Refractive Errors

What is LASIK?

LASIK is a surgical procedure for correcting near sightedness (myopia), far sightedness (hyperopia) and cylindrical (Astigmatic) refractive errors. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis.

Procedure of LASIK

During LASIK surgery, a flap is created in the outer layers of the cornea. The flap is hinged and lifted so the excimer laser can treat only the underlying layer of the cornea. This circular flap remains attached to the cornea by a small hinge of tissue. The hinge enables the flap to be lifted away from the central cornea. A laser can then be used to reshape the exposed mid-layer of the cornea.

The laser is used to create a flap using multiple short pulses. These pulses are so close together they create an almost complete separation of the flap from the rest of the cornea, but they do not actually lift the flap. If the flap pattern is judged to be complete and satisfactory, a delicate separation of the flap is performed with a few gentle manipulations using a surgical instrument.

While creating the flap, the eye is held firmly with a suction ring, which exerts some pressure and causes vision to black out momentarily.

The surgeon then positions the patient’s eye under the excimer laser which is programmed to remove microscopic layers of tissue from the internal part of the cornea under the flap. The cool laser beam vaporizes tissue away, one microscopic layer at a time, without burning or cutting. This tissue does not completely replace itself after it is removed. Since the excimer laser light is created at a specified wavelength that does not pass through the cornea, no other part of the eye is affected.

After the tissue has been removed, the surgeon places the flap back in its original position where it heals into place with no stitches. The cornea has amazing natural bonding qualities. Within a few minutes, the flap adheres to the underlying tissue. The edges of the flap heal over in 12 to 48 hours, with the entire flap gaining adhesive strength as it continues to heal in the following weeks and months.

For each eye, the laser application time is usually less than one minute and the whole procedure takes around 15 minutes.

Types of LASIK Procedures: From Standard to Customized

There are different types of Lasik procedures available, each designed to address specific vision needs. The most common kinds of Lasik procedures include standard Lasik, bladeless Lasik, wavefront-guided Lasik, and topography-guided Lasik.

• Standard Lasik involves creating a thin flap on the cornea using a microkeratome, followed by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser.

• Bladeless Lasik, also known as all-laser Lasik, uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, eliminating the need for a blade.

• Wavefront-guided Lasik uses advanced technology to create a detailed map of the eye, providing a customized treatment plan for each individual.

• Topography-guided Lasik takes into account the unique curvature of the cornea and uses computer-guided lasers to reshape it.

Each type of Lasik eye surgery has its own advantages and considerations, and it is important to consult with an experienced eye surgeon to determine the most suitable option for your specific needs.

LASIK surgery offers several advantages:

1.Improved Vision .

2.Quick Recovery.

3.Long-lasting Results.

4.Convenience.

5.Reduced Eye Strain.

6.Customizable Treatmen.t

7.Minimal Discomfort.

8.Increased Confidence.

9.Activity-Friendly.

Overall, LASIK can significantly enhance quality of life for those with refractive errors.

Some common side effects

LASIK eye surgery can offer many benefits, but like any medical procedure, it has potential side effects. Some common side effects include:

1.Dry Eyes

2.Visual Disturbances

3.Under or Overcorrection

4.Flap Complications

5.Infection or Inflammation

6.Changes in Vision

7.Corneal Ectasia

It's important to discuss these risks with your eye surgeon to understand how they may apply to your individual case. Regular follow-up appointments can help monitor and manage any side effects effectively

Who ia a good candidate for LASIK?

Age: At least 18 years old, as vision can still change in younger individuals.

Stable Vision: Vision prescription should be stable for at least a year.

Healthy Eyes: No serious eye conditions (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma).

Corneal Thickness: Sufficient corneal thickness for the procedure.

Overall Health: No uncontrolled autoimmune diseases or conditions that affect healing.

Realistic Expectations: Understanding potential outcomes and limitations of LASIK.

A comprehensive eye exam by a qualified ophthalmologist can help determine if you're a suitable candidate

Am I Fit For LASIK

For people with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, LASIK surgery could be the key to a life free of bulky spectacles or contact lenses. But not everybody is a suitable candidate for this type of laser eye surgery. Here are the few main questions a LASIK surgeon is likely to ask you during a consultation.

LASIK FAQ's

What is the risk of LASIK?

Complications that result in a loss of vision are very rare. But certain side effects of LASIK eye surgery are common. These include dry eyes and temporary visual problems such as glare. These symptoms usually clear up after a few weeks or months.

How long does LASIK take to heal?

After LASIK, some patients may temporarily experience glare, halos, and fluctuating vision for a few weeks and, in some cases, a few months. Your eyes will start to heal as soon as the procedure is finished, but the full recovery following LASIK usually takes four to six weeks.

Is LASIK good or bad?

Effectiveness of LASIK surgery

LASIK and related surgeries can be used to improve vision in those who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism. Most LASIK surgeries are successful, and it is not uncommon for clinical trials to report that 95 percent of patients or more have 20/20 vision 12 months after surgery.

Is LASIK painful?

During the surgery, patients may feel some pressure and discomfort, but not pain.

What is not allowed after LASIK?

Yet, for the first week after your LASIK surgery, it's important to keep water, soap, hair care products and/or washing liquids away from the eye. Do not rub your eyes while bathing or showering after LASIK.

Can you blink during LASIK?

Will I blink during LASIK surgery? No, you won't blink during laser eye surgery.

How old are you?

If you’re under 18, the LASIK surgeon will ask you to wait, just to make sure your vision is stabilised. If you’re in your early 40s, you need to be aware that you might still need reading glasses later on. If you’re in your 60s, you will need to be assessed for pre-existing cataracts. If you have them, cataract surgery might actually solve your vision problem, in addition to correcting any myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia that you might have.

Doctor talk:

    To speak to a Patient Counselor about this procedure, please contact us.