Eye Surgery is performed to treat a variety of eye conditions such as glaucoma, crooked eyes (strabismus), and other medical issues. Some eye surgeries are performed for cosmetic reasons, while others can help restore vision that has been damaged by an accident or disease.
Before the procedure, you will be given a complete eye exam to make sure that your eye is healthy and to determine the best type of eye surgery for you. The doctor will take detailed measurements of the curvature of your cornea, the size of your pupils in light and dark, the color and thickness of your iris, and the amount of astigmatism you have. You may also need other tests to ensure that you are a good candidate for the surgery. You will be asked to sign a consent form that confirms that you understand the risks and benefits of the surgery.
Once you are ready to have the surgery, a nurse will administer numbing drops to your eyes. You will then lie down on an operating table. Your surgeon will use a laser known as an excimer, which is the most precise type of cutting laser available to eye doctors today, to create a thin flap on the cornea. This flap is then lifted out of the way and the laser reshapes the corneal surface to correct your vision. The flap is then put back in place. In a variation of this procedure, your eye surgeon may use an instrument called a microkeratome to make the flap, rather than a laser. This technique is known as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK.
Your surgeon will then replace the natural lens http://lasikeyesurgerylouisville.com of your eye with a clear plastic or silicone lens. This is a type of refractive surgery that corrects moderate to severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It can also be used to replace a cataract, which is a cloudy area that develops in the natural lens of the eye and blurs your vision.
The surgeon will remove the vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills the center of your eye. This allows light to pass through more easily to the retina at the back of your eye, where it sends visual signals to the brain. Your doctor will also remove any scar tissue or foreign material that is present in the vitreous.
After the surgery, your eye will be covered with a plastic shield to protect it while it heals. You will be given prescription eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation, as well as eyedrops to keep your eyes moist. You should call your doctor if your eye feels painful or uncomfortable, or if your vision changes before your follow-up appointment. Most patients get their vision back within a few days, but it can take up to a month. You should avoid rubbing or scratching your eye until it is healed. Your doctor will give you an eye shield to wear while you sleep, and you should not drive until your vision has stabilized.