What Is LASEK Laser Eye Surgery
What Is LASEK Laser Eye Surgery LASEK, or Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy, is a type of refractive eye surgery that corrects vision problems. Surgeons use this method to reshape the cornea in the eye, addressing nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
LASEK enhances your eyesight by fine-tuning precision focusing. It’s often viewed as an alternative not only for people who are fed up with glasses or contact lenses but also for those who have been told they’re unsuitable candidates for LASIK.
An Overview of LASEK Laser Eye Surgery
LASEK laser eye surgery stands for Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy. It’s a type of vision correction procedure used to reshape the cornea and correct eye conditions visually impaired people often face. These usually include common abnormalities such as myopia (nearsightedness), hypermetropia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.
The goal of LASEK laser eye surgery, much like other forms of refractive procedures, is reducing or even eliminating dependency on glasses or contact lenses entirely. With advanced technology supporting our brilliant medical professionals, improving your vision has never been so safe and reliable.
Benefits of LASEK Surgery
LASEK surgery comes with a myriad of benefits for those seeking vision correction. First and foremost, it holds the potential to significantly reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses. This simple change can greatly improve your quality of life, allowing you more freedom in sports and other activities where corrective lenses may be cumbersome.
Additionally, LASEK surgery has a quicker healing process than many forms of laser eye surgeries due to an innovative technique that preserves much of the cornea during the procedure. The method requires fewer corneal cuts leading to less pain post-surgery and promoting a safer recovery period overall. Other benefits include lower risk factors compared to other types of surgeries such as LASIK plus improved chances for people with thin corneas who might not qualify for certain procedures.
Recovery Process after LASEK Surgery
The recovery process following LASEK surgery varies from person to person, but the general timeline is roughly one week. During this period, it’s expected that you may notice changes in your vision as adjustment takes place. You’re initially provided with protective eye gear and medicated drops which need to be used regularly.
Comfortable full recovery is typically reported within three months post-surgery for most patients undergoing surgery. While at first slight blurriness or hazy vision can occur, improvements become noticeable after about a week when the healing phase kicks into high gear. It’s crucial during this period to avoid rubbing your eyes or carrying out activities involving dust exposure that could potentially harm your delicate recovering cornea.
A key part of the recovery process involves frequent follow up appointments with your surgeon over a span of six months ensuring everything lines up according to plan. Monitoring includes checking visual acuity progress and confirming no existing complications endangering optimal outcomes from your surgical journey thus far.
Risks and Complications of LASEK Surgery
While the benefits of LASEK surgery often outweigh the cons for many individuals, it’s important to understand that some risks are inherent with any surgical procedure. Potential complications may include instances of dry eye syndrome or an infection post-surgery; however, these incidences are relatively rare thanks to improved techniques and medications available nowadays.
Risks specific to vision correction surgeries like LASEK could involve undercorrections or overcorrections during the reshaping process which might require additional procedures. In certain cases, refractive changes within your eyes as you age could cause original vision issues resurfacing despite prior successful treatment. Remember, though complications can occur they are likely manageable when promptly addressed by seasoned experts aware of recovery protocols in case problems arise during follow-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the LASEK surgery procedure take? A: The actual laser treatment usually takes less than a minute, though you can expect to be at the clinic for around two hours considering preparatory procedures and post-surgery care.
Q: Can I completely throw away my glasses after LASEK surgery? A: Many people do experience significant vision improvement post-procedure; however, results vary depending on each individual’s condition. It is well possible that you won’t need to rely heavily on your glasses like before but occasional use may not be entirely ruled out.
Q: Are there any age constraints for LASEK eye surgery? A: Typically surgeons advise patients to be 18 years or older so as to ensure optical stability since younger eyes are still growing and changing. Also insurance companies often specify an upper age limit for coverage of refractive surgeries like LASEK.
Please note, this article is meant solely for informational purposes and should not substitute professional medical advice.
