The Seven Facts of LASIK
If you are considering LASIK laser vision correction, it is important that you know some vital facts.
Once you have this vision correction procedure, you will have to live with the results for the rest of your life.
It is also important to understand that LASIK surgery holds no guarantees; some people do still need glasses after surgery.
Fact #1 LASIK is not for everyone.
Just because you wear glasses or contacts, that doesn't necessarily mean that you are eligible for LASIK eye surgery.
It is important that you consult with your ophthalmologist to make sure that LASIK is right for your eyes.
Fact #2 No surgery should be taken lightly, and LASIK is no exception.
If you have decided that LASIK is the right course of action for you, make sure that you find a board certified surgeon.
Also be sure and double check on the surgeon's credentials and experience.
Find out about any post-operation consultations that are offered and see if you will need to be referred to a different doctor for these consults.
Fact #3 Do you have any specific eye problems like near-sightedness (myopia) or astigmatism? LASIK is the recommended procedure for these.
However, if you have severe myopia it may not be fixed by just one procedure.
If you have chronic dry eye, corneal disease, or other eye conditions, LASIK is not recommended and could do more harm than good.
Fact #4 You will be awake during this procedure.
If your surgeon does not explain this or anything else until you are comfortable, then you need to ask questions.
You need to express your concerns to your surgeon so that he or she is able to quell your fears.
Fact #5 Post-op care is just as important as the LASIK procedure itself.
You must follow the proper recommended care to the letter.
If you are prescribed eye drops that must be used at a certain period, please do so.
Follow the instructions! By doing this, you will allow your cornea to heal correctly.
Fact #6 Do not expect a miracle - LASIK is no guarantee of perfect results.
While some patients are restored to 20/20 vision, others are not and still need to wear glasses.
LASIK is not a cure for presbyopia, far-sightedness that is a result of growing older.
If you have this condition, you will still need reading glasses.
Fact #7 Every surgery has risks and you need to speak with your surgeon about those risks so that you know what you are getting yourself into.
There are complications involved that may include infection, over correction, or damage to the cornea.
Knowing all the facts before you go through the surgery will put you ahead of the game.
If you are still trying to decide whether or not to go through with this surgery, these facts should allow you to compose your thoughts, questions, and concerns so that you can meet with your doctor as an informed patient.
Once you have this vision correction procedure, you will have to live with the results for the rest of your life.
It is also important to understand that LASIK surgery holds no guarantees; some people do still need glasses after surgery.
Fact #1 LASIK is not for everyone.
Just because you wear glasses or contacts, that doesn't necessarily mean that you are eligible for LASIK eye surgery.
It is important that you consult with your ophthalmologist to make sure that LASIK is right for your eyes.
Fact #2 No surgery should be taken lightly, and LASIK is no exception.
If you have decided that LASIK is the right course of action for you, make sure that you find a board certified surgeon.
Also be sure and double check on the surgeon's credentials and experience.
Find out about any post-operation consultations that are offered and see if you will need to be referred to a different doctor for these consults.
Fact #3 Do you have any specific eye problems like near-sightedness (myopia) or astigmatism? LASIK is the recommended procedure for these.
However, if you have severe myopia it may not be fixed by just one procedure.
If you have chronic dry eye, corneal disease, or other eye conditions, LASIK is not recommended and could do more harm than good.
Fact #4 You will be awake during this procedure.
If your surgeon does not explain this or anything else until you are comfortable, then you need to ask questions.
You need to express your concerns to your surgeon so that he or she is able to quell your fears.
Fact #5 Post-op care is just as important as the LASIK procedure itself.
You must follow the proper recommended care to the letter.
If you are prescribed eye drops that must be used at a certain period, please do so.
Follow the instructions! By doing this, you will allow your cornea to heal correctly.
Fact #6 Do not expect a miracle - LASIK is no guarantee of perfect results.
While some patients are restored to 20/20 vision, others are not and still need to wear glasses.
LASIK is not a cure for presbyopia, far-sightedness that is a result of growing older.
If you have this condition, you will still need reading glasses.
Fact #7 Every surgery has risks and you need to speak with your surgeon about those risks so that you know what you are getting yourself into.
There are complications involved that may include infection, over correction, or damage to the cornea.
Knowing all the facts before you go through the surgery will put you ahead of the game.
If you are still trying to decide whether or not to go through with this surgery, these facts should allow you to compose your thoughts, questions, and concerns so that you can meet with your doctor as an informed patient.
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