LASIK is a vision correction procedure that uses a high-precision laser to correct a refractive error by reshaping the cornea to allow light rays to properly focus on the retina. In Houston, LASIK is a safe and popular alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses. Berkeley Eye Center is a leader in Houston LASIK treatments, including the new iDESIGN LASIK 2.1 procedure. Our LASIK procedures only take a few minutes to complete with patients remaining awake and comfortable during the entire procedure.
As you can imagine, our patients have a lot of questions about the LASIK procedure. One of the most common questions our Houston eye doctors get asked by their patients is what happens if they blink or move during the LASIK procedure.
It Doesn’t Matter if You Sneeze, Cough or Have an Itch
No need to worry. The lasers the Berkeley Eye Center uses in our LASIK laser eye surgery procedures use advanced tracking technology to follow the movement of your eye. If you move too much, say because you sneeze or cough, or your nose itches, the laser will automatically shut off. Once you’ve settled back down, the laser will resume the procedure precisely where it stopped.
Patients are seated in operating couches with ergonomic headrests that can be adjusted to ensure their heads remain comfortably in the proper position during the procedure.
Blinking Won’t Be a Problem Either
Numbing drops are applied that suppress your natural urge to blink. Also, the eye doctor will use a small device designed to hold your eyelids open to prevent you from accidentally blinking during the procedure.
The LASIK procedure is painless and non-invasive; oral and topical anesthetic medication is sufficient to make the patient feel comfortable. After the procedure, your eyes may feel a little scratchy, gritty, or watery. These are temporary symptoms that will resolve themselves after a few days. You’ll be given eye drops to help alleviate any of these symptoms you may experience.
Most patients notice improved vision immediately after the procedure and are functional without their corrective lenses at the one-day post-operative exam. You’ll continue to see a gradual increase in your visual acuity the first five to seven days following the procedure.
Are You A Candidate For Houston LASIK Surgery?
So now that you know you don’t have to worry about what happens if you blink or move during LASIK — are you tired of wearing glasses and contact lenses? You may be an excellent candidate for a LASIK surgery. Call Berkeley Eye Center to schedule an exam with one of our Houston LASIK surgeons. We’ve performed thousands of procedures with spectacular results for our patients.
If you think LASIK eye surgery might be good for you, give Berkeley Eye Center a call. With locations all over Houston as well as Katy, the Woodlands, Kingwood, and Greenway Plaza, there’s sure to be a Berkeley Eye Center near you!
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK
What age is best for LASIK?
There is not specifically an age limit for LASIK. However, it is typically recommended for those over 18 years of age. It is important for the patient have stable vision for at least one year prior to having the surgery.
Can I have LASIK if I have astigmatism?
Yes, absolutely. LASIK can correct a range of vision problems, including astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
How long does LASIK last for?
LASIK surgery reshapes the patient’s cornea to permanently improve vision. This reshaping does not wear off with age. However, the vision correction achieved by LASIK doesn’t prevent the normal process of aging as it relates to your eyes.
For most of us, around the age of 40, our close-up vision may become blurry due to presbyopia, which is the result of the eye’s lens losing its flexibility with age and not related to the cornea. It may become necessary to wear reading glasses or bifocals.