Why Is There Pressure in Eyes During LASIK?
Why Is There Pressure in Eyes During LASIK? LASIK, commonly selected visual correction method, may induce a sense of pressure in the eyes. The sensation often causes concern among prospective patients, raising questions about its cause and how it can be managed effectively.
The process of reshaping the cornea – central to LASIK’s ability to correct vision – involves creating a thin flap on the eye’s surface. This action necessitates increased intraocular pressure for a brief period, potentially causing discomfort. Yet this part of the procedure plays an integral role in enabling clearer sight post-surgery.
While these sensations might seem daunting initially, understanding their origin and purpose can alleviate worries linked with undergoing LASIK surgery. Various techniques exist to reduce or manage this experienced pressure making the prospect less intimidating for those considering this route towards improved vision.
LASIK Surgery
LASIK, an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a modern eye surgery technique designed to correct common vision problems. It utilizes laser technology to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. This reshaping process allows light entering the eye to be correctly focused onto the retina for clearer vision. The procedure is often used as a solution to conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
While undergoing LASIK surgery, patients may experience some pressure in their eyes – an occurrence that can cause concern if not adequately explained beforehand. This sensation largely stems from increased intraocular pressure during specific stages of the operation. However, it’s crucial to note this brief discomfort plays a vital role in achieving successful outcomes post-surgery.
The application of a device known as a microkeratome or femtosecond laser creates a thin circular “flap” in your cornea during LASIK surgery – contributing largely towards increased internal ocular pressure felt by patients. Upon creating this flap, surgeons lift it expose underlying corneal tissue ready for reshaping with another laser (excimer). Following adequate reshaping corresponding with required vision correction levels; they reposition this flap back into place where it adheres naturally without stitches – concluding core aspects of LASIK surgical procedures.
While sensations experienced during LASIK might initially appear daunting – understanding their origin and purpose helps alleviate associated concerns substantially among prospective patients considering improved visual acuity through refractive surgeries like these.
Causes of Pressure in Eyes During LASIK
During a LASIK procedure, an instrument known as a microkeratome or femtosecond laser is used to create a thin circular “flap” in the cornea. This action necessitates significantly increasing intraocular pressure for a
brief period, which can induce sensations likened to pressure or discomfort by patients. It’s worth noting that this part of the operation plays an integral role in allowing clearer vision post-surgery.
The sensation of increased eye pressure during LASIK surgery arises specifically at two stages: firstly when creating the corneal flap and secondly while reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. The process involves briefly flattening the eye using a suction ring before making incisions – causing temporary but noticeable heightened ocular tension. Once completed, however, normal intraocular pressures resume swiftly after removing surgical instruments.
This short-lived discomfort often causes concern among prospective patients considering LASIK surgeries leading them on quests toward understanding its causes (such as those outlined above) and seeking effective solutions for managing these feelings during their procedures. By grasping that this transient increase in ocular strain forms part of achieving improved visual acuity through refractive surgeries like LASIK; concerns typically diminish substantially among individuals contemplating this path towards better sight.
Managing Eye Pressure During LASIK
Alleviating the sensation of eye pressure during a LASIK procedure involves several strategies. These techniques are employed by physicians to ensure patient comfort, as well as successful surgical outcomes. It’s important for prospective patients to understand these methods in order to ease any concerns about the procedure.
One such approach is the use of anaesthetic eye drops prior to the surgery. This local anesthesia numbs the eyes and reduces sensations during the procedure, including intraocular pressure increases.
Sedatives: Some doctors may administer mild oral sedatives like Valium or Ativan before beginning LASIK surgeries – helping patients relax thereby reducing anxiety linked with anticipated discomfort. Communication: Surgeons often maintain ongoing communication throughout procedures ensuring their patients are aware of upcoming stages likely causing increased ocular tension – enabling mental preparation that can help make these moments more manageable.
Swift Execution: Due largely to technological advancements; modern-day corneal flap creation and reshaping processes happen incredibly fast (under ten seconds). This rapid execution minimizes time spent experiencing uncomfortable sensations related directly with heightened intraocular pressures. Post-Surgery Care: Following surgery, simple actions such as avoiding rubbing your eyes and using prescribed eye drops can aid recovery while preventing potential complications that might cause undue ocular strain post-procedure.
By understanding these measures taken towards managing experienced eye pressure during LASIK; individuals considering this path toward enhanced visual acuity will undoubtedly feel more at ease when making their decisions regarding such refractive surgeries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is LASIK and how does it work?
LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure that corrects vision problems by reshaping the cornea using laser technology. The process allows light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clearer vision.
Why do I feel pressure in my eyes during LASIK surgery?
During LASIK, an instrument creates a thin flap in your cornea which temporarily increases intraocular pressure. This short-lived sensation often feels like pressure or discomfort but quickly subsides once the instruments are removed.
How can eye pressure during LASIK be managed effectively?
Managing eye pressure during a LASIK procedure involves several methods including use of local anesthesia via eye drops, administration of mild sedatives prior to surgery, ongoing communication throughout the operation from surgeons and swift execution of procedures that cause increased ocular tension.
Does feeling this pressure mean something has gone wrong with my surgery?
Not at all! Experiencing some degree of increased ocular tension during specific stages of your procedure is entirely normal - forming part of achieving improved visual acuity through refractive surgeries like these.
