The goal for many patients is achieving a vision of 20/20. For many, this goal is met with the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses that are prescribed yearly by an eye doctor. Over time, many eyeglass and contact lens wearers get to the point where they no longer wish to be dependent on these items for their vision to be clear. When patients reach this turning point, they begin to consider refractive eye surgery , better known as LASIK.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK is performed to correct common vision problems, including:
· Nearsightedness (myopia)
· Farsightedness (hyperopia)
· Astigmatism
It is a surgery on the eye performed by a medical eye doctor known as an Ophthalmologist. This popular laser vision correction procedure reshapes the cornea to improve how the eye focuses light onto the retina.
Are You a Candidate for LASIK?
Patients who meet the criteria for LASIK are generally over the age of eighteen and have had a stable prescription for over two years. Other determining factors are the patient's health, the medications they take, and also if the patient suffers from any eye problems or conditions, particularly dry eye syndrome. A comprehensive LASIK consultation is necessary to evaluate these factors.
The LASIK Consultation Process
The first step a patient should take when considering LASIK is to schedule an appointment with their eye doctor. The patient will want to share their desires to undergo LASIK and have a thorough discussion with their eye doctor about the procedure and what it entails.
During the comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will do some preliminary tests to determine if you are a good candidate for refractive eye surgery. Part of the preliminary testing includes dilation and taking precise measurements of your eyes, including corneal thickness and pupil size.
If approved for the procedure, you can expect some of the preliminary tests performed by your eye doctor to be repeated by your ophthalmologist, so do not be alarmed. This is a standard part of the pre-surgical process to ensure accuracy.
What to Expect During LASIK Surgery
While every eye is different in size, shape, and prescription, it is safe to estimate that the procedure itself averages under ten minutes per eye. The majority of your appointment time for the LASIK procedure, which is approximately two hours, is attributed to the preparation prior to and the recovery period post-surgery.
LASIK Recovery and Results
After the procedure, the patient can expect to return to the office for a check-up within the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The patient can also expect for their vision to fluctuate for weeks following the procedure. However, between the third and sixth month after LASIK, the patient's vision should stabilize, marking the completion of the LASIK recovery process.
Understanding LASIK Costs
In general, most insurances do not cover LASIK, as it is considered an elective procedure. Therefore, patients should contact the facility to inquire about the out-of-pocket cost of the LASIK procedure and the possibility of their insurance covering that cost. Many practices offer LASIK financing plans to help make the procedure affordable.