LASIK Vision Correction

In Oklahoma City and Edmond, Oklahoma

 

Safety

As LASIK technology has become more sophisticated over recent years, LASIK surgery has become safer and more accurate than it previously was. You can further enhance the safety of the procedure by choosing an experienced surgeon such as  Dr. Chris Hummel at Hummel Eye Associates in Oklahoma City, and by taking good care of your eyes after surgery.

 

Less than one percent of all LASIK patients encounter any complications. But you can make it even less likely that you’ll be one of them if you avoid certain lifestyle choices for a short time after your procedure.

 

1.  High altitude activities - High altitudes can affect your vision with or without having had LASIK surgery, but the risk is slightly increased after LASIK. This is normally only a problem at altitudes above 10,000 feet, higher even than most mountain towns.

 

The problem is caused by pressure changes and lack of oxygen. So simply moving to a high altitude should not cause a problem, because your body will have a chance to adjust. But engaging in high altitude sports like skiing  can mean sudden changes in altitude and exposure to the elements, as well as putting yourself in risky situations where you must rely on your vision to survive. Exposure to the elements, such as high wind, can cause dry eyes which can cause complications after LASIK.

 

2.  Contact sports - You must avoid contact sports for at least a month after LASIK surgery. A blow to the eye, during the healing phase, can cause the corneal flap to dislodge. You might then have to have a procedure to reposition it. It could also heal with wrinkles which impair your eyesight.

 

3.  Water sports and swimming - Abstain from swimming and other water sports during the first  week or two after your surgery. As with contact sports, an impact to the eye can cause the flap to dislodge, and even without this risk your eyes are vulnerable to infection. Even chlorinated water carries bacteria, and the chlorine itself causes dry eye.

 

4.  Sunlight and Tanning - One of the best things you can do for your vision is to protect your eyes from UV rays, whether you have had LASIK or not. After LASIK surgery it is especially important to protect them for six weeks to several months, in order to prevent corneal haze.

 

5.  High impact professions - Certain jobs increase the risk of impact to your eyes. Police officers, military personnel, and professional athletes are among the many people who face this risk on a continual basis. At the same time, if you work in one of these fields, you can benefit greatly from improved vision and freedom from corrective lenses. You should not avoid LASIK due to your career, but do plan for adequate recovery time.

 

LASIK Risks

 

Every LASIK patient is unique, and in fact every human eye on the planet is unique! A website can give you lots of information, and is a good way to educate yourself about LASIK, but the only way to get detailed information that’s specific to you and your particular eyes is to come for a consultation with Dr. Hummel. By all means, check out our Consultations page. But call or email us soon, to set up your own.

 

(405)755-6111
Hummel Eye Associates
See Your Best…See Hummel!
4205 McAuley Blvd. #401
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
(405)755-6298
Statewide Toll-Free (800) 522-EYES (3937) 

Offices also in Alva, Ardmore, Woodward, and Yukon

Ask your optometrist for a surgical referral!