Lasik Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the refractive eye surgery used to treat vision issues, namely astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness.
A laser eye procedure called LASIK corrects visual issues. It improves the way light reaches your retina by reshaping your cornea. This improves your vision. About 99% of people have uncorrected vision, that’s 20/40 or better after their LASIK surgery. Over 90% of people achieve 20/20 vision. Dry eye is the most common side effect.
Procedure of LASIK eye surgery:
Before undergoing LASIK surgery, a thorough eye examination is conducted to determine the suitability of the procedure for the patient. This evaluation includes measuring the thickness and shape of the cornea, mapping the curvature of the cornea, assessing pupil size, and evaluating the overall health of the eyes.
During the surgery, the patient's eye is numbed with anesthetic eye drops to minimize discomfort. The surgeon uses a specialized cutting tool or laser to create a thin flap in the cornea. The flap is then folded back, exposing the underlying corneal tissue. With the corneal flap lifted, a laser is used to reshape the cornea's curvature based on the patient's specific prescription. The laser removes tiny amounts of corneal tissue, altering its shape to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. After reshaping the cornea, the surgeon carefully repositions the cornea back into place. It adheres naturally without the need for stitches, as the cornea has a self-sealing property.
Since this operation is performed as an outpatient, you can return home the same day. Refractive errors occur when your eye cannot refract (bend) light as it should, and LASIK corrects them. The result of refractive problems is hazy vision. You may live a higher-quality life and see more clearly with LASIK.
What conditions does LASIK treat?
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LASIK treats the following conditions:
- Nearsightedness (myopia) : You can see objects better if they’re up close, but those far away are fuzzy or blurred.
- Farsightedness (hyperopia) : You can see objects better from far away but struggle with those up close.
- Astigmatism : This is blurred vision when viewing objects at any distance. It’s due to an irregularly shaped cornea and occurs along with myopia or hyperopia.
- Presbyopia (age-related hyperopia) : As you get older, the lens of your eye grows less flexible. As a result, it’s harder for you to see things close to your face. LASIK, which targets your cornea, can’t correct presbyopia. But with a technique called monovision (blended vision), LASIK can correct one eye for distance and the other eye for near vision. This improves your close-up vision and helps with tasks like reading.
Are you eligible for Lasik surgery?
The surgeon also will evaluate your eyes to make sure you don't have any conditions that might result in complications or poor outcomes of surgery.
- Unstable vision (your prescription keeps changing).
- Extreme nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
- Corneas that aren’t thick enough for the procedure.
- Severe dry eye disease.
- Keratoconus.
- Ask about your medical history.
- Glaucoma, diabetes, or an autoimmune disease that’s difficult to manage.
- A cataract.
- red or bloodshot whites of the eye.
- red or bloodshot whites of the eye.
- eye infection
- corneal flap complications
If you are fit to opt for Lasik surgery, the Eye surgeon will have a comprehensive eye exam to see if you meet these criteria
- Perform a test called corneal topography to evaluate the shape of your cornea.
- Perform additional tests (corneal tomography, epithelial thickness mapping and corneal biomechanical metrics) as needed to make sure you can safely have LASIK. These tests evaluate the thickness, shape, and strength of your eyes.
- Measure your pupil size.
- Check your vision.
- Check for Dry Eye disease.
- Ask about your medical history.
Recovery after Lasik surgery:
The patient may experience some discomfort or temporary side effects like dry eyes, glare, halos, or light sensitivity in the days following the surgery.
Surgeons will provide people with an eye shield to protect their eyes, as there will be no stitches holding the flap in place. The protection helps against unintentionally pressing or touching the eye, as happens while you're sleeping. However, most patients experience improved vision relatively quickly, often within a day or two.
Follow-up after Lasik surgery:
Patients typically have follow-up appointments with their eye surgeon to monitor the healing process and ensure optimal results. It's essential to follow all post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
LASIK surgery has a high success rate and has provided improved vision for millions of people worldwide. However, it's crucial for individuals considering LASIK to consult with an experienced eye surgeon to determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure and to understand the potential risks and benefits.
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- Glaucoma Surgery & Treatment
- Eye Trauma Care
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- Lasik Surgery
- Refractive Surgical Corrections
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- Retinal Surgery / Laser Treatment