What is the process of Laser vision correction?

Laser is used to correct the vision almost permanently and completely eliminate the need for eyeglasses and lenses. Laser is the latest technology in the treatment of vision errors that revolutionized the field of ophthalmology where the LASER technology is used to make a change in the corneal shape allowing the image to fall on the retina and not behind it.

Who benefits from Laser vision correction surgery?

What is new in laser is that it provides a safe alternative for vision corrective surgeries. People with astigmatism are the most likely to benefit from this process.

How can I prepare for Laser vision correction?

There are guidelines the patient must follow before performing a laser vision correction to ensure the success of the process, without any side effects:

1. Meeting the expert who examines the patient to ensure that he/she can undergo the operation.
   The ophthalmologist examines the eye thoroughly including:

    

   1. Measurement of pressure inside the eye, to avoid glaucoma.
   2. Visual eye field examination.
   3. Examine the acuity of vision.
   4. Examine eye-fundus.

Pre-operative procedures for Laser vision correction:

1. Inform your doctor of any medications you take before surgery.
2. Before the operation, stop wearing soft contact lenses (for several days) or solid lenses (several weeks).
3. Stop using makeup, creams and all kinds of cosmetics few days before the operation.
4. Complete fasting for at least 8 hours before the operation.

The stages of Laser vision correction:

1. An eye drop is used to widen the pupil.
2. Local anesthetic eye drip.
3. The surgeon scans the laser on the eye without any incision or change in the location of the cornea. The operation only lifts the corner of the cornea.
4. After the operation the patient's eye is able to see correctly after adjusting the cornea to allow light to fall onto the retina not behind it.
5. The process only takes a few minutes.

What is the risk of Laser vision correction?

Intra-operative (during surgery):

          1. Superficial contamination of the eye: treated topically during the operation.
          2. Minimal Bleeding.
          3. Corneal scar: LASER is very accurate and does not pose any risk to the cornea.
          4. Risk of anesthesia: Some patients are allergic to local anesthetic drugs so please inform your doctor beforehand.
Post-operative (after surgery):
             1. Eye dryness: treated with natural tears eye drops.
             2. Sensitivity to light is increased, so it is advisable to wear sunglasses after the operation for several days.

What can a patient do after Laser vision correction?

1. After finishing the process the patient goes home, and it is good to sleep for several hours.
2. There is nothing to prevent the patient from going to work the next day and driving the car during daylight hours.
3. It is not recommended to drive the car at night during the first weeks after the operation, due to a phenomenon called dazzling due to sensitivity of light.
4. Your doctor may advise you to use antibiotic drops to prevent eye contamination.
5. In most cases there is no pain in the eye, and if it took place please take prescribed painkillers
6. If any of these Symptoms occurs, please inform your ophthalmologist:

1. severe pain.
2. High body temperature.
3. yellowish discharge from the eye.
4. Severe eye bleeding.

At the end, it should be noted that the vision will improve immediately after the operation and reaches its maximum within few weeks.

However, your doctor may advise you to wear glasses for several weeks to adapt to the new situation.