Am I Awake During LASIK Eye Surgery?
Am I Awake During LASIK Eye Surgery? LASIK eye surgery, a popular vision-correction method, leaves many potential patients with questions. One of the most common queries is whether they will remain awake during the process. The thought of being conscious while someone operates on their eyes can be daunting for some people.
The simplicity and effectiveness of LASIK have made it an appealing option for millions worldwide suffering from visual impairment. This intricate yet swift operation corrects vision by reshaping the cornea using laser technology. What happens during this operation may alleviate concerns about being awake throughout the procedure.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK eye surgery, technically known as Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a sophisticated procedure designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. It involves the use of an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. The clear front part of your eye. By altering this area’s curvature, it improves light entering your eye to be properly focused onto your retina.
While remaining conscious may sound alarming, it’s worth noting that LASIK eye surgery employs numbing drops in lieu of general anesthesia. This technique ensures patients remain awake but experience minimal discomfort during their short journey towards improved vision. The concept behind being awake lies in maintaining patient cooperation and verbal communication throughout the operation, assisting surgeons with more accurate results.
The actual procedure begins with creating a thin flap on your cornea using either another laser or a microkeratome blade. The surgeon then folds back this flap to access underlying corneal tissue (stroma). Using pulses from a computer-controlled laser, they remove layers from stroma until achieving desired reshaping effects for sharper vision correction. Once completed, they reposition the flap which naturally adheres without stitches. Marking an end to what typically amounts up only 15-20 minutes per eye.
Consciousness During LASIK Eye Surgery
The thought of remaining conscious during a surgical procedure, especially one involving the eyes, can seem daunting to many. The term ‘awake’ in the context of LASIK eye surgery refers to being alert and responsive but not necessarily experiencing discomfort or pain. Anesthetic drops are administered into patients’ eyes before the procedure begins, numbing them effectively.
The decision for patients to remain awake is not arbitrary; it serves an essential function during LASIK eye surgery. By maintaining consciousness, patients can follow simple instructions provided by their surgeon such as looking at a specified point of light during certain stages of the operation. This collaboration between patient and doctor ensures precision, leading to optimal outcomes.
Contrary to common misconceptions about anesthesia usage in surgeries, LASIK does not necessitate sedation or general anesthesia because it’s non-invasive and relatively quick with minimal physical discomfort involved. While you remain aware throughout the process under normal circumstances, your comfort remains a top priority for medical professionals conducting this vision correction procedure.
What Happens During LASIK Eye Surgery?
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of what occurs during LASIK eye surgery can alleviate concerns and provide reassurance to prospective patients. This process, while sophisticated in its execution, is
relatively straightforward to comprehend when broken down into incremental steps.
- Preparation: Prior to the procedure, numbing drops are applied to your eyes. You remain awake but will not feel any pain.
- Creating the Corneal Flap: A device called a microkeratome or femtosecond laser creates a thin flap on the surface of your cornea.
- Reshaping the Cornea: The surgeon carefully folds back this flap exposing underlying corneal tissue. Then they use an excimer laser which removes precise amounts of stroma based on your specific vision prescription.
- Flap Repositioning: After reshaping, the surgeon repositions and aligns the corneal flap back onto its original site where it adheres naturally without needing stitches.
- Post-Operative Care : Once completed, you’ll rest for a short period before being discharged with clear instructions for home care including using prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops.
Each step involved in LASIK eye surgery strives towards ensuring patient comfort while achieving optimal results in vision correction. All within an impressively brief span of time compared to other surgical procedures!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of anesthesia is used during LASIK eye surgery?
Local anesthetic drops are used to numb the eyes. These ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure without experiencing pain.
Will I be fully conscious during LASIK surgery?
Yes, patients stay awake and responsive but remain free from discomfort thanks to effective numbing of the eyes before and during the operation.
Is it normal to feel anxious about being awake for eye surgery?
Absolutely! It’s common for individuals to feel nervous about any surgical procedure, especially when they are expected to stay conscious. Rest assured that LASIK has been performed millions of times worldwide with high satisfaction rates.
How long does a typical LASIK eye surgery session last?
The actual laser treatment part typically takes less than a minute per eye. Expect your entire appointment on your day of surgery to last approximately an hour or two for preparation and post-procedure care.
