Fear of the LASIK Procedure

If you really want LASIK but are afraid of the procedure, you should talk to an eye surgeon about your fears. Two common concerns about the procedure include:

The incision: LASIK improves vision by reshaping your cornea. In order to access the middle layer of your cornea, your eye surgeon creates an incision. The incision can be made with a microkeratome blade or with a laser. You will not see the blade or the laser when the incision is created, and you won't feel any pain either.

Corneal reshaping: As the laser reshapes your cornea, you may hear a clicking sound and there may be an odor, but you will not feel any pain or see the laser as it reshapes.

Many LASIK patients are concerned about blinking or the laser going off track. Today's lasers are equipped with tracking technology, which means the laser beam tracks its target if your eye moves slightly. If you were to move your head or look away, the laser would shut off automatically. As far as blinking is concerned, a speculum is used to gently hold your eyelids open and prevent blinking.

The procedure itself is painless, though you may feel pressure. None of this is to say that LASIK is risk-free. There is a possibility of side effects and complications, and you should ask your doctor about them and how they will be prevented.

To find out whether LASIK is right for you, please contact an experienced eye surgeon in your area.