If you are considering Lasik eye surgery in Londonderry And Windham, you are not alone. More and more Americans are visiting their eye doctors for this vision correction surgery. Thanks to new technological developments and eye doctors who are increasingly experienced in this technique, laser eye surgery is now safer and more affordable than ever. Keep reading for answers to some frequently asked questions about Lasik.
What is Lasik Eye Surgery?
Lasik eye surgery is a surgical procedure in which eye doctors apply a cool beam of focused light to gently reshape the cornea, or the surface of the eye, to improve a patient’s vision. For nearsightedness, Lasik surgery removes microscopic bits of tissue to flatten the cornea. For farsightedness, an eye doctor will steepen the cornea. For patients with astigmatism, corneal irregularities must be smoothed out.
Does Laser Eye Surgery Hurt?
Patients feel no pain at all during laser eye surgery. During your Lasik procedure, your eye doctor places anesthetic eye drops in your eye so that it is completely numb. Most Lasik patients report no discomfort or mild discomfort for a day or two after surgery. Your eye doctors can prescribe pain medication, if necessary. However, most patients wake up with dramatically improved vision and no pain at all the day after their Lasik surgery is performed.
How Do I Know If I Am a Good Candidate?
Only your eye doctor can properly determine if you are a good candidate for Lasik. In general, you must have healthy eyes free of glaucoma, infection, or cataracts before you can undergo laser eye surgery. You must also be an adult who has had stable vision for at least one year before surgery. Eye doctors generally discourage pregnant or nursing women from having Lasik, as hormone levels can affect the shape of the eye. If you are pregnant or nursing, you may be approved for Lasik surgery after you have given birth or ceased nursing.