If you rely on glasses or contact lenses day-in-day-out, then it’s likely that you’ll have considered the option of laser eye surgery at some point or another – after all, being able to see without your trusty specs would change the way you live your day-to-day life.
But, when you do decide to make the decision to opt for the op, although it’s likely that you’ll be feeling quite excited towards the prospect of being able to fully see on your own, it’s also likely that you’ll be feeling a little apprehensive towards it all, too.
It’s not uncommon for your head to be filled with a plethora of uncertain queries and questions about the surgery ahead, so it’s important that you’re fully briefed beforehand in order to fully put those uncertainties to rest.
In order to help you do just that, here are three of the most commonly asked questions, along with their answers, so you can go ahead with the surgery with full confidence, should you wish:
1. “What Is The Difference Between LASIK and LASEK eye surgery?”
So, you’ve turned to the Internet to help and give you a little more information on the general procedure, only to find two different acronyms – LASIK and LASEK – sprawled over every page – now you’re completely confused. Are they the same thing, or do they mean completely different things entirely?
Well, it’s the latter, as they are used to refer to two different procedures; Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is surgery that involves lasering beneath the front surface of the eye. This procedure involves cutting a very thin flap of skin on the cornea and lasering underneath it. As it doesn’t cause a wound to the eye, it is usually painless.
Laser Assisted Sub Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) involves lasering the surface of the cornea under the epithelium. As this takes a little longer to heal than LASIK eye surgery, post procedure can sometimes cause some slight discomfort.
Although your optician will usually recommend which procedure will be right for you, your needs and your sight prescription, the end choice is entirely up to you. However, if you’re still unsure, then laser eye specialists such as Optimax can assist you with any worries, queries and questions that you may have, taking care of your needs from start to finish.
2. “Does Having Laser Eye Surgery Hurt?”
No, there is no pain during laser eye surgery due to the application of anesthetic eye drops at the start of the procedure. However, some people may experience a slight discomfort after the surgery depending on the type of surgery they have.
For example, if you have LASIK eye surgery, the recovery period is normally completely pain-free. Any discomfort that you may experience afterwards can be easily relieved with the help of over the counter painkillers.
LASEK surgery however may require a little more aftercare in order to minimise any discomfort during the healing process. Drops or tablets are often needed for the next couple of days after the surgical anesthetic has worn off.
3. Finally, “Is It Safe?”
Laser eye surgery is now a common choice for people all over the world – so much so that two million treatments are now carried out annually.
As with any surgery, there are small risks involved, but thanks to excellent research and the low occurrence of major side effects, the procedure is now performed all over the world.