Treating eye conditions using traditional procedures are now a thing of the past. With the advent of modern technology, laser vision correction surgery is now taking over eye treatment procedures for cataracts as well as cosmetic surgery. It is quick, painless, effective, and most importantly, gives permanent and lasting results.

As with different types of surgery, even those which do not make use of lasers, patients should be aware that there are certain risks involved with laser surgery. This is the number one reason why an eye doctor needs to conduct a series of thorough tests to evaluate if the patient is a candidate for laser eye surgery. Certain factors such as age, past and present medical conditions if applicable, gender, and several other factors play a role in determining if a person is eligible for laser vision correction surgery.

What makes laser vision surgery a favourite among patients and doctors alike is the fact that the procedure takes a relatively less amount of time compared to other forms of eye surgery. Doctors can attend to more patients in a given day, and patients do not have to spend hours and hours in a hospital waiting to get treated. Also, patients can easily go back to their normal routines after the procedure has been completed, as well as a day or two of rest.

During the procedure, a local anaesthetic is applied through eye drops to ensure that the entire procedure is as painless as possible. However, most patients say that they did not feel any discomfort or pain during the process. This is basically because laser eye surgery is non invasive and thus, no stitches are needed once the surgery is complete. This also makes the recovery time of the patient very quick.

For patients who want permanent results, laser vision correction surgery is the procedure to have. People who undergo this process will enjoy a lifetime of clear vision. However, as people and their eyes age, reading glasses may be needed to read the fine print on newspapers and magazines. But aside from that, the clearer vision that laser eye surgery gives is permanent.

On the other hand, there are some side effects with laser vision correction surgery which patients should prepare themselves for, even when it may not happen to them. For instance, some people experience headaches. Some people also experience having blurry vision, itchy and watery eyes, and sometimes even a burning sensation. These symptoms usually go away within six hours after the treatment. Patients who have laser vision correction surgery are usually seen by their eye doctor the day after the treatment as a follow up check up, to ensure that everything is going well with the recovery of their eyes and their vision. This is the best time to bring up any side effects you felt after the procedure and determine if you need additional medication.

What is usually prescribed on the day after the procedure is eye drops. This will help your eyes maintain their natural moisture as well as help alleviate any discomfort you may feel. Make sure to complete the rest of the follow up appointments required, like those for after a week, a month, three months after, six months after, and then eventually after a year of having laser eye surgery.

People who have just undergone laser vision correction surgery will be advised not to use eye makeup such as eyeliners, mascaras, and even eye shadows during the week after the surgery. This is because your eyes are still very sensitive after the procedure, and using eye makeup increases your risk of getting eye infection since some particles of the makeup can come in contact with your eyes.

If you think getting laser vision correction surgery is something you need, do see an eye surgeon. Laser surgery is not just about enhancing your vision or for cosmetic surgery, it can also be used for cataract surgery. An eye doctor will be able to help you assess your needs, set your expectations for the treatment, and help you cope with any unpleasant events or discomfort which you may feel after having laser eye surgery.