Lasik Eye Surgery DC

With constant advances in technology, the current way of doing things is quickly becoming the old way. One of the forefronts of this new trendsetting technology seems to be the medical field. What have been considered common accessories, eyeglasses and contacts are quickly falling victim to these new advances, courtesy of LASIK eye surgery.

Although it is not for everyone, LASIK is a surgery that has been designed to help reduce, if not entirely eliminate, an individuals need for contacts and/or eyeglasses. Commonly referred to as "flap and zap" in slang terms, LASIK eye surgery is exactly as it sounds. LASIK is an acronym meaning "Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis." In Situ is Latin, meaning not removed, and Keratomileusis refers to the reshaping of the cornea. LASIK is basically a surgery utilizing a particular type of laser to permanently alter the shape of the cornea, thereby changing an individual’s vision.

There are different types of vision problems, ranging in different degrees of severity. These vision problems can lead an individual to choose a permanent solution, such as eye surgery - particularly LASIK eye surgery. Myopia - or nearsightedness in layman’s, hyperopia - or farsightedness in layman’s, and astigmatism are all very common vision problems. Sometimes, nearsightedness and farsightedness may coexist with astigmatism. Usually, contacts and eyeglasses provide a quick, but temporary fix, for a problem that is very frustrating. Vision is fine with them on, then, once they are removed, it returns to blurred and fuzzy. Eyeglasses and contacts are only temporary solutions intended to compensate for what the eye is unable to do. Prescriptions can change over time. LASIK is an alternate solution that can provide permanent results.

As with all medical procedures, not everyone is a candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Some people may be perfect candidates, while others may need to discuss this with a physician as well as their eye surgeon, and others still may not even be considered as candidates. Basically, in order to determine eligibility, it is important to speak with your eye doctor to determine if LASIK eye surgery is an option for you. Look for a reliable eye doctor or eye surgery center with a good reputation, a long history of performing LASIK procedures, and quality service.

The basic guidelines for LASIK eye surgery are fairly straight-forward. First, you must be at least eighteen years of age; some doctors may even have a minimum age limit of twenty-one. Obviously, you must have eyes that are free from any infection, disease, or any other condition that could adversely affect surgical healing. Also, do not consider LASIK if you are currently pregnant or nursing, since these hormones can affect your vision. You must also have maintained your current vision for a minimum of twelve months prior to surgery. Furthermore, you won’t be eligible for LASIK eye surgery if you have any disease, such as an autoimmune disease, that could effect surgical healing. If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, you still may not be an ideal candidate for LASIK eye surgery. As with all surgeries, there are many factors that need to be considered for eligibility.

In order to be considered a "perfect" candidate for LASIK eye surgery, there are still more guidelines. You should have maintained the same prescription for eyeglasses and/or contact lenses for a minimum of twenty-four months. The thickness of your cornea should be ideally suited to allow the eye surgeon to create a flap. Also, your vision problems should be relatively simple, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or a combination of one of the two former with the latter.

If you are interested in LASIK eye surgery and fit all of the base criteria, discuss the surgery with your eye doctor. However, if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements for LASIK, consider an alternate option. LASIK is not ideal for everyone. There are other treatments that are available, and your eye doctor will help you find one that is appropriate for you.

LASIK eye surgery is very similar to other surgeries. There is an evaluation, preparation for surgery, the procedure, and post-operative exam. Each part is just as important as the one before it, as well as the one after it. It is very important that you follow all of your doctor’s instructions for each aspect of the surgery in order to get the best results with the lowest instance of complications.

Before you have your surgery, and even before your initial evaluation, you will be given some instructions of what to do to prepare your eyes, mainly your corneas. If you are a contact lens wearer, then your doctor will instruct you to stop wearing your contact lenses and switch over to your glasses for a minimum of four weeks. Contact lenses change the shape of your cornea, and you need to allow your cornea to return back to its normal shape before you have surgery. You will also need to stop using any sort of eye make-up, face creams or lotions, perfumes, or hairspray for a minimum of twenty-four hours before your surgery.

The surgery itself is an outpatient procedure. It takes approximately thirty minutes, usually fifteen per eye. Since the procedure is outpatient, make sure to arrange for transportation home, since your eyes will obviously be recovering and will be out of commission for the time being. The surgeon will have you sit in a reclining chair, and will begin by numbing the eye, or eyes, and cleaning the eye and the surrounding area. A medical device, referred to as a lid speculum, will be positioned to keep your eyelids open for the duration of the surgery. You will be asked to stare at a light to help keep your eyes still. The surgeon will then use a cool laser to cut a flap into the outer layer of your cornea, allowing access to inner layers. The surgeon will then use another cool laser to remove or reshape other corneal layers determined by your specific vision problems. The surgeon will then reposition the flap and give you eye shields to wear to help protect your cornea until it is healed. After this is over, you will be allowed to leave and will be sent home with further instructions.