At one point or the other, we will all eventually need to wear eyeglasses, especially as our eyes age along with us. Some people may need eyeglasses at an earlier age compared to others to treat astigmatism as well as near or far sightedness. There are also those who prefer to wear contact lenses instead of eyeglasses since it is more comfortable and convenient for them. Either way, these are just some of the eye conditions which can be treated with the use of lasers.

What Is Laser Eye Surgery

In a nutshell, laser eye treatment or surgery is a procedure in which the cornea of the patient is reshaped in order to give the patient a clearer vision. The use of laser has proven to be effective not only in giving a patient clear vision, but also to help treat issues such as those developed through diabetes. A lot of patients prefer this procedure over traditional methods in treating eye conditions as it is painless, quick, and takes only a little time to heal. It is also non invasive and patients do not need to have any cuts or stitches once the treatment is carried out and completed. After a day or two of rest, patients can go back to their normal daily routines. What makes laser eye treatment increasingly popular is the fact that the results people get after the treatment is permanent. There are cases however when some patients will have to wear reading glasses in order to read the newspaper or see small print but other than that, the rest of their vision will be fine.

Preparing for Laser Surgery

Not everybody can have laser eye treatment, which is why patients need to first see an eye doctor and determine if they are a good candidate for the said treatment. The eye doctor will conduct a series of tests to evaluate if a patient can have laser eye treatment. Factors such as age, the eye condition which needs to be treated, any history or present medical conditions determine whether a patient can have laser eye treatment or otherwise.

Patients, especially women, are advised not to wear any eye makeup before the actual treatment. People who wear contact lenses will also be advised not to wear them for a certain period of time before an exam by the eye doctor will be carried out to properly evaluate the condition of the eyes of the patient. Your eye doctor will be able to give you more specifics of what you should and should not do before having laser eye treatment.

What to Expect during the Procedure

Patients undergoing laser eye treatment are given a medication which will help them relax. Eye drops containing a local anaesthetic are also administered throughout the treatment, ensuring that everything is as comfortable as possible. The eyes of the patient are cleansed, and a drape or cover is placed so that the eyelashes do not interfere with the whole procedure.

Most of the time, laser eye treatment takes about 15 minutes per eye, and some doctors and patients prefer to have both eyes treated at the same time. There are some cases, depending on your eye doctor and your current condition, wherein only one eye is treated at a time. The procedure is considered an outpatient treatment, so no confinement in a hospital is necessary.

What to Expect after the Procedure

The most uncomfortable part of having laser eye treatment comes after the procedure is finished. Some of the patients experience a burning, itchy sensation in their eyes. Some experience having blurred vision, as if they were looking at a room full of smoke. Complete the follow up schedules with your eye doctor to ensure that the side effects you are experiencing are only temporary. The eye doctor may also prescribe medicines as needed to help in lessening the discomfort caused after having laser eye treatment. Laser treatments can also be used for patients with diabetic retinopathy, as well as treatment for macular degeneration. Discuss with your eye doctor the ins and outs of having laser surgery for your eyes and find out if it is the right treatment for you.