Understanding LASIK Surgery: A Guide to Safe and Successful Vision Correction

One of the most common reasons why most people in New Jersey wear contact lenses or eyeglasses today is because they have refractive vision problems. These issues occur when you have astigmatism, nearsightedness, or far-sightedness.

The choice to wear contact lenses or glasses to solve refractive vision problems can sometimes be inconvenient to some people. What’s more, the lenses and glasses can be expensive as you need to change your prescription regularly. That’s where the LASIK surgery comes in.

A successful LASIK eye surgery facilitates effective vision correction. So, it ensures you can see the world without the hassle, burden, and ongoing costs of glasses or contact lenses. In this article, we’ll help you understand more about LASIK eye surgery in New Jersey.

Why Is LASIK Done?

LASIK surgery is a highly effective solution for correcting common refractive errors, including:

• Astigmatism: A condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens.
• Nearsightedness (Myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
• Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty focusing on close objects.

This innovative procedure is virtually painless and takes less than 15 minutes for both eyes. One of the most remarkable aspects of LASIK is that its results are almost immediate. Many patients experience improved vision within hours, with stabilization occurring over the next few days.

LASIK is also known for its minimal post-operative discomfort and rapid healing. Most patients can return to their regular activities the day after surgery, making it an attractive option for busy individuals.

How it works

LASIK eye surgery uses a specialized laser to correct refractive issues by reshaping the cornea—the clear, front part of the eye. The goal of reshaping is to ensure that light entering the eye focuses directly on the retina, providing clear vision.

When you go for lasik in New Jersey at Dello Russo Laser Vision , the process begins with a thorough eye exam. This exam helps determine whether you are a suitable candidate for LASIK. It includes assessing:

• The level of vision correction needed.
• Pupil size.
• Corneal thickness.
• Overall eye health.

Once your doctor confirms that you are a good candidate for the procedure, you can proceed with surgery. Here is what typically happens during LASIK:

1. Creating the Corneal Flap: A laser is used to create a thin, precise flap on the surface of the cornea.
2. Reshaping the Cornea: The surgeon lifts the flap and uses another laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. This step corrects the refractive error and improves how light focuses on the retina.
3. Repositioning the Flap: After reshaping, the corneal flap is gently placed back into position, where it heals naturally without the need for stitches.

An essential detail to note is that you’ll remain awake during the procedure. Numbing eye drops are applied to ensure you don’t feel pain, and you’ll experience minimal discomfort throughout the process. The surgery is quick, often completed within minutes, and patients can typically leave the clinic shortly afterward.

How long does recovery take?

As mentioned earlier, recovery after LASIK surgery is almost immediate. You only need to rest your eyes for several hours after the procedure. Sometimes, your doctor can recommend that you relax in a darkened room in your home or take a nap for a few hours.

An essential point to note is that you should avoid activities that strain your eyes, like using screens or reading. But you can resume normal activities a day after the eye surgery. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK. Here are the qualifications for a successful procedure:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Stable Prescription: Your vision prescription should remain stable for at least one year before the surgery.
• Healthy Eyes: Your eyes should be free from infections, injuries, or conditions like severe dry eye.
• Adequate Corneal Thickness: Sufficient corneal thickness is necessary to ensure safe reshaping during the procedure.
• General Health: Good overall health is essential. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders may increase the risk of complications.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait until their hormones stabilize before undergoing LASIK, as hormonal changes can temporarily affect vision.

Bottom Line

Going for LASIK eye surgery can be one of the best decisions you can make. As mentioned, it is one of the safest and most successful vision correction solutions available. Therefore, after the surgery, you’ll not have to worry about the burden of wearing glasses and contact lenses. 

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk