subject: Preparing For Laser Eye Surgery [print this page] Laser eye surgery can be for refractive and no refractive conditions of the eye. Many people believe that this form of eye surgery is specifically for one's vision improvement but it can actually be used for other purposes. Laser eye surgery uses state of the art laser technology to help the individual with his or her eye problems. Fear of any form of surgery can be one of the reasons why some people hesitate to undergo laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery cost can also hinder the procedure, since the cost may be monumental for some people.
Diagnosis
Before any form of laser eye surgery can be done to any individual, a diagnosis and consultation with a qualified doctor needs to be undertaken. These precautions are necessary to help the doctor and the individual come to a satisfactory solution to the eye problems of the patient. An ophthalmologist is the person whom the patient needs to see for any surgical procedure concerning the eyes. Laser eye surgery is just one of the many different kinds of procedures that an ophthalmologist may be able to do.
When the ophthalmologist and patient have reached an agreement, the preparations for laser eye surgery may then commence. Preparing the eyes for laser eye surgery can take up to several weeks. The use of contact lenses or glasses may be discouraged by the ophthalmologist a week or a few days prior to the laser eye surgery.
Before the actual laser eye surgery, local anesthesia is used to help the individual with any pain problems during and a little while after the procedure. General anesthesia may be used for the laser eye surgery if the patient is feeling apprehensive or if the patient is a child, prone to fidgeting and moving.
Other preparations for laser eye surgery are to sterilize the area around the eye for safety and health purposes. The doctors will also have to take measurements of one's eye prior to the procedure for the laser to be able to function properly.
The actual laser eye surgery may take just a few seconds to a little above a minute, especially for refractive procedures. The preparation can actually be the lengthier time compared to the procedure. Full recovery from laser eye surgery may take some time, from a week to several weeks, depending on what the procedure was all about. The eyes can be used after just a few days with the use of eye drops to facilitate healing.
