LASIK Costs: What Should I Expect?
May 16, 2015Diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome through Tear Osmolarity Testing
July 16, 2015
Close-up of an eye before LASIK
If the daily hassle of glasses or contacts is getting you down, LASIK surgery can improve your vision and quality of life. LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a minimal discomfort procedure that involves virtually no downtime. Because the surgery is so efficient and safe, the preparatory process is easy, as well. Nevertheless, it is important to be fully informed about your procedure and to follow your doctor’s instructions. Proper care before your surgery will make the healing process even easier. Dr. Miller and his team will provide a complete consultation and pre-op instructions. They are always ready to answer your questions, and they will do everything they can to make the process as easy as possible. To learn more about per-op LASIK instructions, contact our New Jersey practice today.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK is one of the most popular elective procedures in the world. It can reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contacts. Before your surgery, Dr. Miller will numb your eye with anesthetic drops. Then, using an advanced Intralase™ laser, he will create an incredibly thin flap in the surface of your cornea. The computer-guided techniques will make this process accurate and virtually risk-free. Lifting up the flap, Dr. Miller will use an excimer laser to reshape your cornea. By removing tiny amounts of tissue, he can improve the path of light through your eye so that it focuses in the center of your retina. Your eye can then transmit clear signals to your brain. Once he has achieved the proper degree of correction, Dr. Miller will lay the flap back down. Healing will take place naturally within a few days.
The Pre-op Consultation
Before you can receive LASIK, you will need to schedule a complete evaluation. Dr. Miller will examine your eyes, test your vision, and take your medical history. He will also measure your pupils and check the dimensions of your eyes. Then he can determine whether or not LASIK surgery is right for you. You may be a good candidate for LASIK if:
- You suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
- You are over age 18
- You have had stable vision for at least one year
- You are not nursing or pregnant
- You are in good physical health and you do not have uncontrolled diabetes or an autoimmune disease
- You have reasonable expectations for the procedure
Dr. Miller will also explain LASIK in detail so you will know exactly what to expect on the day of your surgery.
The Weeks before Surgery
LASIK surgery involves minimal preparation. However, if you currently wear contact lenses, you will need to stop wearing them in the weeks leading up to your procedure. If you wear soft lenses, you should not wear them for two weeks before LASIK. You should stop wearing rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses and toric soft lenses for three weeks. If you wear hard lenses, you will probably need to leave them out for about a month.
During the weeks before LASIK, you should also learn as much as you can about the procedure. That way, you will feel completely comfortable when the day of your surgery arrives. You should also arrange for a ride home from our office. Finally, although the treatment involves negligible downtime, you should take the day of your surgery off from work.
The Day of Your Surgery
Make-up can irritate your eyes and increase your risk for post-surgical irritation. The night before your procedure, you should carefully clean your face, and you should arrive at our office completely makeup-free. Unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Miller, continue to take all regular medications. Finally, you do not need to fast before LASIK. However, you should not eat a heavy meal before your procedure. With the proper preparations, your surgery may be easier and more successful than you ever thought possible.
Learn More about LASIK and Find Out if it Is Right for You
Contact the Laser Vision Correction Center of New Jersey and schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller. He will explain more about LASIK and help you determine if it is the right option for you.