LASIK or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a surgical
procedure intended to correct refractive errors or vision errors.
Some examples of vision errors are nearsightedness or myopia;
farsightedness or hyperopia; and, astigmatism or distorted
vision caused by irregularities in the cornea.
Like in any other surgery, LASIK entails some risks. Thus,
before you decide to undergo this modern way of correcting
vision problems, you may need to discuss in length with your
doctor various issues like pre- and post-operative care, risks
and possible outcome.
Your medical condition and visual requirements in your work may
also be a consideration you need to discuss with your doctor.
Even before that, you may need to check with your company
administrator if you may be allowed to undergo LASIK eye
surgery, there may be some restrictions in your company, which
you need to know before discussing LASIK with your doctor.
If your doctor decides, based on your condition and other
factors affecting your life, that LASIK is not for you, there
are other ways to correct vision problems. So, you need not
despair.
Additionally, if your health condition and employment will not
allow that you undergo laser surgeries like LASIK, you may opt
to wear eye glasses or contact lenses instead.
Do not allow your doctor, a friend or a family member to
pressure you into undergoing LASIK surgery. It may help if you
can discuss with your doctor the following:
Is LASIK good for you? Risks of the surgery Before, during and
after the procedure
IS LASIK GOOD FOR YOU?
LASIK may be good for you if you are ready to face consequences
such as complications and possible risks of the procedure. Some
people opt not to undergo LASIK because of the risks involved.
You may undergo LASIK surgery if it will not jeopardize your
career. Some jobs prohibit refractive procedures, thus it is a
good recommendation that you check with your employer to see if
you may be allowed to undergo the procedure.
LASIK is quite an expensive procedure; if you can afford it,
then, by all means undergo the procedure after considering the
risks involved.
LASIK may be performed if you are 18 years old and above, no
doctor will perform the surgery to anyone below 18 years old.
RISK FACTORS INVOLVED IN LASIK SURGERY.
Patients may loose some lines of vision. Because of the
procedure, you may develop vision problems that eyeglasses,
contact lenses or surgery may not be able to correct. This is a
major risk, which you may need to consider.
Patient may develop severe dry eye syndrome. As a result of the
surgery, the eye may not be able to produce enough tears to keep
the eye moist and comfortable.
For farsighted patients, good result of the procedure may
diminish as you age.
Monovision surgery may result in poorer quality vision and a
decrease of depth perception. Monovision is where you use one
eye to see images nearby and the other eye to see far images.
This may result in poor quality vision that may be permanent.
BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE PROCEDURE
If you wear contact lenses, you may need to stop wearing them
before your baseline evaluation. If you are a hard lens user,
you may need to stop wearing them at least four weeks before the
baseline evaluation.
Stop using creams, lotions, makeup and perfumes the day before
the procedure.
During the surgery, you may need to arrange for somebody to
drive you to the doctor and to bring you home after the surgery.
You may also need somebody to assist you because you will feel
discomfort in the eye area such as burning or itching. Mild pain
may also be present and if you want, you may ask your doctor for
mild pain reliever.
24 to 48 hours after the surgery, you may need to visit your
doctor. Regular check-ups may also be necessary during the first
six months after the procedure.
During this period, your vision may not still be stable but it
will wear off in time.
Finally, after considering the risks and the possible outcome of
the procedure, you may want to think it over if LASIK surgery is
what you want. Do not allow external pressure to force you into
undergoing the procedure, you need to decide for yourself after
considering all the factors mentioned.
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