Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Laser Eye Operation

What You Need To Discuss With Your Doctor Before You Undergo Laser Eye Operation

Although laser eye operations are generally considered as safe, most of us cannot really help but feel apprehensive about going under the laser beam. If you are one of those people who feel uncertain about the idea of getting laser eye operation, you need to talk to your doctor about your concerns. Do not be shy about asking questions. Remember that you have every right to know what risks that you will have to face during a laser eye operation.

Ask About The Procedure

You need to know the steps involved in the procedure. During your meeting with your doctor, ask your doctor to explain to you the process of the surgery. Good doctors are always happy to explain to their clients what will happen during the procedure. For instance, if you are about to undergo LASIK eye surgery, you need to be familiar with the three major steps such as the creation of the flap on the corneal tissue, the remodeling of the cornea under the flap and the repositioning of the flap thereafter. Some of the terms that your doctor may use may not make any sense to you. If you do not understand some of terms that your doctor uses to describe the laser eye operation procedure, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for further clarifications. If possible, ask you doctor to explain the process to you with the use of visual aides.

Ask About The Sedatives

Since laser eye operations don't usually last more than a few seconds, these operations are usually performed while the patient is awake and mobile. Most patients only report slight discomfort during the surgery. However, if you do not like the idea of staying wide awake while the surgeon does something to your eyeballs, asks your doctor for some mild sedatives and anesthetic eye drops to relieve your discomforts. If you take sedatives during the laser eye operation, it would be best for you not to drive your car home afterwards. Take a cab or ask someone else to drive you home. Remember that sedatives can affect you motor movements and you may not be able to control your car properly while on the road.

Ask About The Possible Side Effects

You should never discount the possibility of side effects after the surgery. Yes, there are only very few reported cases of side effects among people who had laser eye operation but this is not an assurance that you will not suffer from any side effects at all.

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