LASIK is probably the most well known type of laser eye surgery, but how much do you actually know about the procedure? We’ve rounded up all you need to know about LASIK, why it is so popular, and why it isn’t right for everyone.
What Does LASIK Stand For?
LASIK is an abbreviation of Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. What this means in less technical terms is, a procedure to correct a refractive vision problem by reshaping the cornea with a laser.
What Happens During LASIK Surgery?
At Boydvision, we offer custom LASIK as standard. We believe no two pairs of eyes are the same, therefore they shouldn’t be treated that way. All procedures are customized to the patient to ensure a better visual outcome.
Unlike standard LASIK, custom LASIK involves preoperative testing which then allows a larger area of the cornea to be treated.
Before the surgery begins, numbing drops are applied to numb the surface of the eye and reduce a patient’s desire to blink. A flap is then created in the cornea using a hansatome mechanical keratome which suctions onto the eye for approximately 30 seconds. After the keratome is removed, the flap is rolled back and the laser then sculpts the eye to correct the patient’s prescription. It is a cold laser, which is painless and lasts for about 20-30 seconds.
How Long Is The Recovery Time?
Recovery time for LASIK is very fast which is one of the reasons it is so popular. Patients are able to return to work the very next day.
Can Anyone Get LASIK Surgery?
During preoperative consultations, tests are performed to determine whether a person’s eyes are suitable for LASIK procedure. If these tests show a person is, provided they are in good health, over the age of 19, and have had a steady prescription for over two years, they are approved for surgery.
If our eye surgeon, Dr. Boyd, doesn’t think LASIK is suitable for you, there are other options such as custom PRK surgery. Often people who are suitable for LASIK will in fact choose PRK surgery over LASIK anyway.
If you would like to meet with our eye surgeon, Dr. Boyd to find out whether LASIK is right for you, call us on 604-430-9560 to schedule in a free consultation.