LASIK facts

LASIK eye surgery

Some interesting lasik facts include its history. Lasik stands for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis. Although lasers have been used to treat vision problems since the 1970s, it wasn't until the early 1990s that Dr. Burrato worked with Dr. Pallikaris of Greece to develop what is known as lasik.

Lasik facts about the procedure itself are straightforward. The surgeon will cut a thin flap of the cornea with a microscopic instrument called a microkeratome. This flap is laid back, and then the surgeon uses a excimer laser to remove the corneal tissue that is causing the vision problem directly from the cornea. After this, the flap of cornea is replaced. In terms of healing, some lasik facts include that no stitches are needed, and the cornea's epithelium starts to grow over the incised edge of the flap within a few hours after the surgery is completed.

Probably the best lasik facts for patients are the speed with which most patients recover from the surgery and that the procedure itself is quick. The surgery takes less than thirty minutes to perform. Other lasik facts are that this surgery is fairly low pain. There are no needles to numb the area; only a few drops of anesthetic are needed. Many patients are able to return to full-time work a couple of days after surgery, and vision improves almost as quickly. Some lasik facts for after a lasik procedure (post op) include that patients often can reduce or eliminate their use of contact lenses and glasses, which is an advantage if you play contact sports.

In most cases the results are very satisfactory and vision is greatly improved, but there are some risks involved. Some lasik facts concerning patients who are often poor candidates for lasik treatment are in order. If you have a chronic illness that slows down your healing process, or an autoimmune disease, this procedure may not be for you. Other lasik facts to consider are if your pupils are extra large or if your corneas are quite thin, and if you do not produce enough tears, then you may want to reconsider lasik eye surgery. Of course, you will want to determine the extent to which these lasik facts may come into play with your ophthalmologist, who can give you a complete professional eye examination and offer the best advice concerning lasik surgery.