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What MMA Athletes Should Understand About LASIK Surgery

Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis or LASIK is a laser eye surgery and a popular choice for correcting vision issues. It is usually an option for people who do high-contact sports. Famous sports personalities who have gotten LASIK surgery are Lebron James, Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, and “Sugar” Shane Mosley.

If you are considering getting LASIK done, read further to know more about it.

LASEK or LASIK: What’s the Difference?

You might get confused because there is only a letter difference between the two words. LASEK or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) used to be the doctor’s recommendation to MMA fighters and boxers for correcting their eyesight. However, LASIK is now a better option.

The difference between the two procedures is that with LASEK, the laser energy is directly applied to the cornea’s surface. In LASIK, the laser energy is applied to the middle corneal layer, and the outer corneal layer is avoided.

LASEK uses a chemical to dissolve the tissue underneath the epithelium gently. When the cornea’s inner layer is exposed, the doctor focuses the laser and shapes the correction.

On the other hand, LASIK creates a thin flap from the epithelium to sculpt the cornea tissue below it. After the doctor does some sculpting, the flap is repositioned while keeping the cornea intact.

What Are the Advantages of LASIK?

There are many advantages to having LASIK surgery done, but here are the main benefits that you can get.

First, LASIK surgery has a more extensive treatment area because of the scientifically designed flap, protecting you against eye injury. Plus, the procedure also ensures a low incidence of dry eye after the surgery and sharper visual acuity.

Moreover, as an MMA fighter, LASIK surgery can guarantee better flap stability during your sports activity. It also provides you outstanding durability and lowers injury risk because of the new flap design.

What Does LASIK Recovery Look Like?

You can instantly have more precise and better eyesight after the LASIK surgery. Many people who have undergone the procedure have near-perfect vision the day after they get it done. There is typically no pain or discomfort while your eye is healing, but a doctor might prescribe medicated eye drops if you get a burning feeling hours after the procedure.

What Physical Activities Can You Do After the Surgery?

The doctor will give you specific instructions, but here is a rough estimate of what activities you can do after the surgery.

After a week, you can do some yoga, pilates, or light jogging, but you cannot immediately push yourself to do a hard workout. Also, be careful of your sweat reaching your eyes.

After two to four weeks, you use gym weight machines, but only on low settings. You can also begin swimming but only while wearing protective goggles. Sports like basketball, football, and tennis are allowed at this time.

After twelve weeks, you can resume boxing and martial arts, but you should also consider wearing eye protection.

Final Thoughts

Undergoing LASIK surgery is an opportunity to bring back your eyesight to its best while minimizing the risk for injury and without being too invasive. Contact fighters like MMA athletes can enjoy these benefits and get their eye health into optimum condition.

If you are looking for a vision correction center to have LASIK surgery in Abbotsford, you can contact Valley laser Eye Centre. We will connect you with our best laser eye doctor to get all the information you need to prepare for the procedure. Our vision clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, highly-trained staff, and a comfortable environment for the best services. Book an appointment today!

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