There are many modern tools for laser surgery that can be seen in both the medical and dental fields of science. For example, laser eye surgery for vision correction is a revolutionary way of providing nonintrusive treatment. Despite its safety measures, a patient must always prepare for his or her laser eye surgery. It is usual for patients to feel discomfort every after surgery. Hence, a person who wants to improve their vision significantly should prepare for the laser eye surgery recovery carefully. Recovery is crucial as it is the final step in any procedure. Moreover, it also determines if the surgical procedure is successful or not.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser technology development goes beyond the standard and is now readily available as a type of surgery in dentistry and medicine. What sets laser apart from the traditional tools of surgical solutions? A laser is nonintrusive and has fewer side effects like bleeding and swelling. Hence, many patients are eager to try anything related to laser. LASIK surgery or laser in-situ keratomileusis is a common type of laser eye correction procedure that deals in refraction errors. Most vision problems that it corrects are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The process starts with reshaping the tissue in the cornea by creating a flap. Depending on the condition, the ophthalmologist or eye surgeon may flatten or steepen the corneal tissue in place.
Types of Laser Eye Surgery
Nowadays, there is more than one type of laser eye surgery that can save your retinal eye issue from becoming worse. Despite the term “surgery,” there are no invasive tools that will harm the eye. Instead, lasers are controlled and manipulated on the eye to improve the refraction of light. Here are other examples that you may hear from your optical care center before the time of your surgery.
PRK
Photorefractive keratectomy or PRK involves removing the thin outer layer of the cornea or the epithelium before reshaping its inner tissue. The surgeon uses an excimer laser that helps the cornea heal gradually. Unlike LASIK, it doesn’t involve complications in the corneal flap. The procedure is also perfect for people with thin layers of the residual cornea. PRK recovery and better eyesight immediately show after the treatment.
LASEK
LASEK combines LASIK and PRK in its process of vision correction. However, LASEK doesn’t altogether remove the epithelium. Instead, it also creates a corneal flap but is set aside. When the corneal sculpting is finished, the flap is repositioned and sealed with a soft contact lens to heal the area. Many previous clients of this technique mention the slow recovery time as some see an improvement that takes weeks and even months.
SLT For Glaucoma
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a preferred surgery for primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma patients. The laser surgery also lowers intraocular pressure for decreasing side effects of the glaucoma issue. According to research, the surgery reduces glaucoma issues by 30% initially. However, the patient may expect their recovery period to be more extended by one to three months. Medications for glaucoma are still required, so it is best to visit your primary care doctor or eye health professional.
ReLACS for Cataracts
ReLACS, also called Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, aims to remove cataracts using femtosecond lasers to prevent surgical complications. It also shortens recovery time and digital technology like image guiding cameras for accurate cataracts removal. In this surgery process, the front portion of the capsule that protects the eye’s lens is removed. Afterwards, the breaking of the clouded lens is performed. A 3D image helps in aiding the surgery for the quicker and safer final result.
How Quick Are The Results Laser Eye Surgery?
After the procedure, the results may be immediate. However, LASIK and LASEK can have different outcomes. The former takes quick improvement in the patient’s eyesight within 24 least hours. But, the latter may take at least a week to experience the correction. Also, the time to recover for any laser eye procedure may take weeks if there is more than one needed solution for astigmatism and other visual problems. You may have to go back to your eye care clinic to follow up on the healing. It is a suggestion to check your eyes every day for any side effects.
What To Expect And Do During Laser Eye Surgery Recovery
The surface of the retina is sensitive and may take a while for recovery to show visual enhancement. Most eye surgeries will involve anesthesia in the form of drops to numb the eyes and oral sedation for the patient to relax. Thus, it may take some time for the anesthesia to wear away. The benefits outweigh the side effects. Yet, a patient must expect that a laser eye surgery recovery may last for more than a week. What are the other guidelines that you need to remember after LASIK and other similar flap and non flap surgeries?
Vision May Fluctuate
The patient who just had their surgery the previous day should go back to the eye center after 24 to 48 hours. Visual acuity can depend on the condition of the person, particularly if they have myopia or hyperopia.
Expect Side Effects
An eye care specialist already knows that eyes will experience inflammation and irritation. The office will provide a protective tool or equipment that the patient will wear to avoid rubbing of the eyes. This surgery step will prevent a bacterial infection from spreading in the optical tissues.
Avoid Events Or Activity That Involves Prolonged Water Submersion
Doctors advise that athletes or people to postpone using Jacuzzis, hot tubs, whirlpools, and swimming for two months. Water may irritate the newly operated eye area. Aside from this fact, makeup, lotion, and cream may also cause chemical effects. If symptoms like constant tear flow happen, call your previous surgeon as soon as possible.
Is Vision Correction Permanent?
Despite what other eye clinics claim, there is scientific evidence that vision correction is only temporary. However, the LASIK case not becoming a permanent solution is not due to the procedure per se. Many underlying health conditions and body changes, particularly in the tissues of the eyes, may weaken as we age. Presbyopia is a health condition that may affect the eyes no matter what their activities or tasks performed. Yet, patients may still have eye surgery treatments as proper recovery will help the person work better after the not so long recovery period.
