Have you decided to undergo LASIK eye surgery? Learn more about what to expect before, during, and after the LASIK procedure.

Preparing for LASIK

The first step in your quest for glasses-free vision is to schedule a consultation with a LASIK surgeon. Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, so it is important to consult an eye doctor to learn more about what your options are. Make sure to give yourself time to consider all of your vision correction options after you leave the doctor’s office.

If you decide to under go LASIK surgery, you will need to return to the doctor’s office a few weeks before your procedure for a cornea measurement. This is the information your doctor needs to program the laser used during LASIK surgery. It is important to discontinue contact lens use for a month prior to this appointment because contact lenses can alter the shape of the cornea.

The Day of Surgery

To prepare for your procedure on the day of the surgery, do not wear any makeup or use any lotions or creams near your eyes. Make sure you arrange transportation; you will need someone to drive you to and from the appointment.

The actual LASIK procedure will take about 15 minutes per eye. Your doctor will give you eye drops and use an instrument to hold your eyes open for treatment. He or she will create a flap in your cornea, which is lifted to allow laser treatment. The flap is then replaced, where it will adhere naturally without the need for stitches.

After LASIK

Following the procedure, your vision will be blurry. You will be asked to wear special glasses after the procedure on your way home. Your doctor will also give you medicated eye drops. To ensure proper healing, the best thing to do is to go to sleep as soon as you get home. Try not to rub your eyes or irritate them in any way.

For LASIK in Long Island, contact a Long Island refractive surgery center.