Overview
LASIK is a corrective eye surgery commonly performed to correct refractive errors. The procedure reshapes the cornea to enable the light to focus on the retina correctly and produce a clearer vision.
Though millions of people have undergone LASIK successfully, the procedure is not for everyone. An ideal candidate for LASIK must be at least 18 to 21 years old and in good health. LASIK is not recommended for people with glaucoma, herpes eye infections, corneal disorders, cataracts, etc.
LASIK is a life-changing, safe, and effective alternative for vision correction. Before you undergo this procedure, consult your eye doctor and understand whether you are best suited for this procedure.
Why would you need LASIK eye surgery?
LASIK surgery is mainly performed to correct refractive vision errors. It also improves your quality of life and self-confidence by reducing the need to wear contact lenses or eyeglasses.
Myopia (nearsightedness)
The eyeball is longer than its average size. This focuses the light in front of the retina. The distant vision appears blurry. Close objects can appear clear.
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
The eyeball is too flat or smaller than usual. The light is focused behind the retina. The near vision is blurry. The objects that are far away appear clear.
Astigmatism
The cornea is flattened or curved unevenly. The focus of both distant and near visions is blurred and unclear.
Long-lasting outcome
LASIK aims to make lifetime changes to vision problems. The results are permanent. There may be no need to wear eyeglasses or use contact lenses. However, as we age, the benefits can decrease. Some people may further go for an enhancement procedure.
Enhances appearance
Many people opt for LASIK surgery to get rid of their eyeglasses. They feel confident in their new appearance. The surgery is beneficial for people who are involved in contact sports. It also reduces the daily hassle of wearing contact lenses.
How is LASIK surgery done?
Before you undergo the procedure, there are certain pre-operative guidelines.
- Stop wearing contact lenses a few weeks before the procedure. Contact lenses may change the cornea shape. You can wear your prescription eyeglasses
- Complete your eye examination
- Provide your full medical history and surgical history to the eye doctor
- Stop using eye makeup or perfumes as it increases the risks of eye infections
Your eye examination will help your doctor to understand any irregularities in the cornea. It will further confirm the shape and thickness of the cornea and how much corneal tissue should be removed.
LASIK surgery step-by-step guide:
- The doctor will ask you to lie down on a reclining chair
- Numbing eye drops will be applied so that you feel no discomfort or pain
- An eyelid speculum and a suction ring are placed in your eyes to keep your eyes open and ensure that you do not blink during the procedure. You may feel some pressure in your eye which is normal
- Gradually the vision will start to grow dim
- The doctor uses a laser to cut a thin corneal flap and fold it away from the front of the eye. This allows the doctor to access the cornea and reshape it
- A laser is used to reshape the cornea. Do not get alarmed by hearing clicking sounds or smelling an unusual burning odour. This is a chemical reaction that occurs while the laser beam removes the corneal tissue
- Once the cornea is reshaped, the eye doctor replaces the flap to its position
- During the procedure, the doctor will ask you to keep your eyes fixed and focus on a light to help remove the corneal tissue
Stitches are generally not required. The corneal flap starts to reattach immediately after the procedure and heals on its own.
After the procedure, you can take some rest and go home the same day.
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
How to recover after a LASIK surgery?
After the surgery, you will feel some mild pain, discomfort, itchiness, or some burning sensation. Vision will be restored quickly but it will be slightly unclear.
Your eye doctor will prescribe eye drops and pain medications for comfort.
The doctor may ask you to wear an eye shield to protect your eyes, especially during sleep.
Avoid contact sports or any kind of strenuous activities for a few days.
Do not apply lotions, eye makeup, or creams for one to two weeks.
Plan for follow-up visits for the first 6 months to see how you are recovering and the outcome of the procedure.
What is the outcome of a LASIK surgery?
The outcome of a LASIK surgery depends on the progression of the condition. The best results can be expected if you have low to moderate-grade refractive errors.
Studies show that around 95% of the participants in a LASIK surgery were satisfied with their outcomes.
The outcome depends on the visual symptoms, refractive grade, person’s age, and overall eye health.
