What to Expect After LASIK

LASIK eye surgery has become an extremely common and popular procedure in the last decade. Used to treat the refractive conditions myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, LASIK has been performed an estimated 28 million times around the world. In most cases, LASIK offers patients permanent vision correction and eliminates the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses.

The LASIK Procedure

LASIK is a safe and relatively painless outpatient procedure. The bladeless (Femto-LASIK) technology used by our ophthalmologists to perform LASIK in Kuwait allows for patients to enjoy results almost immediately. Refractive eye surgery works by using a laser to reshape the cornea to correct each patient’s particular eye condition. In most cases, patients can expect to enjoy 20/20 vision almost immediately after the surgery.

An ophthalmologist will first perform a comprehensive eye exam, as well as a corneal mapping, to determine whether a patient is a candidate for LASIK. In order for the procedure to be successful, the corneas need to be thick enough to allow for the creation of the corneal flap.

Other conditions that must be met in order to qualify for LASIK include:

• The patient must be 18 years of age or older
• The patient must have otherwise healthy eyes
• The patient must have stable prescription that has not changed for at least a year

In certain cases, patients who do not qualify for LASIK may still be candidates for PRK surgery.

What Comes Next – After LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK is a relatively short procedure, and patients can expect to spend one to two hours in the ophthalmologist’s office from prep time until the completion of surgery. The procedure itself only takes 15 – 20 minutes per eye, but patients will not be able to drive after the procedure and will need to make alternate transportation arrangements.

Some of the most common symptoms immediately after LASIK surgery include dry eyes and blurred vision, though healing is very quick and most patients notice a marked improvement in visual acuity within days of the surgery. Protective goggles may be necessary immediately after the surgery to protect the corneas, and the surgeon will prescribe medicated eye drops to keep the eyes moist and to prevent infection.

A follow-up exam is usually scheduled within 24 – 48 hours following the surgery, and patients will need to schedule regular follow-up exams in the six months after the surgery to monitor progress and healing.

Certain sports and vigorous activities where the eyes are at risk of injury from projectiles (like baseball, for example) will need to be avoided in the months following LASIK surgery. Patients will also need to take care to avoid rubbing or scratching the eyes as the corneas heal.

With a few simple and relatively easy precautions, most patients will enjoy immediate, permanent vision improvement with LASIK.

Contact Expert Ophthalmologists at Beverly Hills Kuwait!

Contact an expert ophthalmologist at Beverly Hills Medical Center Kuwait today! Call +(965)-222-89999 or schedule an appointment online.

Next, read more about Why Eye Exams Are Important For Children.