San Diego Lasik eye surgery is a procedure that can correct certain types of refractive defects. For qualified patients, Lasik is a safe and convenient alternative to wearing glasses or contacts. Lasik is common in San Diego and many other cities. The procedure involves cutting a thin flap into the eye and remolding the tissue below it. That flap is then replaces and re-heals post-op.
Pre Op
There are several steps that need to be taken up to weeks before the Lasik surgery. If a patient wears contacts, they must not be worn for a period of time before the surgery. In preparation for the surgery the patients corneas are examined for thickness and contour. This, along with the patients symptoms, is used by the surgeon to plan where corneal tissue will be removed. This may also detect irregularities in the shape of the cornea.
Contact Lenses
-Soft contact lenses are usually removed anywhere between 5 to 21 day before the surgery.
-Hard contact lenses should be removed for at least 6 weeks, plus 2 weeks for each year the contacts have been worn.
The Operation
The patient is awake during the operation, and may or may not be given a mild sedative. To create the flap, the surgeon places a corneal suction ring on the eye to keep it in place. The suction on the eye can cause blood vessels to burst resulting in Subconjunctival Hemorrhaging (bleeding) into the white of the eye. This is only a cosmetic side effect that will heal in a matter of weeks. Once the eye is immobilized, the flap is created. A portion of the tissue is left connected so that the flap can be pulled back and remain connected to the eye. The lifting of the flap to reveal the stroma of the cornea can be uncomfortable.
Once the stroma is accessible, an Excimer Laser is used to selectively vaporize tissue without damaging the areas around it. No heat or cutting is required. During this step the patients vision will get blurry until the flap is replaced. The flap is then replaced and the surgeon makes sure there is a correct fit. The flap will stay in place naturally until the healing is done.
Post Op
Patients are given antibiotics and eye drops to use for the next few weeks. Patients may have to sleep wearing protective goggles to prevent them from rubbing there eyes. Also, dark shields may be worn to protect the eyes from bright lights. A good surgeon will thoroughly go over the post-op procedures and explain the importance of following them.
Side Effects and Complications
The most common side effect after surgery is dry eyes. Once study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology estimated that the amount of patients experiencing dry eyes 6 months after surgery was almost 37%. The FDA cautions that dry eyes may be a permanent side effect of Lasik surgery. Although this can be uncomfortable and unpleasant regular use of over the counter eye drops can be used to treat dry eyes. Patients experiencing dry eyes should consult their Lasik surgeon; left untreated, dry eyes can cause a regression in the effect of Lasik.
Other more serious and less frequent side effects of Lasik include:
- Over/Under correction
- Halos or starburst around light sources
- Sensitivity to light
- Ghost images and/or double vision
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhaging
- Wrinkles in flap
- Debris under flap
Cost of Lasik Eye Surgery
The cost of Lasik surgery in San Diego can vary widely depending on the refractive error of the patient. Generally the cost is between $1500 and $2500 per eye. Always read the fine print and get a quote up front when seeing doctors that advertise a low cost for Lasik. Often this bargain price will only apply to a small number of patients with minor refractive error. Cost for the average patient may go up.
Visiting San Diego for Lasik
Be sure to have good communication with the doctor before the procedure. Lasik is a serious medical procedure, and you as a patient should be sure you are completely comfortable with the doctor. Also, it is a good idea to stay in San Diego the night of the procedure. You will probably want to sleep for as much as possible. On the second day you will feel more comfortable will someone driving you home. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you plan on flying soon after a procedure.