• Age: 18 or older.
• Stable Vision: No changes in prescription for at least a year.
• Prescription Range: Within certain limits for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
• Corneal Thickness: Enough thickness for the procedure.
• Eye Health: No major eye issues like severe dry eye or glaucoma.
• Overall Health: Generally healthy, no conditions that affect healing.
• Realistic Expectations: Understand what the surgery can and cannot do

Preparing for LASIK surgery involves several important steps to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and effectively. Here are some key preparations:

• Stop Wearing Contact Lenses: Discontinue use of contact lenses at least a week before the surgery (longer for hard lenses) to allow your cornea to return to its natural shape.
• Avoid Makeup and Lotions: Refrain from using eye makeup, creams, perfumes, and lotions at least 24 hours before the surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
• Arrange Transportation: You won’t be able to drive yourself home after the surgery, so make sure you have someone to drive you.
• Take Time Off Work: Plan to take at least one day off work to rest and recover after the procedure.
• Follow Medication Instructions: Use any prescribed eye drops or medications as directed by your surgeon.
• Stay Hydrated and Avoid Alcohol: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine before the surgery.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you have about the procedure and follow their instructions carefully.

• Preparation: Before the surgery, numbing eye drops are applied to ensure you don’t feel any pain. You might also receive a mild sedative to help you relax.
• Creating the Flap: The surgeon uses a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea. This flap is then gently lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue.
• Reshaping the Cornea: A laser is used to reshape the cornea. This precise reshaping allows light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina, improving vision.
• Repositioning the Flap: After the cornea is reshaped, the flap is carefully repositioned back in place. It naturally adheres without the need for stitches.
• Recovery: The entire procedure typically takes about 30 minutes or less. Post-surgery, you might experience some temporary discomfort, dry eyes, or visual disturbances like glare or halos, but these usually resolve within a few weeks

Post-surgery care is crucial for a smooth recovery after LASIK. Here are some key tips and guidelines:

• Rest Your Eyes: It’s important to rest your eyes immediately after the surgery. Avoid reading, watching TV, or using digital devices for the first 24 hours.
• Use Medications as Prescribed: You’ll be given eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Make sure to use them exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: This is critical as rubbing your eyes can dislodge the corneal flap created during surgery.
• Wear Protective Eyewear: Use the eye shields provided by your doctor, especially while sleeping, to avoid accidental rubbing or pressure on your eyes. Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from bright light and dust when you go outside.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your healing process and address any concerns promptly.
• Avoid Certain Activities: For at least a week, avoid swimming, hot tubs, and any activities that might expose your eyes to water or potential contaminants. Also, steer clear of strenuous activities that could strain your eyes⁴.
• Monitor for Symptoms: It’s normal to experience some discomfort, dryness, and visual disturbances like glare or halos. However, if you notice severe pain, significant vision changes, or any signs of infection, contact your doctor immediately.

Follow-up care is essential to ensure the success of LASIK surgery and to monitor the healing process. Here’s what typically happens during follow-up appointments:

1. First Follow-Up (24-48 Hours Post-Surgery):
   • Your doctor will check your vision and examine your eyes to ensure the corneal flap is healing properly.
   • They will also assess for any signs of infection or complications.
2. Subsequent Visits (1 Week, 1 Month, 3 Months, 6 Months):
   • These appointments help track your vision improvement and overall eye health.
   • Your doctor will continue to monitor for any late-onset complications and ensure your eyes are healing as expected.
3. Long-Term Follow-Up:
   • Annual eye exams are recommended to maintain eye health and monitor vision stability.
   • Even after LASIK, regular check-ups are important to detect any potential issues early.

LASIK surgery offers several benefits for those looking to improve their vision. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Improved Vision: Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK, significantly reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• Quick Results: Vision improvement is often noticeable within 24 hours, with full stabilization typically occurring within a few weeks.
• Minimal Pain: The procedure is relatively painless, thanks to numbing eye drops used during the surgery. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and short-lived.
• Fast Recovery: Most people can return to their normal activities within a day or two, making LASIK a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.
• Long-Lasting Results: The effects of LASIK are generally permanent, although some age-related vision changes may still occur over time.
• High Success Rate: LASIK has a high success rate, with the majority of patients reporting satisfaction with the results.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Improved vision can enhance overall quality of life, making daily activities like driving, reading, and sports more enjoyable and less dependent on corrective lenses.
• Cost-Effective: Over time, LASIK can be more cost-effective than the ongoing expenses of glasses and contact lenses.