Lasik eye surgery

LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a refractive surgery method designed to address issues with vision, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This procedure offers a secure and successful option for individuals seeking to improve their vision and reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses.

Who Needs LASIK Eye Surgery

Now we must understand who should be needing this surgery. To tell our patients, those who  have refractive errors and desire to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses should probably think about this. It is particularly suitable for those with stable vision prescriptions, healthy corneas, and no significant eye diseases.

When to See a Specialist

Knowing if you are patient or not, it is time to realise when you should go to the specialist. LASIK eye surgery is advisable for people with refractive errors who wish to decrease their reliance on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Candidates typically have a stable vision prescription for at least a year, healthy eyes free from conditions such as dry eye or keratoconus, and are over the age of 18.

Procedure

• Application of Anesthetic Eye Drops: Prior to the surgical procedure, anesthetic eye drops are administered to the eye to induce numbness and ensure a painless surgical experience.

• Preparation of Epithelial Layer: The surgeon delicately eliminates the thin outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, or crafts a flap in some cases.

• Reshaping with Laser: Employing an excimer laser, the corneal tissue underneath is reshaped meticulously, addressing the refractive error based on precise measurements and an individualized treatment plan.

• Administration of Medication: To enhance the laser treatment’s efficacy, a mild alcohol solution might be applied to the cornea, loosening its surface cells.

• Repositioning of Epithelial Layer: The epithelial layer is repositioned onto the treated corneal area, followed by the placement of a bandage contact lens that facilitates the healing process.

• Care After the Procedure: The surgeon will furnish specific guidelines for post-operative care, encompassing the application of prescribed eye drops, avoiding activities that strain the eyes, and adhering to follow-up appointments aimed at monitoring and evaluating the healing progress.

Road to Recovery

We all wait for the recovery, don’t we? So here is knowing more about how does that happen. 

The duration of the recovery following LASIK eye surgery is typically short, often just a few days to a week. Most individuals experience improved vision within 24 hours, although slight discomfort, light sensitivity, and fluctuations in vision are common during the initial healing phase. As per the post-operative care guidelines given by the surgeon is crucial for fostering healing and diminishing the likelihood of complications.

Risk Management

Although LASIK eye surgery is widely regarded as both safe and successful, akin to any surgical intervention, it does entail specific inherent risks. These potential risks encompass dry eyes, glare or halos around lights, vision that appears hazy, susceptibility to infection, and the possibility of overcorrection or under-correction of the refractive error.

Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery

• Enhanced Vision: LASIK eye surgery has the potential to markedly diminish or even eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses, leading to enhanced clarity of vision and improved visual sharpness.

• Individualized Approach: This procedure can be finely tailored to cater to the distinct visual needs of each person, enabling precise correction of refractive imperfections.

• Enhanced Safety: LASIK eye surgery stands as a suitable choice for those possessing thinner corneas or other corneal irregularities, circumstances that might render them ineligible for LASIK.

• Speedy Recuperation: Although the initial healing phase may necessitate some time, the majority of individuals undergo a relatively swift recovery and can resume their usual activities within a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does LASIK eye surgery hurt?

   LASIK eye surgery is typically not painful. The use of anesthetic eye drops ensures that the procedure is comfortable. However, it is common to experience mild discomfort or a sensation of grittiness during the initial healing phase.

2. How long does the recovery period take after LASIK eye surgery?

   The recovery period after LASIK eye surgery can vary from a few days to several weeks. During this time, the vision gradually improves, and any initial discomfort or side effects subside. It is important to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure optimal healing.

3. Can both eyes be treated during the same surgery?

   Generally, LASIK eye surgery is performed on one eye at a time to allow for proper healing and assessment of the outcomes before treating the other eye. However, this can be discussed with your surgeon based on your specific circumstances.

4. Are the results of LASIK eye surgery permanent?

   LASIK eye surgery aims to provide long-term vision correction, and in many cases, the results are permanent. However, it is important to note that the eyes can still undergo age-related changes, and some individuals may require a follow-up procedure or use glasses for certain activities as they get older.