The moment we hear of anyone going through surgery of any kind, we instinctively believe that they must have been put to sleep with anaesthesia before the procedure. Although this is true for most surgeries, it is not the same for LASIK eye surgery procedure because the patients are awake throughout the procedure.
The common reasons why people feel scared to remain awake or conscious during a surgery is the fear or coughing or sneezing, most importantly, the pain they may have to go through. You should know that you can be completely awake during a LASIK procedure and not be scared of sudden movements or even feel uncomfortable.
This is as a result of the local anaesthetic administered before the LASIK procedure. It numbs the patient, making the entire process painless. The eyes will remain open of course, from the moment the corneal flap is created with the laser, to when it is closed by the LASIK surgeon. Throughout the process, your eyes will be moisturised by the surgical team.
We know how scary surgeries can be, and how nervous one can feel when they are about to go for any surgery. Because of this, we at The LASIK London have decided to discuss the process of LASIK surgery, and let you know the measures put in place for your safety during the procedure.
How prepared should I be for my LASIK procedure?
If you are getting ready for a LASIK procedure, there is not much you are to do in preparation for the procedure. Your laser eye doctor will ask you to stop wearing your contact lenses for about a week before the LASIK procedure. Other than that, there isn’t much that you are expected to do as a patient.
On the day of the procedure, you will need a trusted friend or member of your family to drive you to the clinic. Be sure by go with someone who does not get nervous around hospitals or doctors so they can ease your mind a little bit.
How will the surgeon keep me still and calm throughout the procedure
Before the surgery begins, you need to lie flat on your back in a comfortable position and look straight forward. You will be awake throughout the process, so the surgeon will monitor involuntary eye movements using a sophisticated tracking device, and will also make adjustments to the laser accordingly. If you feel the need to cough or sneeze, be sure to let the surgeon know.
At The LASIK London, we do our best to let patients know all about the procedure and what to expect. However, when the local anaesthetic kicks in, you will become numb and relaxed during the procedure. If it does not happen this way, we will be equally ready to help you relax.
What happens if I am really anxious before the procedure?
It is normal to feel nervous before any procedure, however if you feel very anxious or very scared before the surgery, the LASIK surgeon may recommend or give you a mild sedative that will help you relax but still keep you awake. If, perhaps, you are already on a sedative prescription, let the surgeon know beforehand so that they will be sure that there is no interaction or effects that could affect the procedure.
Besides the mild sedative to help you relax, you can also choose to have your favourite music played, or we can offer you a stress ball or hold your hand to ease the stress.
Is the LASIK eye surgery a painless procedure?
During surgery, a lot of patients do not feel any pain. However, in the days and weeks that follow after LASIK or other vision correction procedures, it is normal for patients to experience dry eyes or mild discomfort. To rectify this, steroid eye drops or special antibiotics will give to patients to help with the healing process and prevent swelling.
If you experience swelling, pain or redness in the eye after LASIK or any vision correction procedures, see the surgery centre immediately.
What happens if I cannot stay awake during the LASIK procedure?
For LASIK procedure, local anaesthetic may use instead of general anaesthetic. This makes it difficult for patients to fall asleep during the procedure. For best results, it is better to stay awake during the LASIK procedure, and so that the surgeon can gauge or measure your success.
The local anaesthetic used for LASIK procedure will not put you to sleep. Instead, it will simply make you numb but awake so you do not feel any pain during the procedure.
Your eyelids will hold open by the surgeon using a tool, and the numbing eye drops will apply to your eyes so you do not blink or feel any kind of pain. The procedure takes a couple of minutes per eye, and this leaves very little time for you to feel sleepy.
All you need to know about LASIK procedure at The LASIK London
Like all other surgeries and medical procedures, it begins with a consultation. Here at The LASIK London, you can schedule a LASIK consultation in London with us anytime. The consultation with us includes a thorough eye examination, which of course includes
- Vision tests
- Mapping out of the eyes
- Imaging of the eyes
- A one-on-one conversation with a LASIK and vision correction specialist
All these procedures help determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK procedure or for other vision correction procedures. This is also the time you can ask about the procedure and clear up any doubts or concerns you may have concerning LASIK.
Start your journey today by contacting us through email or direct calls. Book an appointment for consultation and speak to a LASIK specialist in London today.
