Everything You Need To Know About Lasik Surgery

Everything You Need To Know About Lasik Surgery

LASIK, short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, has revolutionized vision correction since its inception. It's a popular surgical procedure done by a professional LASIK eye surgeon that can help individuals achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. If you're considering LASIK surgery or simply want to learn more about it, here's everything you need to know.

1. What is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK is a refractive eye surgery designed to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. During the procedure, a laser is used to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve how light is focused onto the retina at the back of the eye.

2. The LASIK Procedure

Preparation: Before the surgery, you'll undergo a comprehensive eye examination to determine your eligibility for LASIK. Your laser eye surgeon will measure the thickness of your cornea, the size of your pupils, and the curvature of your cornea.

  • Anaesthesia: LASIK is usually performed with the patient awake, but numbing eye drops are used to ensure you don't feel any discomfort during the procedure.
  • Flap Creation: A thin corneal flap is created using a laser. The corneal tissue is exposed by lifting the flap.
  • Laser Reshaping: An excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea by removing precise amounts of tissue. The laser is controlled by a computer to ensure accuracy.
  • Flap Repositioning: After reshaping the cornea, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned. No sutures are required for this step, as the cornea will naturally adhere.
3. Benefits of LASIK
  • Quick Results
  • Reduced Dependence on Glasses/Contacts
  • Minimal Discomfort
  • Fast Recovery
4. LASIK Candidates

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK. To qualify, you should generally:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a stable vision for at least 1 year.
  • Have healthy corneas with adequate thickness.
  • Not be pregnant or nursing, as hormonal changes can affect vision.
  • Not have certain eye conditions like glaucoma or severe dry eyes.
5. Potential Risks and Complications

While LASIK is considered safe and effective, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks. These may include:

  • Dry eyes: Some patients experience temporary or prolonged dryness following LASIK.
  • Glare and halos: These visual disturbances are typically temporary but can occur, especially at night.
  • Overcorrection or undercorrection: Occasionally, the procedure may not provide the exact desired outcome, and further enhancements may be required.
  • Infection or inflammation: Though rare, these complications can occur post-surgery.
6. Aftercare

Following LASIK, you'll be provided with specific post-operative instructions, including the use of prescribed eye drops and the avoidance of certain activities, like swimming or rubbing your eyes. Regular follow-up visits with your eye surgeon will ensure the healing process is proceeding as expected.

LASIK surgery has transformed the lives of countless individuals by providing them with clear vision and reducing their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. While it's essential to be well-informed about the procedure, the decision to undergo LASIK should be made in consultation with an experienced eye surgeon such as Dr Nandita Rane - a trusted eye doctor in Chembur.