Benefits of LASIK

1. Permanent Vision Correction

Though some patients experience a slight regress in vision correction, LASIK surgery advantages are permanent for most people. If you undergo vision changes after the procedure, you can have a second round of correction surgery. While you will enjoy your vision correction for the long term, your eyes’ natural aging causes your sight to change, gradually losing your close-up or near vision. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this is a typical part of aging known as presbyopia.

2. LASIK Is Quick and Painless

When discussing surgical interventions in an area as sensitive as the eyes, many patients worry about how painful laser eye surgery can be. However, LASIK does not involve needles, and there are no burns because the laser beam is cold.

LASIK refractive surgery does not produce any discomfort before or during the procedure. The recovery period is so short it involves little pain. In a few hours, you will enjoy your corrected vision.

Is There Any Pain Before LASIK?

Patients do not feel discomfort before surgery, since Dr. Will applies anesthetic drops to numb the eye. However, some patients don’t like the idea of a clamp on their eyelids, and it generates a little fear and anxiety. A mild sedative can reduce this anxiety to calm you down.

Is There Any Pain During LASIK?

The LASIK procedure is relatively painless, with the anesthesia causing the eye to numb completely. However, some patients experience a slight pressure on their eyes during the procedure. The treatment takes only 30 to 40 seconds, so any sensation of discomfort will be minimal and of short duration.

Is There Any Pain After LASIK?

Patients report different experiences after laser eye surgery. Some who underwent the PRK technique experience a mild stinging sensation, while others feel moderate discomfort. For PRK patients, the discomfort diminishes after the epithelium has completely healed.

The recovery process is more manageable with LASIK and Custom IntraLASIK because of minor trauma during surgery, and the corneal flap heals quickly.

3. Short Recovery

After having LASIK surgery, you focus on one thing — seeing better. The good news is that most patients experience an almost immediate improvement to their eyesight. They sit up from having the procedure and see the world in a whole new way, and it’s exhilarating. However, LASIK patients need to understand that, as with any surgery, a recovery phase follows, as does a healing period.

LASIK recovery is speedy for most people, and patients resume their daily activities within a day or two. However, the healing period takes slightly more time, typically three to six months. As a result, you should expect your vision to gradually improve. The first day of any recovery is usually the hardest. Here is what you can expect after LASIK.

After the anesthesia wears off, you will likely feel some discomfort after surgery. However, an itching or burning sensation is normal, and Dr. Will sends you home with instructions about what and how much pain medication to take.

When you arrive home, rest your eyes for two to four hours and avoid strenuous activity. Then, you can return to your regular routine the next day. Protect your eyes with sunglasses if you’re outside during the day and use eye shields for sleep.

Right after LASIK, your vision will be a bit foggy, like you opened your eyes underwater. However, you should see much better within hours of the operation. Still, you may have some temporary side effects as you go through the healing process. Dryness is most common, and Dr. Will will provide you with eye drops for lubrication.

After LASIK, additional symptoms you may experience include halos at night, tearing, puffy eyelids, and light sensitivity. These should resolve within a week.

If you experience severe discomfort at any time after LASIK, contact Dr. Will’s office immediately.

4. LASIK Is Cost-Effective

Think of the money you’ve spent on eye insurance, contacts, and new frames and lenses throughout your life. And the costs of replacing the occasional eyeglasses you sit on, step on, or lose can add up. Though the initial investment associated with LASIK is higher than a pair of glasses, overall, it’s cost-effective in the long run.

Another benefit of LASIK is the convenience. You won’t have to worry about smudged glasses, cleaning your contacts, or keeping tabs on your reading glasses. Your quality of life will improve in so many ways.

Learn More About LASIK Surgery Benefits in Portland, OR

If you would like more information about refractive eye surgery and LASIK, call Dr. Brian Will today at (877) 542-3937 or schedule a consultation online