LASIK, laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure that reshapes your cornea to correct issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. As its name implies, LASIK uses lasers for high precision when gently reshaping your cornea for better visual outcomes.
While you’re probably excited about leaving your glasses and contacts behind, you might also be a little nervous about the procedure itself. However, LASIK has been around for a long time and is associated with very high rates of patient satisfaction.
At Advanced Eye Center in Hialeah, Florida, Rodrigo Belalcazar MD, PLLC, has extensive experience performing LASIK surgery, helping every patient enjoy clearer vision. If you’re considering LASIK, here’s what you can expect during and after your procedure.
A couple of weeks before your surgery, you need to stop wearing contact lenses. On the day of your visit, keep your skin bare — no eye makeup or concealer and no lotions or perfumes. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
The procedure itself begins with the application of numbing eye drops and a sedative to help you relax. Once your eye is completely numb, Dr. Belalacazar places a special suction ring on the surface of your eye and then makes a tiny opening or flap in the uppermost layers of tissue so he can access the inner layers of tissue.
Once the flap is created, a special laser is used to gently and very precisely reshape your cornea. The laser movement follows a special corneal “map” for the highest accuracy possible. Next, Dr. Belalacazar replaces the flap, which will heal over time without needing sutures. The entire procedure typically takes no more than a half hour.
After your LASIK procedure, it’s common to feel some grittiness or dryness in your eyes for a few hours. Dr. Belalacazar gives you special eyeglasses or shields to wear while you sleep to avoid rubbing your eyes.
He also prescribes special eye drops to reduce discomfort and prevent infection. Be sure to use your drops as directed and follow the rest of your post-op instructions. This includes:
Be sure to attend all your follow-up visits so Dr. Belalacazar can track your progress and let you know when it’s OK to resume your regular activities. Full recovery can take several weeks, but you should begin to notice clearer vision within a couple of days.
Your vision has a lot to do with your overall quality of life. To learn more about LASIK or to find out if it’s right for you, call 305-707-6011 or book an appointment online with Dr. Belalcazar and our team at Advanced Eye Center today.
