FAQs About LASIK and How it Improves Your Vision

LASIK is a medical procedure that reshapes your corneas and reduces or eliminates your need to wear corrective lenses. It's a procedure that is safe and effective and has been proven to last. Our doctors of optometry at Harrington Vision in Florence are familiar with laser eye surgery, and the resulting eye care that's required afterward. We're here to help you understand the procedure and what to expect afterward.

What is LASIK?

LASIK, also known as refractive laser eye surgery, uses a laser to burn away the tissue surrounding your cornea that causes your vision to require corrective lenses. The procedure takes about 10 minutes per eye, although you may be in the office for up to 90 minutes for pre- and post-operative eye care. 

How Does the Procedure Work?

Your eyes are numbed before undergoing the procedure. Once the eye surgeon is satisfied that you can't feel anything, you are placed in a special chair that holds you in position for the procedure. The doctor then makes sure your eyes are immobile and cuts a flap in your cornea to allow the laser to access the areas targeted for removal. Once the surgery begins, the laser removes the targeted tissues that cause vision issues. The procedure is done one eye at a time and monitored at all times by medical staff.

Does Vision Return Immediately After Surgery?

You are able to see after surgery, but you may experience halos, blurriness, or fuzziness in your vision. Light sensitivity is also another post-operative condition that some patients experience. It takes a few days for your vision to clear up and for the results to become apparent. Make sure to follow the post-op eye care directions to allow your eyes to heal properly and avoid infection. 

How Long Does it Take for the Corrected Vision to Take Hold?

It can take up to six months for the results of the surgery to become apparent, although you may notice improvements in your vision as your eyes heal. The structures around your cornea need to heal and adjust to the new configuration. You may still need to wear corrective lenses to see clearly until your eyes have completely healed. Most people report achieving almost 100% improvement in their vision after their eyes have healed and no longer need to wear glasses. 

Contact Us Today at Harrington Vision to Learn More about LASIK

Give us a call to set up an appointment to discuss laser eye surgery with one of our doctors of optometry. Our doctors will perform an exam and discuss your potential vision outcome as well as explain the required eye care that comes after the surgery. The numbers to reach us are (843) 662-0691 (Downtown) and (843) 669-2020 (West Florence).