Having LASIK Surgery?

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Astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness are all refraction errors that require people to wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, some people grow tired of wearing glasses or contacts over time and opt to have outpatient LASIK surgery. LASIK corrects the refraction error well enough for most people that they no longer need to wear contacts or glasses.

What Happens During LASIK Surgery?

When you have LASIK surgery, your eye surgeon reshapes the cornea of each eye with a laser. Most eye surgeons can complete the outpatient procedure in less than 30 minutes. Below is what you can expect if you opt for the LASIK procedure.

  • Your eye surgeon places numbing drops in your eyes to ensure that you remain comfortable.
  • The surgeon working on your eyes places an eyelid speculum and suction ring on each eye. This is not painful. The speculum and suction ring keep your eyes in a steady position and prevent you from blinking.
  • The surgeon creates a thin flap in each of your corneas.
  • You look at light aimed at your eyes while the eye surgeon reshapes your corneas with a laser.
  • Your eye doctor puts the corneal flaps back in place. The cornea should reattach immediately.

Although we do not perform LASIK surgery at Dr. Jan Eye Care, we do offer LASIK co-management services in Elkridge MD to ensure that you receive the best care before and after the procedure.

What Are LASIK Co-Management Services?

Prior to your surgery, Dr. Jan will conduct a thorough eye exam, ask questions about your medical history, and perform any diagnostic tests you need before your LASIK surgery. Eye surgeons who perform this surgery have completed extensive training to become ophthalmologists.

Your care transfers back to Dr. Jan after the completion of your surgery. Your optometrist and ophthalmologist work together to keep you safe, comfortable, and to make sure that healing takes place as expected.

Interested in Learning More About LASIK?

Whether you are considering this procedure or want to know more about LASIK co-management services in Elkridge MD, we encourage you to reach out to request an exam at Dr. Jan Eye Care. We look forward to teaming up with a local ophthalmologist to help you see the world more clearly.

How Much Oxygen Does Your Eye Need?

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The vast majority of your body gets oxygen from your blood vessels, but the eye is one of the major exceptions. The cornea relies on tears and air to get the nutrients it needs to function. If you’re wondering how much oxygen the eye needs, especially if you’re a chronic contact-wearer, we’ll look at what you should know. 

Measuring Oxygen Levels 

There’s no official unit of oxygen that can be applied to everyone, which may make your adjustments a bit of an inexact science. The good news is that there are steps that you can take to improve oxygen delivery to the eyes, including artificial tears and seeing your eye doctor in Elkridge, MD, regularly. 

If you’re wearing contacts, here are a few factors to keep in mind:

  • Permeability: Lenses that are silicone hydrogel (sometimes labeled as Dk/t) are designed to allow more oxygen to move through the lens to the cornea. 
  • Schedule: It’s easy to forget that you’re wearing contacts or be too tired to take them out. However, failing to stick to a schedule can damage your eyes if you’re not careful. Following your doctor’s instructions and staying consistent is incredibly important to protecting your vision. 
  • Cleaning: If your lenses are dirty, this can impact the flow of oxygen. Keep in mind that debris may not cause you any pain or problems with your vision, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Make sure you’re properly cleaning and storing your lenses with the right solution. 
  • Breaks: Giving your eyes a rest during the day can make a big difference in your oxygen levels. Even if you’re not sleeping in your contact lenses in Elkridge, MD (which you should be avoiding anyway), wearing your glasses at night or in the morning can help your eyes ‘breathe’ more freely. 

Visit Your Eye Doctor in Elkridge, MD

A lack of oxygen to the eyes can result in corneal swelling and an eventual intolerance to contact lenses. It can also result in new blood vessels in the cornea, ones that can eventually leak and lead to vision loss. If you’re concerned about oxygen levels in your eye, contact Dr. Jan Eye Care to learn more about what you can do to avoid larger problems down the line. 

What to Expect During LASIK Recovery

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When you opt for LASIK surgery in Elkridge, MD, your vision has the potential to become crystal clear. However, a lot of people are hesitant about LASIK due to the brief recovery after the procedure. With LASIK, the recovery is a straightforward process without a lot of major side effects. However, there are a few things to know as you make the decision. Take a look at what to expect during the LASIK recovery below.

Immediate Post-Operative Period

Following LASIK surgery, patients may experience a range of sensations, including mild discomfort, tearing, and a gritty feeling as if there is something in the eyes. It’s normal for your vision to be hazy initially, so don’t let the temporary change in visual acuity cause concerns. The eyes might also be sensitive to light, so wear protective eyewear on the way home. Additionally, it is a good idea to rest immediately after the procedure.

First Week After LASIK

During the first week, patients typically notice a significant improvement in their vision. However, it is still common for mild fluctuations to occur during the first week of recovery. Some patients may also experience dry eyes and may be prescribed lubricating eye drops to alleviate discomfort. Following post-operative care instructions diligently during the first week is crucial to ensure optimal healing, so be sure to pay close attention to the guidelines offered after the procedure.

Long-Term Recovery and Final Results

As weeks progress post-LASIK surgery, the majority of patients witness stabilized and enhanced vision. Any residual side effects of the surgical procedure, such as dry eyes or itchiness, tend to diminish over time. However, most patients experience hardly any symptoms at all after the first few weeks. Routine follow-up appointments with the eye doctor will be important to monitor your progress and address any lingering concerns you may have after the procedure.

Discuss LASIK with an Experienced Elkridge Eye Doctor

The recovery after LASIK surgery is generally easy to navigate with few complications, but the results can be life-changing when you work with the best eye doctor in Elkridge, MD for LASIK co-management. Contact Dr. Jan Eye Care to schedule an appointment to discuss LASIK in-depth before deciding if the procedure is right for you.