LASIK is an advanced laser eye surgery that is performed to correct refractive errors of the eye. Refractive errors include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Basically, LASIK surgery helps you get rid of glasses and have a clear vision in a few hours! This is the most advanced laser available to correct refractive errors and is frequently carried out worldwide. There are many questions that people have in their minds regarding LASIK. Let’s try to find their answers.
How long does LASIK surgery take?
LASIK is a minor surgery that usually takes less than 30 minutes. The average time range is between 20 minutes to 50 minutes. The procedure is comfortable, and you remain awake during it. However, you can be given stress-relieving medicine to stay calm through the procedure. Numbing medication is applied to your eye before the surgery is started.
It is a painless and comfortable procedure, and the downtime after it is just a few hours. After that, you will be able to see clearly!
How long does laser eye surgery last?
LASIK eye surgery is considered to provide a permanent solution to your refractive errors. Once you are done with the surgery, your refractive error is completely treated at that given time. In most cases, the vision stays perfect even after ten years of this surgery. However, it can regress in a small percentage of patients. LASIK can correct your refractive errors, but it cannot stop eye changes caused by aging and environmental factors. These changes related to aging can cause some refractive problems with time.
Can you get LASIK twice?
The good news is you can get LASIK done more than once! Mostly, the refractive error is corrected within one sitting. After that, your vision can regress over the years due to natural changes in your eye pertaining to aging as well as external factors.
Your doctor can advise you of a second LASIK surgery if there is a need. It is usually required after 5 to 10 years of the first surgery in patients with vision regression.
Is LASIK permanent?
As mentioned before, LASIK surgery completely corrects the refractive error of your eye. This means your vision becomes perfect after the surgery. However, it cannot put age-related and environment-related changes on hold. As you age, the proteins and other structural elements of your eyes also age. Moreover, your occupation and habits, such as long screen time, can also stress your eyes leading to refractive errors. These changes can cause vision problems yet again, and you may need another LASIK surgery.
Can you get LASIK after cataract surgery?
The answer is yes; you can definitely get LASIK surgery done after cataract surgery. It is entirely safe and effective after cataract removal. However, you might not always need it. Your doctor will assess and let you know if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK.
Remember that you cannot go for LASIK right after cataract removal. Your doctor will ask you to wait for a few months for your eyes to heal from cataract surgery. It takes around three months usually. Once your eye is completely healed, your doctor will evaluate your vision and give you the go-ahead for LASIK.
Can you get LASIK one eye at a time?
You can definitely get LASIK one eye at a time! A single eye LASIK takes around 10 to 15 minutes only, and the downtime is just a few hours. So, doctors prefer to perform LASIK surgery for both eyes in one sitting. However, there can be some indications for one eye LASIK surgery. For example, there are some eye conditions, such as lazy eye, in which only one eye is involved. LASIK is carried out for one eye only in such a patient.
One eye LASIK can also be performed on the patient’s request. Some patients want to undergo LASIK for the eye with worse vision. Some also want to get single eye LASIK done to see the benefits of the procedure. Also, some people can feel uncomfortable undergoing surgery for both eyes at one time, so they can choose to go for one eye.
LASIK is a miraculous procedure that gives you a 6/6 vision within a matter of hours. It perfectly corrects your refractive problems at a given time. You can take precautions to increase the life of your LASIK surgery. For that, take care of your eyes and see your eye specialist regularly.
