Using prescriptive eyewear to correct vision is an excellent option for better vision for people with refractive errors. However, prescriptive eyewear has shortcomings that can make it limiting or cumbersome.

LASIK stands out as an ideal solution to refractive errors in such situations. LASIK has helped over 10 million patients since it was approved over 20 years ago. Deciding to have the surgery can be challenging, but co-management in LASIK makes it much easier. 

What Is LASIK Co-management?

LASIK co-management is the professional situation where the eye doctor and a LASIK surgeon work together to provide eye care for patients. The eye doctor is responsible for the pre-care and post-care of the patient, while the surgeon takes care of the surgery.

An eye doctor who co-manages with a surgeon will likely refer you to a specific surgeon he/she is confident in. The relationship between an eye doctor and a LASIK surgeon benefits the patient because it inspires confidence.

The eye doctor can vouch for the surgeon's professionalism from previous referrals. It also helps the eye doctor share the patient's history more effectively, as the surgeon trusts the eye doctor's judgment. 

What Is Included in Co-management?

LASIK Evaluation

• Optometrists Evaluation

The optometrist and the LASIK surgeon will perform their own examinations to ascertain the patient's candidacy. The optometrist conducts a pre-op evaluation. He or she will check specific markers to see if you could qualify for the surgery. The optometrist will refer you to the LASIK surgeon if he/she finds the right characteristics for candidacy. 

• Surgeons Evaluation

The LASIK surgeon then performs his/her evaluation, which is much more detailed and complex. They analyze the cornea and other eye structures, usually using digital images of the eye. They have computerized tests that take detailed 3D cornea maps to determine whether you have enough tissue for the surgery to be successful. 

LASIK Surgery

LASIK is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about 30 minutes at most and usually does not need general anesthesia. When you go in for the surgery, you will lie in a reclining chair and the doctor may give you some meds to help you relax.

The doctor will then apply numbing eye drops and use a particular tool to keep your eyes open. The surgeon then attaches a suction ring to your eye, which may cause a feeling of pressure. Then they can use a laser or fin blade to cut a flap on your cornea, which they then fold back.

The flap allows the surgeon access to the underlying tissues, which they reshape using a laser. After they get to the proper shape of the cornea, they close up the flap and leave it to heal on its own. 

LASIK Post-op Care

Postoperative care involves several factors, which include the following:

• Follow-up appointments

• Recovery plan

• Guidelines to ensure proper healing

The optometrist who oversaw your pre-care is the same one who will oversee your post-op care. They will usually ask you to come for a checkup within 24 hours of the surgery to ensure you are healing correctly. LASIK surgery has a short downtime of only a few days, usually two to three at most. 

For more on LASIK co-management, visit Bluebonnet Eye Care at our office in San Antonio, Texas. Call (210) 696-6500 to book an appointment today.