Lasik

What Is Lasik?

Lasik (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is an outpatient irreversible surgery performed by eye doctors to correct vision. Lasik operation reshapes the protruding portion of surface of the eye (the cornea). Lasik can be used to correct:
  • Nearsightedness (also called myopia or short sightedness) - difficulty in focusing on objects that are far from the eye because eyeball is too long and the light focuses in front of the retina of the eye
  • Farsightedness ( also called hypermetropia) - difficulty in focusing on objects that are close to the eye because eyeball is too short and the light focuses behind the retina of the eye
  • Astigmatism - irregularity in the cornea or lens of the eye which leads to distortion of the image on the retina


Lasik Procedure Preparation

Lasik procedure preparation starts well before the surgery. There are number of things you should tell your eye doctor before Lasik surgery including:
  • medical history
  • medications currently being taken
  • allergy to any medications, if any
There are number of precautions which should be taken by the patient before Lasik surgery:
  • Use prescription eyeglasses to restore the normal shape of the cornea for at least 2 weeks prior to the baseline evaluation if using soft contact lens
  • Stop using hard contact lens 6 weeks prior to Lasik surgery
  • Avoid usage of creams, lotions or cosmetics on the face and eyes a day prior to Lasik surgery
  • Get thorough baseline evaluation of the eye by the ophthalmologist before accepting Lasik eye surgery


Lasik Procedure

After eyes are prepared for Lasik surgery map of the cornea is created by computer and a low wattage laser. It will be used by surgeon to calculate the exact amount and depth of corneal tissue to be removed during Lasik operation to get the right shape. Local anesthetic drops are used for the Lasik procedure with mild sedation. Patients may feel itchy for a day or two with sensation of sand in the eye. Most Lasik procedures are performed on both eyes at the same time. However sometimes Lasik surgeons prefer to wait a week before they do the other eye. Lasik operation has two parts:
  1. Corneal tissue cut using surgical instrument called microkeratome (to get access to the middle section of the cornea, where the reshaping will occur)
  2. Cornea reshaping using ultraviolet laser called excimer laser (corneal tissue is removed one layer at a time until the cornea has attained the ideal shape)
Many patients experience improved vision 24 hours after Lasik surgery. A majority of Lasik patients will not require glasses or contact lenses anymore. To be able to get Lasik surgery:
  • You have to be healthy and not suffering from degenerative or autoimmune disease
  • You have to have eyes with no infection, glaucoma or dryness
  • You have to have refraction of the eye stable for at least a year
  • You have to be off prescription drugs (oral prednisone etc.)
  • You can't be pregnant or nursing


Care After Lasik Operation

There are number of things to remember about care after Lasik surgery:
  • Avoid rubbing the eyes if irritation occurs after Lasik surgery in order not to dislodge the corneal flap
  • Consult eye doctor immediately if severe pain is experienced or if the vision does not improve
  • Avoid using contact lens
  • Visit your eye doctor on regular basis for periodical consultations and eye examinations


Lasik Advantages

There are number of Lasik surgery advantages:
  • Lasik surgery is an outpatient procedure which takes less than 30 minutes to perform
  • Lasik procedure is very effective, many advancements have taken place since its invention


Lasik Disadvantages

There are number of Lasik surgery disadvantages which should be taken in consideration before the operation:
  • Lasik surgery is not reversible
  • It is performed on the most sensitive part of the eye
  • Even after a Lasik surgery, a person may require reading glasses during midlife
  • Lasik surgery is costly and usually not covered by medical insurance
  • Additional Lasik surgery may be required for best possible results
  • The long term Lasik surgery complications are still to be fully documented


Lasik Possible Complications

There are number of complications possible after Lasik surgery including:
  • Over or under corrections
  • Light Sensitivity
  • Dry eyes
  • Fluctuations in visual acuity
  • Double vision
  • Wrinkles under the corneal flap
  • Induced astigmatism
  • Epithelium erosion
  • Posterior vitreous detachment
  • Hole in the macula


Lasik Costs

Lasik surgery cost will vary from country to country. Usually Lasik procedure is expensive and not covered under the health insurance. In Australia you can find places where Lasik surgery can be done for $1750 per eye (reduced price for new internet enquiries). One of the options for Lasik procedure patients is to go to India for the treatment. India does have qualified and experienced surgeons. However before coming for treatment, check the credentials of the hospital and doctor.
 

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Lasik: Preparation, Procedure, Care, Advantages, Complications, Cost
Lasik is an outpatient irreversible surgery to correct vision. Usually Lasik procedure is expensive and not covered under the health insurance

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