|
Is it painful?
There is little if any discomfort during surgery because the
cornea and eye are anesthetized by drops. Some patients experience
a "scratchy feeling." After the anesthetic wears off,
the amount of discomfort varies with each individual, but any
irritation is minor and usually disappears within a few hours.
You may be sensitive to light for a few days.
When
will I be able to return to work?
Most people can return to work one to three days following surgery,
but a rule of thumb is to wait until you feel up to it. Most
return to normal activities as soon as the day after surgery.
What are
the side effects and risks?
The most common side effects are a halo effect and some glare
at night around lights. (See "What
Are the Risks of Laser Surgery?")
How long
does the treatment take?
Laser treatment itself takes only about 15 to 40 seconds, based
on the degree of correction necessary. Recovery is minimal, and
usually the patient is able to be driven home after about 30
minutes. Typically, you will notice improved sight in 3 to 5
days following treatment.
Is the treatment
permanent?
According to the results of the U.S. clinical trials and results
reported internationally, the treatment appears to be permanent.
As people age, however, their eyes change and re-treatment may
be necessary.
Are there
any activity restrictions following surgery?
Following surgery, do not rub your eyes. Other than that, patients
can do whatever they feel up to as long as they follow their
doctors' instructions.
What if
I move my head during surgery?
This is the number one question that patients ask when undergoing
laser treatment. The surgeon is skilled in the technique of removing
his foot from the pedal that controls the ultraviolet beam as
soon as a patient moves his or her head. This allows him to realign
the beam with the corneal "target" and proceed with
the surgery. |
