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What is LASIK surgery? Can LASIK fix the eyes permanently?

Goficure - Blog Page - What is LASIK surgery? Can LASIK fix the eyes permanently? (Blog Post) Last Updated April 10, 2024

Overview

LASIK is a laser eye surgery. It treats vision problems due to refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism problems.

A LASIK surgery improves vision and can even eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The surgery has a high success rate with more than 90% of people ending up with a 20/20 vision.

Certain complications after a LASIK surgery like temporary dry eyes or vision issues like seeing glares are common and generally resolve within a few weeks.

The results for a LASIK eye surgery depend on the extent of the refractive errors among several other factors.

Once you decide to undergo the procedure, consult your ophthalmologist, and consider the benefits and risks associated with the surgery.

What is LASIK surgery?

LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery used to fix refractive errors that occur when the eye cannot refract or bend the light properly.

So, what does a LASIK eye surgery do?

The cornea is a dome-shaped structure made of clear tissues that form the outer layer of your eye. It along with the lens helps the light to refract and hit the retina which is located in the back of your eye. Once the light hits the retina, it sends signals to the brain to see the image.

When the light enters your eyes, it first hits the cornea. If the shape of the cornea is incorrect, the light is not bent or refracted correctly. Incorrect refraction causes blurry vision.

The word LASIK stands for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.” The words “in site” mean “in position” or the right place and “keratomileusis” means reshaping or changing the shape of the cornea.

The LASIK eye surgery removes corneal tissues and reshapes the cornea to change its focusing power and allow correct refraction.

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Who can have LASIK surgery?

Not everyone can have a LASIK surgery. A person who can have a LASIK surgery:

  • Should be at least 18 years old. The procedure is ideal for someone who is 21 years or older as by that time the cornea stops developing
  • Has a refractive error that can be treated with LASIK
  • Did not change the eye prescription for 12 months
  • Has thick and healthy corneas
  • Has good overall eye health
  • Should have realistic expectations

You may not be considered for LASIK surgery if:

  • The refractive errors are extreme
  • Suffer from cataracts that are impairing the vision
  • Has thin corneas
  • There is severe glaucoma
  • Has a history of eye infections
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • You are pregnant or nursing (in such cases, the surgery must be postponed)
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Is LASIK surgery painful?

LASIK is one of the most common non-invasive refractive procedures. It is a quick and painless procedure that hardly takes 10 to 20 minutes to perform. The doctor uses local anesthetic, so you will feel no pain during the surgery. It is an outpatient procedure and you will be allowed to go home the same day.

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Does LASIK fix your eyes permanently?

LASIK surgery permanently reshapes the cornea and usually the changes last a lifetime. However, as you age, the vision may deteriorate as a normal process of aging and you may get blurry vision.

The longevity of the procedure depends on your age, the extent of refractive errors, overall eye health, and whether there are any progressive eye conditions.

Is LASIK good or bad for your eyes?

The idea of having an eye surgery can be scary. In most cases, the surgery is considered an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance. Hence, the surgery can be expensive. Consult your doctor and learn about its pros and cons before proceeding with the surgery.

LASIK surgery – pros:

  • The surgery is risk-free, entirely safe, and has fewer complications
  • It hardly takes 20 minutes
  • LASIK can achieve a 20/20 vision which is one of its prime benefits
  • Reduces the need for reliance on contact lenses or eyeglasses
  • LASIK recovery time is quick
  • You can resume normal activities within 36 to 48 hours
  • Long-lasting results

LASIK surgery – cons:

  • Can lead to eye infections like ocular herpes or keratitis
  • Dry eyes
  • Scratchiness
  • Rare complication of permanent vision loss
  • Experience nighttime glares, halos, double vision
  • Tissue damage
  • Trauma or injury to the flaps that can distort the vision
  • Slight chance of a secondary LASIK surgery due to deterioration in vision quality over time

 

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Final words

LASIK surgery provides a long-term improved vision quality. You can lead a carefree life without the need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, as you age, you likely may need to wear eyeglasses for close-up visions or driving at night. Once you decide to have the surgery, it is important to have realistic expectations. If you have doubts, consult with your eye specialist and details and weigh the pros and cons of the surgery before going forward.

 

Dos
  • Continue using prescribed eye drops as directed post-surgery
  • Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful rays and pollutants
  • Continue following a normal diet
Don'ts
  • Use eye makeup for a month after the surgery
  • Expose the eyes to smoke or dust
  • Splash water to clean the eyes for a week or two after the surgery

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