Tag: LASIK eye surgery

The No Blade Lasik Procedure: What to Expect

The No Blade Lasik Procedure: What to Expect

It only takes 30 minutes to improve your outlook for life.

If you wear glasses or contacts, you know how inconvenient they can be when you are working out, skiing, swimming or tasks requiring you to change from close-up vision to seeing at a distance. If you crave the freedom of waking up to a clear view of the world, you should look into No Blade Lasik. We can improve your outlook almost instantly with this safe outpatient procedure.

Lasik Eye Surgery Terms You Need to Know

Prior to your Lasik procedure, you should know the following terms, as defined by The American Optical Association:

  • Lasik: laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis
  • In-situ: Latin for “in place”
  • Keratomileusis: reshaping of the cornea via surgery

We can correct the following kinds of vision problems with the No Blade Lasik process:

  • Myopia: nearsightedness
  • Hyperopia: farsightedness
  • Astigmatism: blurry vision due to a misshaped cornea or lens

 

What Happens at Your First Visit

At your first Lasik eye surgery appointment, our ophthalmologist will do an eye exam and review any current prescription medications you may be taking. Together, you’ll discuss your general health to make sure you are a good candidate for Lasik. The doctor will ask if you have any eye issues, such as chronic dryness, that need to be cleared up prior to surgery. At this visit, we encourage you to ask lots of questions about your upcoming no-blade Lasik surgery.

What Happens on Surgery Day

Lasik eye surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes about 30 minutes. You should ask a friend or relative to drive you home afterward because your vision is likely to be blurry and very sensitive to light.

You will sit in a reclining chair near the Lasik apparatus. We’ll put some numbing drops into your eyes and clean the area around them. We’ll use a lid speculum to gently hold your eyelids open. You will be awake throughout the procedure.

During surgery, the ophthalmologist will:

1. Use a laser to create an extremely thin flap of corneal tissue
2. Fold back the flap to access the inner cornea
3. Carry out laser correction on the interior of the cornea
4. Apply a shield to hold the flap in place

What to Expect After Lasik

Right after No Blade Lasik, your eyes will feel irritated. The worst thing you can do is to rub them because that could dislodge the corneal flap. Left alone, the flap will heal naturally without stitches in a few days. An over-the-counter pain reliever should relieve any mild pain. You should call us right away if your pain is severe.

You will likely experience extreme light sensitivity immediately after your procedure that tends to go away after a few hours. Most ophthalmologists recommend taking a nap shortly after your surgery to allow the eyes to heal and avoid any unnecessary eye movement. Upon waking up, you may find that you are already able to take advantage of your improved vision!

Your first post-op visit will take place within a couple days of your surgery. Be sure to keep your follow-up appointments throughout your recovery and follow your doctor’s recommendations. In return, you will enjoy improved eyesight for life. Contact us today to arrange your initial LASIK consultation.

Best Time To Get Lasik Eye Surgery

Seven Reasons To Consider A Winter LASIK Procedure

Corrected Vision In About An Hour

More than one million people say goodbye to poor vision with LASIK eye surgery every year. If you’ve been wondering when to schedule your LASIK procedure, the timing couldn’t be better. Here are seven good reasons to get it done now:

It’s Cold Outside

January and February are popular months for elective surgery. People are less active, the holidays are over, and everyone is spending time indoors. Unless you’re a snow bunny, there’s not much to do, so you have ample time to rest and recover.

New Year, New You

Everyone thinks of self-improvement when a new year is upon us. Although many resolutions, like going to the gym daily, fall by the wayside, a LASIK procedure is permanent. Do it once and enjoy clear vision and a sense of self-satisfaction for years to come.

Your Tax Dollars At Work

Invest your tax refund in your own well-being. If you don’t like what you got for Christmas, clear vision can be a thoughtful way to gift yourself. If you’ve been procrastinating about LASIK eye surgery because your insurance won’t cover it, your tax return may be enough to foot at least part of the bill.

