LASIK (Laser Eye Surgery)

LASIK (Laser-assisted in situ- keratomileusis) is the best known and commonly performed laser refractive surgery to correct vision problems. It can be an alternative to glasses or contact lenses. This surgery works by reshaping the cornea, clearing the front part of the eye, so that light focuses on the retina.

LASIK (Laser Eye Surgery) - Overview

LASIK surgery is an option for the correction of the following vision problems:

Near-sightedness (myopia): In this case, the patient’s eyeball is slightly longer than normal, or when the cornea curves too sharply, light rays focus in front of the retina and blur distant vision. The patient can clearly see the close objects, but not those that are far away.

Far-sightedness (hyperopia): In this case, the patient’s eyeball is shorter than the average eyeball or a cornea that is too flat, light focuses behind the retina, instead of on it. This makes near vision and sometimes distant vision blurry.

Astigmatism: In this case, cornea curves or flattens unevenly, which disrupts the focus of near and distant vision.

LASIK (Laser Eye Surgery) - Symptoms

If the patient is suffering from near-sightedness or far-sightedness can go for this surgery.
If a patient wants to get rid of glasses and contacts can opt for this surgery.

LASIK (Laser Eye Surgery) - Pre-Procedure

The patient will go for complete evaluation before the procedure, to ensure that he/she is a good candidate for the surgery.
If a patient wears a contact lens, he/she have to stop wearing them for at least a week before the surgery and need to wear glasses.
A comprehensive eye evaluation will be done for vision and assessment before the procedure.
The doctor will evaluate which area of the cornea needs reshaping and determine the precise amount of tissue to be removed from the cornea.
Patients need to stop using eye cosmetics, lotions, creams at least one week before the surgery.

LASIK (Laser Eye Surgery) - During Procedure

This procedure hardly takes 30 minutes. It can be done in day-care.
The doctor will numb the patient’s eye with the help of numbing drops.
With the help of an eye holding instrument, a suction ring will be placed on the eye just before cutting the corneal flap.
With the help of a small blade or cutting laser, a small hinged of the flap will be removed from the front of the eye. Folding back the flap will allow to access the part of the cornea to be reshaped.
By using a programmed laser, part of the cornea will be reshaped. With each pulse of the laser beam, a tiny amount of corneal tissue will be removed.
After reshaping the cornea, the flap is placed back into place.
Flap usually heals without stitches.
If a patient needs LASIK surgery in both eyes, the doctor can perform the procedure on the same day.

LASIK (Laser Eye Surgery) - Post-Procedure

Immediately after the surgery, the patient might feel itching, gritty, burning, or watery.
The patient might also need to wear a shield over the eye at night until it heals completely.
It will take 2-3 months after the surgery, to heal completely and have stabilized vision.
Patients need to wait for few weeks to use eye cosmetics after the surgery.
Patients need to wait for several weeks to start strenuous activities, swimming, or using hot tubs.

LASIK (Laser Eye Surgery) - Risk & Complications

Loss of vision is rare in this procedure.
Dry eyes, which can reduce the quality of vision.
Temporary visual problems, such as glare, halos, and double visions are common.
Astigmatism can be caused by uneven tissue removal.
Flap problems
Overcorrections or under corrections, which may lead to another surgery or may not be fixed.