LTK Laser Eye Surgery (cont.)
What Are the Disadvantages of LTK Laser Eye Surgery?
The disadvantages of LTK laser eye surgery include:
- LTK laser eye surgery is not permanent.
- Patients experience temporary nearsightedness
following the procedure since over-correction of vision is required to account
for regression. Some patients may even need to wear glasses for a few weeks
following LTK laser eye surgery.
- It is common for people who have had the LTK laser eye surgery to lose about half of the corrective effects within two years of the surgery.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of LTK Laser Eye Surgery?
Other than nearsightedness, you may also feel as if you have a foreign object in your eye. But this sensation should go away after the first day with the help of eye drops given to you by your doctor. You may also experience sensitivity to light the first day or so following LTK laser eye surgery, but pain or other discomfort is rarely associated with this procedure.
Who's a Candidate for LTK Laser Eye Surgery?
Due to its non-permanent effects, LTK laser eye surgery is only performed in people over the age of 40 who are mildly farsighted. Other than age, the qualifications for this surgery are the same as the qualifications for any refractive surgery.
How Should I Prepare for LTK Laser Eye Surgery?
Before your LTK laser eye surgery you will meet with a coordinator who will discuss what you should expect during and after the surgery. During this session your medical history will be evaluated and your eyes will be tested. Likely tests include measuring corneal thickness, refraction, and pupil dilation. Once you have gone through your evaluation, you will meet the surgeon, who will answer any further questions you may have. Afterwards, you can schedule an appointment for the procedure.
If you wear rigid gas permeable contact lenses, you should not wear them for three weeks before your surgery. Other types of contact lenses shouldn't be worn for at least three days prior to surgery. Be sure to bring your eyeglasses to the surgeon so your prescription can be reviewed.
On the day of your surgery, eat a light meal before going to the doctor and take all of your prescribed medications. Do not wear eye makeup or have any bulky accessories in your hair that will interfere with positioning your head under the laser. If you do not feel well that morning, call the doctor's office to determine whether the procedure needs to be postponed.
What Happens During the LTK Laser Eye Surgery?
LTK laser eye surgery is done under a local anesthesia. During LTK laser eye surgery, a laser beam uses heat to shrink and reshape the cornea. Vision is corrected in a matter of seconds, without any cutting or removal of tissue.
Next: What should I expect after the LTK laser eye surgery? »
- Questions To Ask Before Surgery - Surgery questions to ask prior to having a procedure are important. Your surgeon should be available to answer your surgery questions prior to the procedure.
- Astigmatism - Astigmatism is a common form of visual impairment in which part of an image is blurred, due to an irregularity in the curvature of the front surface of the eye, the cornea.
- Farsightedness - Learn about farsightedness, what causes hyperopia and the symptoms of being farsighted.
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