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Those considering LASIK often wonder if they need to be awake during the procedure. It’s a common fear and concern. Some avoid LASIK surgery altogether because of this.
Although it may sound scary, you are not put to sleep for LASIK. But there are some benefits to staying awake.
One benefit is that you can visually track your progress by watching what is happening during the surgery. You can also talk to your surgeon as they perform the procedure.
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LASIK surgery takes place on an outpatient basis.
Even though you are awake during the procedure, you won’t feel pain. This is because the surgeon will give you a mild sedative for relaxation.
They will also administer anesthetic eye drops (local anesthesia) to numb the cornea’s surface and prevent discomfort. Local anesthesia is a one-time dose of medicine that numbs an area of the body.
Here are a few points to remember about local anesthesia:
General anesthesia, on the one hand:
Surgeons only administer local anesthesia during LASIK to avoid the adverse effects associated with general anesthesia.
It’s normal to feel nervous when you’re lying down in the surgery chair. Your LASIK surgeon will be there to help you through the procedure.
If you happen to move, blink, or sneeze during the surgery, the laser is programmed to stop immediately if it senses movement that could interfere with the procedure.
You don’t need to worry about blinking since the surgeon places an eyelid speculum to hold your eyelids open during surgery.
Questions about LASIK? Call NVISION to speak with an experienced Patient Counselor who can answer all your questions and set up a free consultation. No commitment required.
An eye doctor sometimes provides free LASIK consultation. They’ll explain what to expect during the LASIK procedure in the following order:
Here are some reasons why you might want to stay awake during LASIK:
Many people find that staying awake helps them relax. Some even enjoy watching what's happening. They're also able to communicate with the doctor or technician if there are any issues or they need anything.
If you need medication for pain management, staying awake allows you to ask for some. And, you can communicate whether or not it's helping your pain.
If your vision changes after your surgery, it’s best to speak up right away. This way, your doctor can ensure everything went well both during and after the procedure.
Prior to surgery, your doctor will conduct a pre-operative examination to document your medical history and ensure you are healthy.
This exam may include an evaluation of your eyes, eyelids, and the eye socket in which LASIK surgery will occur.
They will give you instructions on how to prepare for surgery. Your doctor will tell you when to stop eating or drinking anything before the surgery.
They may prescribe medications (if necessary) before the surgery.
Additionally, doctors typically recommend that patients not wear contact lenses for at least one week before LASIK.
The reason? Contact lenses can affect the shape of the cornea, which is the part of the eye the surgeon operates on. Also, there is always a chance of infection or injury with contact lens use.
The procedure will take no more than 30 minutes. Here’s what to expect:
LASIK surgery is a very quick procedure. After surgery, you can expect:
The success rate of LASIK varies from patient to patient. However, studies show 98% of patients who undergo the procedure are satisfied with their results.
The success rates for LASIK eye surgery depend on various factors, such as:
Patients over 40 years old will see an increased risk of poor results because there’s a higher risk of dry eyes. Additionally, presbyopia (stiffening of the eye’s lens) may be present.
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Still not sure about LASIK? Talk with an experienced Patient Counselor at NVISION to find out if it's right for you.
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