Laser Eye Surgery

In recent years, with thousands of surgeries successfully performed, a picture of safe outcome appears before us. Make no mistake that no surgery is free of all risks. No surgery can provide a guaranteed outcome. By making sure all recommended procedures are followed the majority of surgeries have a positive outcome.

The patient should consult with his primary care physician first to be sure that there are no conditions present that could make laser eye surgery unsafe for him or her. Such conditions range from auto-immune, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, to diabetes, to various infections. If the initial examination shows laser eye surgery to be safe from an overall health aspect, then it is time to do some research.

The next step will be to look for an experienced ophthalmologist who has established a good long record of positive outcomes. The doctor chosen will then conduct a series of examinations aimed at thoroughly mapping the shape of the eye. With the results of the tests in place, the doctor will discuss various options for vision correction. He will also recommend that in the few weeks before surgery no contact lenses should be worn as they change the shape of the cornea and could affect the outcome of the surgery. He will also recommend that no make up or lotions be applied to the face for several days prior to the surgery. This recommendation is aimed at preventing infection. He will clearly explain any possible risks.

It is best to have a time period between the ophthalmologist examinations and the actual surgery to think of the risks possible. Look at the surgical center records to be sure there have been no troubling incidents connected to previous surgeries performed there. If the surgeon is a different person from the referring ophthalmologist, schedule a meeting a few days prior to surgery to get acquainted.

Laser eye surgery candidates are advised to avoid activities, such as swimming pools and hot tubs, contact sports, and strenuous activities that may strain, injure or infect the eye. After the eye surgery has been performed the patient is strictly restricted from rubbing or touching the eye. To do so may cause eye injury or infection. Laser eye surgery heals quickly, so an active normal life may be resumed in a few short weeks. In the meantime, taking precautions, such as refraining from driving for a couple of weeks is usually recommended.