LASIK Co-Management
If you struggle with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may be a candidate for LASIK. LASIK is a type of laser surgery that changes the shape of your cornea. As a result, your vision becomes much clearer without the need for corrective lenses. Your eye doctor in Burleson, TX, can give you more information about LASIK and what LASIK co-management involves.
About LASIK Co-Management
It takes a minimum of two eye professionals to see you through the LASIK process. The first is your regular eye doctor. Your eye doctor will perform the diagnostic tests needed to determine whether LASIK is a good fit for you. If it is, they’ll refer you to a LASIK surgeon to perform the procedure. This entire process is called co-management. Once your surgeon has completed your procedure, you’ll follow up with your regular eye doctor for continued care.
Why Do I Need Two Eye Doctors?
LASIK requires specialized skills that only a surgeon who is trained in the procedure can provide. Only ophthalmologists, or doctors of eye medicine, can perform LASIK. Meanwhile, your regular eye doctor, or optometrist, is the person who can perform your eye exam, diagnose eye conditions, prescribe medications, and prescribe corrective lenses. Your optometrist has an OD, or Doctor of Optometry, degree. Your ophthalmologist is a surgeon who holds a medical degree.
What Happens During a LASIK Procedure?
During a LASIK procedure, your surgeon uses a tiny laser to sculpt and reshape your cornea. Your cornea is the dome-shaped tissue at the front of your eye that refracts light onto your retina. Sometimes, the cornea becomes misshapen due to normal aging or other factors. As a result, it refracts the light incorrectly. This results in blurred vision. But through the science of LASIK, your surgeon can correct the angle of refraction. Afterward, your clear vision is restored without the use of corrective lenses.
The LASIK procedure usually takes about 30 minutes. You’ll recline comfortably in a chair, and your ophthalmologist will administer numbing eye drops. Once your eyes are numb, they’ll begin the process to reshape your cornea.
After the procedure, you’ll need someone to drive you home. Your eyes may feel gritty or itchy for a brief period of time, and your vision will be blurry at first. You may need pain medication to alleviate any discomfort. You’ll follow up with your regular eye doctor a few days later, so they can make sure everything is going well. Once your procedure is complete, your vision should begin to improve. Your eyes should completely stabilize within two to three months.
If you’re interested in LASIK, schedule an appointment with your optometrist in Burleson, TX, today. Vision Plaza is a top choice of eye care provider in the area.