How Long Does Lasik Last For?
Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses) is a surgery that offers individuals with vision problems the chance to improve their eyesight. Many people wonder how long does Lasik eye surgery last for. The surgery permanently reshapes the front eye tissue. The natural aging process causes people to have changes in their vision. This can still occur after Lasik, so there is a chance that your eyes would deteriorate after the surgery causing you to have vision impairments again.
Several factors contribute to vision impairments as you age. These factors will determine how long it takes before you have any changes after a Lasik surgery. As you age, several factors continue to change within your eyes, primarily nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatisms change over time.
What to Expect With Lasik
How long does Lasik last is just one consideration that patients have before deciding upon the surgery?
People also wonder what the experience will be like before, during, and after surgery.
Before the Surgery
The first step is a baseline evaluation that will determine if you are right for surgery. There are some things that you can do to prepare for the example that will make it easier. If you wear contacts, you will need to stop wearing them to get the correct baseline. With soft contacts, stop wearing them two weeks before the evaluation. If you wear rigid gas permeable lenses or toric soft lenses, stop wearing them three weeks before the assessment. With hard lenses, stop wearing them four weeks before the evaluation. Taking these steps will ensure that your assessment is the most accurate.
Your optometrist will determine at this time if you need this procedure or not. He will give you instructions on how to prepare for surgery. Be sure to tell the doctor if you have had any medical conditions that have affected your eyes as well as any allergies that you have, especially to medications. A day before surgery stop using deodorant, lotion, makeup, and perfume. These can lead to potentially life-threatening infections.
During the Surgery
Lasik surgery is fast and will take less than thirty minutes to complete. You will be seated and reclined in a chair, your eyes will be numbed, the areas around the eye will be cleaned, and the doctor will use a lid speculum to hold your eyelids open. Next, your doctor will cut a flap in your cornea, allowing for reshaping. Then, the laser will be used to remove tissue that is causing problems. There might be a burning smell at this time that reminds you of burnt hair. You can see and experience everything during the entire procedure, but there will be varying blurriness levels as the process is completed.
After the Surgery
Your eye will not hurt much (if at all), but it might burn, feel like there is something in it, or itch. There might be some discomfort and a little mild pain. If you have any pain, let your doctor know, and they will suggest the right medications to take. The hardest part of the healing process is that you would want to rub your eyes, but you have to resist the temptation. You will have a return appointment between 24 and 48 hours after surgery. For up to two weeks after surgery, you will need to avoid lotions, makeup, and creams around the eye. You also need to avoid pools and hot tubs for a month or two. It takes three to six months for the eyes to stabilize after surgery fully; for more information, check this article.
People Also Ask
Can I Get Lasik Again After 10 Years?
There are some cases where it is necessary to have a second surgery after initially having Lasik. There is no limit on the number of Lasik surgeries that you can have done in your lifetime. Enhancement surgeries are standard procedures that will help you by continuing to improve the quality of your vision after the initial Lasik.
Is Lasik Worth It 2020?
There are several reasons that you might want to consider Lasik, but if you are on the fence, there are some statistics that might put your mind at ease. The Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery offered in a 2016 study that 96% of all patients were satisfied with their Lasik surgery results. New research that was recently conducted shows that there is a 90% success rate in achieving 20/20 vision or better with Lasik and a 99% success rate of achieving 20/40 or better.
At What Age is Lasik Not Recommended?
Children under the age of eighteen are not candidates for Lasik. Vision changes occur regularly until the eyes stabilize after the age of eighteen, but most optometrists suggest waiting until at least twenty-five before Lasik.
Is Lasik Painful?
Lasik is entirely pain-free. The optometrist will offer eye drops that numb the eyes before the procedure. While you will feel pressure during the process, you will not feel pain.
Lasik is a procedure that is perfect for anyone who hopes to have improved vision. If you feel that you need a Lasik procedure done for yourself or your family members and live in the Tucson area. Tucson Optometry Clinic is Tucson’s premier Lasik expert; therefore, just contact us on our contact number given on our website for scheduling appointments and get the assessment done for yourself or your loved ones.