Why should you opt for Lasik Surgery?

LASIK, or Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis, is a surgery that is used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism and correct people’s vision. This is done by clearing the front part of the eye and reshaping the cornea. This helps the light to focus on the retina present on the back of the eye. LASIK is just one of the surgical techniques used to reshape the cornea.

Before the LASIK surgery, you will go through a comprehensive eye exam. This will include tests for vision, infection, inflammation, large eye pupils, dry eyes, and high eye pressure. Your cornea will be measured and its shape, thickness, contour, and irregularities will be noted.

In LASIK surgery, the shape of the cornea is changed that allows the light to precisely focus on the retina.

Why should you go for LASIK Eye Surgery?

• It is effective. Around 96% of the time, patients have had their desired vision. It has been around for 25 years and has given definite results.
• Your vision will improve within a day after the surgery.
• If your vision changes as you age, adjustments can be made to further correct the vision.
• There is very little pain during the surgery due to the numbing drops used during the surgery.
• You won’t need any stitches or bandages after the surgery.
• After the surgery, your dependence on the eyeglass or contact lens will significantly reduce or you won’t need them at all.

Are there any disadvantages of LASIK Eye Surgery?

Eye Surgery has some disadvantages as well:

1. It is a complex procedure. Sometimes, doctors create the flap resulting in permanently affected vision. Therefore it is important that you select an experienced surgeon to perform your LASIK surgery.
2. In some rare cases, LASIK can cause a loss of your best vision, which is the highest vision you can have while wearing your eyeglasses or contacts.

Are there any side effects of LASIK Eye Surgery?

Side effects of the LASIK Eye Surgery are very rare. There might be some discomfort in the eyes for about 24-48 hours. Other such side effects include:

• Dry eyes
• Seeing halos
• Glare
• Fluctuating vision
• Difficulty in driving at night

How can I prepare for LASIK Eye Surgery?

1. Meet the eye surgeon to discuss the procedure.
2. Evaluation of your eye will be done. This includes tests like measuring pupil dilation, refraction, corneal mapping, corneal thickness, and eye pressure.
3. If you wear rigid gas permeable contact lenses, take them off for at least 3 weeks before the evaluation.
4. Other types of lenses should be taken out at least three days prior to the evaluation.
5. Eat a light meal before going to the doctor on the day of the surgery.
6. Do not have any bulky accessories in your hair.
7. Don’t wear any eye makeup.

The Day of your Surgery

The patient is administered local anesthesia using eye drops. The process takes about 10 minutes. On request, mild sedation can also be given to the patient. First, a thin flap is created using an instrument named femtosecond laser or microkeratome. This is then peeled back and another laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. This process is painless. After the reshaping of cornea is completed, the corneal flap is placed back and the surgery is completed.

After the Surgery

You will be given a prescription eye drops to keep your eyes moist and prevent inflammation and infection. This may cause blurred vision or a slight burn in your eyes. Do not use any eye drops that are not prescribed by your doctor.

Your eyes will heal rapidly after the LASIK surgery. On the first day, your vision might be hazy and blurry. But within a few days of the surgery, you will have an improved vision. After the surgery, you will have a follow-up within 24-48 hours. For the first six months, there will be such appointments at regular intervals.

Who cannot have LASIK surgery?

Not everyone can have LASIK surgery. People with eye diseases like Glaucoma or with irregular corneas might not be able to undergo the surgery. There are certain diseases that might delay the healing process, making the surgery a less-than-ideal choice. These diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or any diseases where medications like corticosteroids are used.