What to Expect Before LASIK

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, March 26, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The most commonly performed refractive surgery for vision correction is LASIK, offering an immediate improvement in vision and very minimal post-surgical discomfort. Wavefront technology used in your diagnosis has replaced the use of the traditional phoropter used for glasses prescriptions. That has made LASIK correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism extraordinarily accurate.

The LASIK Examination
Your first step in ensuring an excellent outcome is to select a qualified, experienced LASIK surgeon.

Next, you will schedule a LASIK consultation. Once you have agreed to go ahead, your surgeon will perform a thorough vision evaluation. That will determine the exact characteristics of your eyes and eyesight and you can then discuss with your eye surgeon which procedure would be your best choice.

Your vision examination may include these tests:
• Retinoscopy and Refraction: Determines your vision prescription
• Autorefractors and aberrometers: Evaluates how images focus on your retina
• Cover test: Determines how your eyes work together
• Slit-lamp examination: Examines the health of your eyes
• Pressure test: Measures pressure inside the eye for possible glaucoma
• Visual field testing: Measures peripheral vision for possible glaucoma

The doctor will ask about your overall health and any currently prescribed medications. Some diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and diabetes, may disqualify you for LASIK. Alternative vision correction procedures may work for you.

Wavefront Diagnosis
To obtain microscopically accurate data on your vision, your LASIK surgeon will use a Wavefront diagnostic system. It sends a light into each eye and records the nature of the returning light, as it reflects back into the system. From this data two 3D colored maps are made, each one showing the exact contours of the eye.

Using this information your eye surgeon will devise two treatment plans, one for each eye.

Preparing for LASIK
Contact lens wearers should stop wearing them for several weeks prior to surgery. While inconvenient, this is an important step that gives the cornea a chance to return to its normal shape. Generally speaking, soft contact lens wearers should avoid wearing lenses for two weeks prior to surgery; hard contact lens wearers, for four weeks.

Female patients must avoid wearing eye makeup for seven days prior to surgery. All patients must ask a family member or friend to provide transportation to the laser center and home after the procedure.

The Day of Your LASIK Surgery
Avoid hairspray and perfume. While there are no dietary restrictions, you will probably want to eat lightly. You can take your prescribed medications and drink fluids. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave valuables at home.

Upon your arrival at the laser center, you will register with the receptionist and a technician will escort you to the surgical area where your surgeon will greet you. You will be settled comfortably on the patient bed that comes with your eye surgeon's LASIK system. The procedure takes only a few minutes.

To learn more about LASIK and find out if the procedure is right for you, please contact the LASIK Eye Center of Silicon Valley in San Francisco, California.

Source: LASIK Eye Center of Silicon Valley
Website: http://www.lasikdocs.com

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