samedi 4 juin 2016

Facts Related To Lasik San Antonio Eye Patients Need To Have

By Anna Edwards


Lasik (laser in-situ keratomileusis), is an eye procedure used to correct abnormalities of vision such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia among others. The main aim of the procedure is to change the shape of the cornea which in turn changes the angles of reflection and refraction. If they have plans of undergoing Lasik San Antonio residents need to understand a number of things on the procedure.

Before the operation, one should see an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). The specialist takes a clinical history of the condition in question and examines the affected eye. Some of the things that the doctor will be seeking to assess at this time include pupillary dilation, intraocular pressure and corneal thickness among others. If underlying medical conditions are identified, the operation will either be postponed or cancelled.

Your doctor will instruct you on how you are to prepare for the surgery. If you wear permeable contact lenses you will be asked to stop wearing them for at least three weeks before undergoing preoperative evaluation. For other types, the period is three days. Other precautions include stopping any blood thinning medication that you may be using as well as abstaining from smoking until healing takes place.

The operation is typically done in an outpatient department since there is hardly any need to use general or regional anesthesia. A few drops of a local anesthetic drug or injections into the eye lids are usually sufficient to provide comfort as one is being operated. The doctor will ask you to fix your gaze on a specific object so that your cornea can be properly positioned.

The laser is directed to the area of interest and directed slowly as it cuts through the upper corneal surface. Very thin corneal flaps are created so as to access the underlying tissue (the stroma). It is this tissue that is targeted for reshaping. A special computer software has been developed to help in calculating the amount of laser to be used in a specific case to avoid unnecessary injuries.

There are a number of side effects that you should anticipate. There is a bit of discomfort in the first two or so days. Other commonly encountered side effects include visualization of halos, double vision, difficulties in driving at night and increased eye dryness. These problems usually resolve gradually over time. In case of persistent eye dryness, artificial tears can be used or a procedure known as punctal occlusion performed.

After Lasik patients usually reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. A number of them may not even need them afterwards. Generally, improvements are noted within a day or two. There is no need for stitches or bandages as is the case with many other types of operations. The doctor will prescribe some antibiotics to help keep infections at bay as you continue to recover.

As you age, some visual abnormalities may recur which may necessitate a repeat of Lasik. In about 96% of patients, this is hardly necessary. It is important to bear in mind that not all visual abnormalities will be corrected using the procedure. Patients with severe nearsightedness or extremely thin corneas, for example, do not qualify as candidates.




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