Study says LASIK Recovery Is Faster In Winter

Keith Walter, M.D., Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, published a 2004 study in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery about the effect of environmental conditions on laser eye surgery recovery. Procedures carried out in cold, dry weather resulted in faster recovery times and fewer follow-up treatments than procedures carried out in hot, humid weather. A significant number of patients who underwent summer procedures needed follow-up surgery; those who underwent winter procedures required no follow-up surgery.

Take Advantage Of Downtime

Many people experience a general slow-down after the holidays. Although LASIK surgery requires minimal downtime and recovery is relatively quick, you’ll still need to return to your doctor for follow- up visits one day, one week and one month after surgery. It’s easier to keep your appointments and relax for a few days when you’re not overloaded with commitments, and if your work has slowed down, your employer may be more willing than usual to give you a mini-leave.

Fewer Cameras Snapping Your Photo

Some patients experience redness of the eyes that can last for up to two weeks after surgery. This is due to bruising and generally clears up shortly. With the holidays out of the way, you won’t have to worry about looking good for all the family photos. You can avoid the limelight until your LASIK recovery is complete.

Guard Against Dry Winter Eyes

Dry winter air can mean dry eyes. Contacts can dry out your eyes even more. Get your LASIK procedure now, and you can romp in the snow all winter without the discomfort of dry, itchy eyes.

Ready to find out the particulars about LASIK surgery in Springfield, MA? Visit Dr. John Frangie’s website or contact us directly.

The Risks and Rewards of Exercising After LASIK

How long do you have to wait to workout after LASIK?

Why Eye Surgery Is No Excuse for Being Lazy

Thinking about getting LASIK surgery to correct your vision? There are countless benefits to doing so, but it is important to follow up your procedure with proper post-operative care.

If you’re a fan of staying fit, then surgery of any kind can pose big challenges. Of course, eye surgery is notably different from most other procedures, but it’s still wise to tread cautiously so that you safeguard your newly acquired awesome vision. Here are some tips on adhering to your routine and resuming exercise and other normal activities after LASIK so that a seasonal slump doesn’t make it harder to get back into the swing of things later.

Be Wary of Watery Risks

Keeping your eyes dry is a primary concern for any LASIK patient. In addition to recommending that you stay out of the pool, hot tub or sauna for a while, the National Institute of Health advises that you avoid contact sports and other risky activities for at least one week. It’s important to consult with your care provider before resuming these forms of exercise.

Ophthalmologists also say that environmental moisture isn’t the only threat to a successful recovery. Activities that make you sweat heavily and cause liquid to drip into your eyes can result in serious irritation. Even worse, if you rub your eyes, you may displace the still-healing LASIK flap.

Avoiding Strain Makes Recovery From LASIK Easier

Even if you aren’t working out so hard that you start crying or sweating excessively, some activities may cause excessive stresses that interrupt the healing process. For example, individuals who lift heavy weights or perform calisthenics exercises that involve inversions may experience ocular pain. In such cases, they should stop working out immediately and consult with their doctors.

When Can You Start Hitting the Gym?

Some practitioners advise that you wait at least two days before exercising again. In addition, you should don protective eyewear anytime you plan on participating in physical activity. While this is obviously a good idea if you’re playing rough-and-tumble contact sports, it’s important not to overlook the need for eye protection when you’re doing seemingly casual things. For instance, if you go for a walk or a light jog outside, you may encounter dust, intense sunshine and other environmental hazards that prompt scarring or other forms of injury.

Remember that these are just general rules. You should always err on the side of caution. Before your surgery, ask your caregiver about their personalized recommendations for how to make a healthy recovery from LASIK.

Getting back into exercise after LASIK isn’t a huge challenge as long as you’re careful and willing to take things slowly. For more helpful insights about post-LASIK life or if you think you may be a good candidate for LASIK, get in touch with the John Frangie, M.D. ophthalmology team today.

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