Your LASIK Journey: From Consultation to Clear Vision

Imagine waking up and seeing the clock across the room without groping for glasses or poking at dry contacts. You might feel excited about ditching corrective eyewear but nervous about surgery.

What if the procedure hurts? What if it does not work? These doubts are understandable. LASIK helps millions achieve clear vision. Understanding each step will ease your anxiety.

Is LASIK Right for You?

LASIK is not for everyone. Ideal candidates include those who:

Have had a stable vision prescription for at least a year.
Have healthy corneas with enough thickness.
Do not have active eye diseases like glaucoma or severe dry eye.
Are 18 or older (21+ for some laser technologies).

Be open about medications, allergies, and past eye injuries to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The Consultation — Your Questions Answered

Your consultation is a time for questions. You might wonder how long results last. Many have enjoyed clear vision for decades but may need reading glasses after the age of 40.

Your eye doctor will measure corneal thickness, pupil size, and refractive errors. They will also review your medical history for conditions that may affect healing.

Your doctor will explain how they create a flap and reshape the tissue. It is natural to consider options. Your doctor will discuss alternatives if LASIK is not right for you.

Preparing for Surgery Day

Once cleared for LASIK, you will get pre-op instructions:

Avoid contact lenses for about two weeks (they alter corneal shape).
Avoid makeup, lotions, or perfumes the day before surgery.
Arrange a ride home. You must not drive immediately after.

What Happens During the Procedure?

You will relax in a comfy chair in a softly lit room while the surgeon applies numbing drops to your eyes. An eyelid holder will keep your eyes steady while you focus on a target light as the laser reshapes your cornea.

Many find the process weird but not painful. You may hear a faint ticking sound. If you feel anxious, squeezing a stress ball can help. The team will guide you and offer support throughout.

Recovery — Patience Pays Off

After surgery, your vision might be blurry, which is normal. You will go home with protective shields and eyedrops. It is best to avoid rubbing your eyes for a week and to stay away from pools and dust for two weeks.

You may experience dryness in your eyes for the first month. Artificial tears can help with that. Many notice clearer vision in a day, though it might fluctuate. Do not forget to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.

Answers to LASIK Questions

Are LASIK results permanent? The procedure permanently reshapes your cornea. Age-related changes (like presbyopia) can occur later, but LASIK does not cause these.

Will you go blind from LASIK? No cases of blindness from LASIK have been reported in the U.S., thanks to strict safety protocols.

Is the night glare permanent? Halos or glare around lights usually fade within three to six months as eyes adjust. LASIK helps you see clearly and gives you freedom, too. Many people achieve 20/20 vision or even better.

For more on LASIK, visit Cibolo Valley Vision at our Cibolo, Texas, office. Call (830) 205-4375 to book an appointment today.

https://ophthalmology.wustl.edu/lasik-surgery-center/lasik-frequently-asked-questions/

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik

https://www.allaboutvision.com/treatments-and-surgery/vision-surgery/lasik/outcomes-after-lasik/