Burning Out Imperfections, Seeing the World Through (Almost) New Eyes

Refractive surgery, commonly known as LASIK, is the most popular kind of eye surgery today, because there is no post-operative pain experienced. A laser, or an instrument called a microkeratome, is used to create a round flap which the surgeon later folds into the cornea. Then the surgeon removes some corneal tissue with an excimer laser to reshape it. Once the cornea is reshaped, good vision is achieved, because the cornea now functions properly to focus light into the eye and onto the retina.

Both nearsighted and farsighted people can undergo LASIK surgery. Before the surgery, the doctor needs to perform an exam to check whether your eyes are healthy enough and detect signs of dry eye disease. A wavefront analysis, which emits light waves into the eye, is also done, to create a map of your cornea.

The actual surgery actually takes only five minutes. You will be given numbing eye drops to avoid discomfort during the procedure. A retainer holds your eyelids to keep them open as you lie down while the doctor creates the flap in your cornea to prevent eye movements. A computer is used to apply excimer laser which will send pulses of light to your cornea. As the laser begins to reshape your cornea, you will hear a clicking sound.

After the procedure, your eye doctor Indianapolis will have you rest for a while before continuing on your other eye. However, you might be given the option to have your operation on your second eye a week later. Your doctor will prescribe medication in case you experience pain, but most people do not experience any kind of discomfort after the operation—which is why LASIK surgery is quite popular and incredibly convenient.

As with any kind of operation, you should follow the advice of your eye doctor Indianapolis IN. After the operation, you should have someone to accompany you home or drive you. You will likely be able to report for work the next day, but it is best that you rest for a couple of days.

Even after the surgery your eye doctor Indianapolis IN performs, you still might need reading glasses when you reach your 40s because of presbyopia which is a normal condition related to age. In spite of this condition, your distance vision should remain clear.