The Role Of An Optometrist For LASIK Eye Surgery
If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, you must first visit your optometrist. Your optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery. One of the most significant tests your eye doctor will perform is called corneal topography. The images from this test will determine if your cornea has a regular or irregular shape, how thick and steep the cornea is, and how big the space is between the cornea and the lens. You will also undergo an intraocular pressure test to determine the pressure on the inside of each eye as well as tests to determine your prescription.
Once the exam is complete, your results will be analyzed by your optometrist to determine if you meet the criteria for receiving the surgery. Your optometrist will also go over the risks associated with the surgery and will give you the opportunity to voice any concerns or ask questions about LASIK eye surgery. After your appointment, you will be referred to a LASIK surgeon. Optometrists are not licensed to perform surgeries and will require you to visit an ophthalmologist to perform the surgery.
LASIK Evaluation And The Role Of A LASIK Surgeon
After your comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist, you will be referred to a LASIK surgeon where they will perform their own comprehensive eye exam and will go over your results to ensure you are a good candidate for the surgery. Your surgeon's eye exam will include a more detailed analysis of the cornea and overall eye health using 3D maps of the cornea. Following these in-depth exams, your LASIK surgeon will determine what you can expect for vision improvement with the surgery. If you decide to go ahead with the surgery, you will then book a date and time with the LASIK eye surgeon.
Post-Operative Care For Laser Eye Surgery
Most of the post-operative care will be handled by your optometrist. There are several factors involved in LASIK post-operative care such as follow-up appointments, a recovery plan to follow, and specific guidelines to follow such as no eye rubbing. Since everyone's eyes are different, each post-operative care plan is unique.
You will be required to visit your optometrist within the first 24-48 hours after the laser surgery to check on your vision and healing. Depending on your results, your optometrist may determine if there needs to be any alterations made to your recovery plan. At least six months after the surgery, you will be required to have scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and ensure that recovery is going as planned.
Book Your LASIK Eye Surgery Consultation Today!
LASIK eye surgery is the best known and commonly performed laser refractive surgery to correct vision problems. If you are tired of wearing glasses all the time or remembering to put in and clean your contact lenses, LASIK eye surgery may be the perfect fit for you. With the expertise of your optometrist during the pre-operative and post-operative care as well as your LASIK surgeon, your vision will be restored.
To learn more about LASIK surgery and find out if you are a good candidate, book a LASIK consultation with one of the optometrists at Sunridge Eye Clinic. Our optometrists have the expertise to evaluate your vision and eye health to determine if you could benefit from LASIK surgery and will be able to refer you to an experienced LASIK surgeon. To learn more, book your LASIK consultation today by calling 1-403-280-7518 or book online.
FAQ
Q: How long is the healing process from LASIK eye surgery?
A: A full recovery from LASIK eye surgery will take 6 months. Most patients see significant improvement in their vision after a month or two after the surgery. Up until the six-month mark, patients may notice their vision fluctuate, but this is a normal part of the healing process.
Q: How long is a comprehensive eye exam?
A: A comprehensive eye exam will last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the tests performed by your optometrist.
Q: Does laser eye surgery hurt?
A: No, it does not. You will be provided with numbing agents to ensure you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Most patients feel slight pressure when the cornea flap is removed, but do not report any feelings of pain.
