-step guide to getting LASIK eye surgery.
Speak to Your Eye Doctor
Before having LASIK, it’s a good idea to speak with your regular eye doctor about laser eye surgery. This is the perfect opportunity to discuss candidacy, your questions, and whether LASIK may be a good fit for your needs.
Choosing a LASIK Surgeon
Finding the right LASIK surgeon is a key step in the process, so researching surgeons in your area can be a good place to start. Online research is a great way to get an idea of the options available nearby, but you’ll also want to make sure you speak with other people who have had LASIK in your area. Friends, family members, and colleagues who have had LASIK may have detailed feedback on local surgeons.
What to Expect on the Day of LASIK Eye Surgery
Before having LASIK surgery, you’ll have a series of pre-op visits where your LASIK specialists will plan your procedure, and answer any questions you may have about the process. That prep work helps keep the procedure short, and LASIK only takes about 15 minutes for both eyes. Your surgeon will apply anesthetic eye drops before the procedure, to minimize pain and discomfort.
After surgery, you’ll have a brief recovery period at your LASIK center, then you get to go home the same day. Just be sure to arrange for a ride home, because you won’t be able to drive on the day of surgery. Your surgeon may advise taking a nap when you get home, and keeping visual stimulation to a minimum on the day of surgery.
LASIK Recovery
After your procedure is complete, your surgeon will provide instructions for the early part of the recovery process, along with eye drops and protective eyewear. It’s important to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions for LASIK recovery, go to all scheduled follow-up appointments, and protect your eyes as they heal. It’s normal to experience some blurred vision, dry eyes, or minimal discomfort after surgery, especially in the days immediately following the procedure. Following your surgeon’s instructions can help minimize discomfort, and keep your recovery on track.
Full recovery from LASIK eye surgery may take between three and six months, with a series of follow up visits throughout the recovery period. The time between follow ups gets progressively longer as the recovery process continues. Your follow up visits are an opportunity for your surgeon to check your progress, and for you to ask any questions you may have about LASIK recovery. If you’re wondering about when you can resume specific activities, your follow ups are a great time to ask.
Are you ready to learn more about laser eye surgery? Start by scheduling your free LASIK consultation at your local LASIK Vision Institute location. During your free consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your laser eye surgery options, find answers to your big questions, and learn more about the process straight from the source.
