If you are interested in having LASIK surgery, the first step is to meet with at least one refractive surgeon to discuss the procedure and come up with a treatment plan and timeline. The actual procedure is just one step of the LASIK treatment plan. After the procedure you’ll need to closely follow your doctor’s post-operative care plan. In this post, the team at the Laser Eye Center of Miami discusses the timeline for your LASIK surgery.
Pre-LASIK Consultation
Before you schedule your LASIK procedure, you’ll need to schedule a pre-LASIK consultation. Most laser eye surgeons offer complimentary consultations to determine if you are eligible for LASIK.
At your consultation, you and your LASIK surgeon can discuss several important issues:
- Whether you are a good candidate for LASIK
- What you need to do to prepare for your LASIK surgery
- The risks, side effects, and potential complications from LASIK surgery
Your LASIK consultant will ask you to refrain from wearing contacts for at least a few weeks before your procedure. The day before your procedure, you’ll be asked to avoid putting makeup, lotions, or creams on your face because it can increase the risk of infection during your procedure.
The LASIK Procedure
The LASIK procedure takes around 30 minutes to complete. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes. If you are undergoing a bladeless LASIK procedure, a femtosecond laser will be used to create a corneal flap.
The laser then reshapes the cornea to improve your vision. The corneal flap is put back in place, and an eye shield is placed to protect the corneal flap.
LASIK Recovery
Your LASIK consultant will give you a detailed post-operative treatment plan, which may include the following recommendations:
- Avoid wearing makeup, lotions or creams for up to two weeks after your procedure.
- Wear the eye shield at night until the corneal flap has healed.
- Avoid contact sports until the corneal flap has healed.
You may experience blurry vision and some discomfort immediately after your procedure. These symptoms generally subside within a few days.
It’s critical that you attend all follow-up appointments with your LASIK surgeon. Your doctor needs to monitor your progress and look for signs of any side effects. You can also ask questions about when you can resume certain activities.
Some people have clearer vision right after surgery, while many have fluctuations in their vision for several months after their procedure. Most people are satisfied with their LASIK results and enjoy their reduced reliance on eyeglasses and contacts.
If you’re ready to find out if LASIK is right for you, schedule a consultation with one of our LASIK eye surgeons. Please contact the Laser Eye Center of Miami to schedule your consultation.