Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK treatment is a popular procedure used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the LASIK eye surgery, a laser is used to reshape the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye, allowing light to properly focus on the retina and improve vision. LASIK procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and has a high success rate in improving vision.

 

Why Is LASIK Surgery Done?

LASIK laser treatment is done to correct vision problems and reduce the need for prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. It can improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, allowing individuals to see clearly without the use of corrective lenses, overall enhancing the quality of life by providing freedom from the hassle and expense of glasses or contacts.

 

LASIK Eye Surgery Procedure

The LASIK eye surgery procedure involves the following steps:

• Comprehensive eye tests before the LASIK operation to determine eligibility and suitability.
• Anesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye and minimize discomfort.
• A protective flap is created on the cornea using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser.
• The surgeon then uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea by removing a small amount of tissue.
• The created protective flap is then repositioned, and the cornea is allowed to heal naturally.

The entire LASIK procedure typically takes less than 15-20 minutes per eye.

 

Recovery Time And Care Post LASIK Eye Surgery

After LASIK eye surgery, it is important to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. Recovery time can vary, but most individuals experience improved vision within a few days. It is normal to experience some dryness, sensitivity to light, and mild discomfort during the healing process. During the recovery period, it is important to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, swimming, or exposing your eyes to irritants such as dust or smoke.

 

Advantages of LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery offers several advantages:

• Improved vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• Quick and relatively painless procedure.
• High success rate in improving vision.
• Fast recovery time and minimal downtime.
• Long-lasting results.
• Enhanced quality of life.

 

Risks and Side Effects of LASIK Eye Surgery

While LASIK treatment has a high success rate, there are some risks and potential side effects to be aware of:

• Dry eyes: Some individuals may experience dryness or discomfort in the eyes after surgery, but this is usually temporary and can be managed with eye drops.
• Glare or halos: Some individuals may notice glare or halos around lights, especially at night. These symptoms usually improve over time.
• Undercorrection or overcorrection: In some cases, the desired vision correction may not be achieved, requiring additional procedures or the continued use of glasses or contacts.
• Flap complications: Rarely, the corneal flap created during the surgery may have complications, such as infection or dislocation. This can usually be treated with medication or additional surgery.

It is important to discuss these risks and potential side effects with your surgeon before deciding to undergo LASIK treatment.

 

Precautions to Take Post LASIK Eye Surgery

To ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of complications, it is important to take certain precautions after LASIK eye surgery:

• Follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon.
• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, as this can interfere with the healing process.
• Wear protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, to shield your eyes from bright sunlight or dust.
• Avoid swimming or exposing your eyes to water for a few weeks after surgery.
• Use prescribed eye drops as directed to prevent dryness and promote healing.

 

Types of LASIK Eye Surgery

There are different types of LASIK procedure techniques, including:

Traditional LASIK: This involves using a microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap.

Intralase LASIK: The surgeon uses the laser instead of the blade to cut and reshape the cornea.

Bladeless LASIK: This utilizes a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, offering greater precision and customization.

Topography-Guided LASIK/Contoura LASIK: It uses detailed maps of the cornea’s surface to guide the laser for precise vision correction for irregular astigmatism

Wavefront-guided LASIK: This technique uses advanced wavefront technology to create a personalized treatment plan based on the unique characteristics of each individual’s eyes. 

Your surgeon will recommend the most suitable type of LASIK eye surgery based on your specific vision needs and eye health.

 

LASIK Eye Surgery Eligibility

Not everyone is eligible for LASIK treatment. The following factors are considered when determining eligibility:

• Age: Typically, individuals must be at least 18 years old to undergo LASIK laser treatment.
• Stable vision: Your vision prescription should remain relatively stable for at least a year before considering LASIK.
• Good overall eye health: Certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma or severe dry eyes, may disqualify you from undergoing LASIK.
• Realistic expectations: It is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of LASIK eye surgery and understand that it may not completely eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.

Your surgeon will evaluate your eligibility for LASIK treatment during a comprehensive eye examination.

 

Eye Issues Corrected by LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery can effectively correct a variety of vision issues, including:

• Nearsightedness (myopia): This occurs when distant objects appear blurry, while close objects are clear.
• Farsightedness (hyperopia): This occurs when close objects appear blurry, while distant objects are clear.
• Astigmatism: This occurs when the cornea has an irregular shape, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

By reshaping the cornea, LASIK eye surgery can correct these vision issues and improve overall visual acuity.

 

Cost of LASIK

The cost of LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) surgery can vary widely depending on several factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the technology used, the location of the clinic, and the specific requirements of the patient’s eyes. At Planet Lasik, it starts from 12,500 per eye only. See the complete LASIK Eye Surgery pricing here.