What is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is used to correct the most common vision errors, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. During LASIK, a laser reshapes the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye. This allows light to focus correctly on the retina. This significantly improves vision. LASIK surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and has a high success rate, making it one of the most sought-after vision correction procedures.
Why Is LASIK Surgery Done?
LASIK is done to correct vision problems and reduce dependency on prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. It effectively addresses nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, providing clearer vision without the hassle of corrective lenses. This improvement often enhances the quality of life by giving patients freedom from glasses or contact lenses and reducing long-term expenses.
Types of LASIK Eye Surgery
- Traditional LASIK: A microkeratome blade creates the corneal flap.
- Blade LASIK: A laser is used instead of a blade for greater precision.
- Bladeless LASIK: A femtosecond laser creates a flap for better customisation.
- Contoura LASIK This procedure maps the cornea in detail, providing precision in correcting irregular astigmatism.
- Wavefront-Guided LASIK: This uses wavefront technology to offer personalised treatment based on the eye’s unique characteristics.
The LASIK Eye Surgery Procedure
LASIK Surgery is a straightforward and minimally invasive procedure that takes 15 to 20 minutes per eye. Here’s a step-by-step look at what you can expect during the process:
- Pre-Operative Eye Examination Before the surgery, a comprehensive set of eye tests will be conducted to determine your eligibility and ensure you’re a suitable candidate for LASIK. You can also take a short survey to check your eligibility for LASIK eye surgery.
- Anaesthetic Eye Drops: To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, anaesthetic eye drops are applied to numb your eyes and minimise discomfort.
- Corneal Flap Creation: A protective flap is gently created on the cornea using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser, offering precision and safety.
- Laser Reshaping: With the flap lifted, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea by removing a small amount of tissue, allowing light to focus on the retina properly and improving your vision.
- Flap Repositioning: Once the cornea is reshaped, the protective flap is carefully repositioned, where it will naturally heal without the need for stitches.
LASIK Surgery After Care.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Use prescribed eye drops to manage dryness and promote healing.
- Wear sunglasses to protect from light sensitivity.
- Avoid swimming and exposure to irritants like dust or smoke for a few weeks.
Advantages of LASIK Eye Surgery.
- Improved Vision: Most patients experience 20/20 vision or better.
- Quick and Painless: It is quick and relatively pain-free.
- Fast Recovery: Many patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
- Long-Term Results: It offers permanent vision correction in most cases.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Freedom from glasses and contact lenses leads to improved daily living and convenience.
Side Effects of LASIK Eye Surgery.
- Dry Eyes: Temporary dryness is common after LASIK and can usually be managed with lubricating eye drops.
- Glare or Halos: Some patients may experience glare or halos around lights, particularly at night, following the surgery. These symptoms typically improve over time.
- Undercorrection or Overcorrection: In some cases, the desired level of vision correction may not be achieved, requiring additional procedures or continued use of corrective lenses.
- Flap Complications: Rarely, there may be issues with the corneal flap created during LASIK, such as infection or dislocation. These are typically treatable with medication or further surgery.
Post LASIK Precautions.
- Adhere to all post-operative care instructions.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes or getting them wet.
- Wear protective sunglasses outdoors.
- Use prescribed eye drops as directed.
- Avoid swimming for several weeks post-surgery.
LASIK Eye Surgery Eligibility.
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Stable Vision: Your prescription should be stable for at least a year.
- Eye Health: Conditions like glaucoma or severe dry eyes may disqualify candidates.
- Realistic Expectations: LASIK may not completely eliminate the need for corrective lenses in all cases.
LASIK Solves All Kinds of Refractive Errors
- Nearsightedness (Myopia): Distant objects appear blurry, while near objects are visible.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Near objects are blurry, while distant objects are visible clearly.
- Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
LASIK Eye Surgery Cost in India.
FAQs
Does LASIK permanently fix eyes?
Yes, LASIK operation can permanently fix refractive errors though after a certain age, mostly after 45yrs, one may require reading glasses .
Is LASIK good for your eyes?
LASIK procedures can be good for eyes by correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Is LASIK treatment painful?
LASIK treatment is generally not painful, as numbing eye drops are used during the procedure.
What are the risks of LASIK?
Like every other refractive surgery, LASIK also possesses a few minor risks of dry eyes, glare, halos, and under or overcorrection of vision.
What criteria must be met for LASIK surgery eligibility?
Criteria for LASIK eye surgery eligibility include age above 18yrs, stable vision prescription, healthy eyes, and no significant eye diseases.
Is LASIK eye surgery considered safe?
LASIK laser is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon.
How much time does LASIK eye surgery take to complete?
LASIK procedure typically takes about 15 minutes per eye to complete.
Does LASIK Surgery have any impact on night vision?
LASIK can affect night vision temporarily, but most patients experience improved night vision over time.
Can contact lenses be worn before undergoing LASIK eye surgery?
Contact lenses typically need to be removed for a certain period before LASIK surgery, as advised by the surgeon.
When is it possible to resume regular activities after LASIK eye surgery?
Most patients can resume regular activities within a few days to a week after LASIK surgery.
Does LASIK provide a permanent solution for vision correction?
LASIK can provide a permanent solution for vision correction in many cases.
Are there risks associated with LASIK eye surgery?
Risks associated with LASIK operation include dry eyes, glare, halos, and infection.
At what age is it recommended to consider LASIK?
LASIK is recommended for adults over 18 years old with stable vision prescriptions.
Who can benefit from LASIK?
People with refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can benefit from LASIK.
How long is the recovery period with LASIK?
Recovery from LASIK surgery typically takes a few days to a week.