For a variety of reasons, people tend to lose their visual acuity and turn to glasses and contact lenses to correct their vision. through the use of a laser lasik eye surgery can correct a wide range of vision problems end the need for visual enhancement devices for most people. As the cornea is exposed to the rigors of daily life they can become misshapen and not allow light to pass through evenly, causing a need for glasses or contact lenses. Nearsightedness and farsightedness, the most common vision problems people experience, can usually be corrected quickly and easily with lasik surgery.
Still in its infancy with the use of a laser, lasik eye surgery can reshape the cornea to correct many vision problems. Although there are inherent risks involved with any surgical procedure, with the use of a computer controlled laser lasik eye surgery reduces many of the associated risks. The term reshaping may be a misnomer as the laser evens out any areas of the cornea that can affect how light is passed through the eye to the lens.
To determine if a person is a good candidate for laser lasik eye surgery, a lasik NJ ophthalmologist (or another state ophthalmologist) will give the patient a thorough visual examination to determine the extent of their vision needs. They will also make a topographical map of the cornea's surface to determine if any sections are upraised, which can cause a loss of visual acuity. This map will serve as a guide for the laser as it burns away any areas that are too high and causing vision problems.
The procedure, one approved will involve a small flap being cut into the surface of the cornea through which the surgeon will guide the laser as it removes any areas of the cornea, the surface of the eye, reshaping it to properly transmit light to the lens. Once the procedure is complete, the flap is place back over the eye where it is held in place under its own weight. While the surgery is typically performed as an outpatient, recovery times can be as long as six weeks for the restoration of full vision.
The patient can expect to suffer some pain and discomfort for the first two or three days, growing less intense while the cornea heals, but sue to the flap essentially being loose in the eye may feel as though there is something constantly in the eye. Following the initial follow up visit with the surgeon it can be determined if the person can participate in low-impact activities or if more time is needed.
Any activity that may cause the flap to be jarred out of position will need to be avoided until the doctor agrees a full recovery has been achieved. While working with a laser lasik eye surgeons are realizing good success, there may be a need for additional shaping procedures. However, this may not be known for several weeks or even a few months following the surgery, providing no complications occurred during the procedure.
