If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses, you may be considering LASIK eye surgery. Though LASIK can dramatically improve your vision, deciding to undergo the procedure is a big step. In order to feel confident and prepared, discover four things to know before getting LASIK eye surgery. With this information, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about your health.
1. LASIK Is Not for Everyone
LASIK isn’t for everyone. Your candidacy for the procedure depends on several different factors, like your eye health and current prescription. If you have conditions like glaucoma, severe dry eyes, or thin corneas, you may not be eligible for the surgery. Most commonly, LASIK is for adults whose vision has been stable for at least a year.
Before moving forward, schedule a comprehensive consultation with your ophthalmologist or LASIK specialist. They will perform detailed measurements of your eyes to determine if you’re a candidate for this eye surgery. Otherwise, they may recommend other vision correction options, like PRK or implantable lenses, if they’re a better fit for your needs.
2. Follow Post-Op Instructions Closely
The great news about LASIK is that recovery is usually swift, with many patients seeing significant improvements just 24 hours after the procedure. However, to guarantee the best results, you need to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely.
Your surgeon will likely advise you to avoid rubbing your eyes, wearing eye makeup, or engaging in strenuous activities for at least a week. To prevent inflammation and infection, take any prescribed eye drops exactly as directed. By sticking to your aftercare routine, you’ll protect your healing corneas and ensure your vision stabilizes as expected.
3. Post-Surgery Dry Eyes
For many people, temporary dry eyes can be a side effect of this eye surgery. Your eyes may produce fewer tears after the procedure, which can cause discomfort or a gritty sensation. For most people, this lasts just a few weeks to a few months. If you experience post-LASIK dry eyes, your doctor may recommend punctal plugs to manage the condition. These tiny, biocompatible devices go into your tear ducts to block drainage, keeping your eyes hydrated longer. To keep your recovery as comfortable as possible, consider using over-the-counter artificial tears or prescription eye drops.
4. Long Lasting—But Not Permanent—Results
LASIK surgery reshapes your cornea to correct your vision, and for many people, the results are life-changing. However, the procedure doesn’t stop the natural aging process of your eyes.
Over time, you might still develop age-related conditions like presbyopia—a condition that affects near vision—or cataracts. While LASIK can reduce your dependence on corrective lenses in the long term, there’s a chance you might still need reading glasses or additional procedures in the future. Managing expectations about LASIK’s longevity will help you appreciate your results for years to come without surprises.
Take the First Step Toward Clear Vision
If LASIK feels like the right choice for you, take the next step and schedule a consultation with an experienced surgeon. Now that you understand the four things to know before getting LASIK eye surgery, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and successful experience. Clear vision is life-changing, and with the proper preparation, LASIK can help you see the world in a whole new light.
This article was written for WHN by Mallory Knee, a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries, from highly technical to consumer and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/lasik-in-your-70s
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25249-punctal-plugs
https://uoflhealth.org/articles/caring-for-your-eyes-after-lasik-surgery
