Preparing for LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery is a type of refractive laser eye surgery that corrects eye conditions like myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The term LASIK is short for laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis.

Myopia is nearsightedness, which has also been referred to as shortsightedness and lasik eye surgery is one method of correcting this condition.

Those with myopia have the ability to see objects nearby clearly, however, the objects far away appear blurry.

Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia and is referred to as farsightedness.

Those with this vision defect are able to see objects far away more clearly, while object close by appear blurry. In severe cases of hyperopia, the sufferer may not be able to focus on objects at any distance. Astigmatism is a condition in which the vision is blurred due to an irregular curvature of the cornea. LASIK eye surgery is a procedure that can correct these defects to the eye.

In the preoperative period before LASIK eye surgery, several preparations need to be taken. For example, soft contact lenses wearers will usually be instructed to stop wearing their contact lenses about a week before having the surgery.

In addition, those wearing RGP (rigid gas permeable) contact lenses are asked to go without there contact lenses for at least six weeks prior to having surgery. Those who wear RGP contact lenses will need to go without their contact lenses for an additional six weeks for every three years they have been wearing RGP contact lenses.

Patients receiving LASIK surgery will need to undergo a preoperative eye exam. During the eye exam, the cornea of the eye will be examined to determine its thickness. Also during the preoperative LASIK eye exam, the surface contour of the cornea will also be measured.

Using the information gathered during the preoperative LASIK eye surgery exam, the surgeon will calculate the amount and location of eye tissue to remove during the LASIK eye surgery. After the preoperative LASIK eye exam, the patient is prescribed an antibiotic to start taking prior to the surgery. Taking an antibiotic prior to LASIK eye surgery will help to prevent infection after receiving LASIK eye surgery.

During LASIK eye surgery, a thin flap is created on the eye. This thin flap is then folded to allow the tissue underneath the area to be remodeled. A laser is used to remodel the eye tissue in order to correct any defects in the eye.

After the eye tissue is remodeled, the thin flap is then repositioned. After the LASIK eye surgery is completed (postoperative period), the eye is allowed time to heal. LASIK eye surgery is performed while the patient is awake and mobile. Generally, the patient will be given a mild sedative like Valium and anesthetic eye drops to control pain during the LASIK eye surgery.

After having LASIK eye surgery, the patient is given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use for a few weeks following the surgery. In addition, patients who receive LASIK eye surgery are also given darkened goggles to wear in order to protect their eyes from bright lights. Protective shields are also given to postoperative LASIK patients to protect the eyes during sleep. Proper postoperative care will reduce the risk of complications after surgery.

Between three and six percent of people that have had LASIK eye surgery will suffer from unresolved vision or eye complications. The risk for a patient developing visual and eye disturbances can depend on many different factors.

Common LASIK eye surgery complications:

Surgery induced dry eyes
Seeing halos or starburst when around light sources at night
Light sensitivity
Double vision
Seeing ghost-like images
Debris or growth under the flap (created during surgery)
Induce astigmatism
Seeing floaters
Posterior vitreous detachment


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