LASIK Surgery Information

taken from TrueVision.com

(Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis) is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about ten minutes to perform on each eye. It is an extremely effective procedure that is suitable for low, moderate and higher prescriptions. LASIK is currently one of the most frequently performed healthcare procedures in North America.

How does LASIK work?

LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that is used to surgically correct your vision. It works by changing the shape of your cornea, so that light rays focus on or near the retina. When light rays are focused in this manner, your vision is the best that it can be without glasses or contact lenses. Changing the shape of your cornea is accomplished by using an Excimer laser. The Excimer laser emits a cool beam of light that alters the shape of your cornea. LASIK is different from other laser procedures because the laser light is directed to the inner portion of your cornea. Earlier vision correction procedures, such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) apply laser light to the surface cells of the cornea.

With the LASIK procedure, patients frequently have functional vision the first day after surgery. After the procedure your eyes will water and it may feel as if an eyelash is in your eye for 2 to 3 hours. Following that period, there is no pain. Vision will most likely be blurry the first day of LASIK surgery, but should improve greatly after a good night’s sleep. Most patients return to work the day after surgery. Eye drops are only needed for 1 week after surgery.

As discussed above, LASIK works so well because the beam is directed to the inner layer of your cornea. This is accomplished by using a device called a microkeratome. The microkeratome elevates a thin slice of the top layer of your cornea. Then the cornea is folded back, exposing the middle section of the cornea. After using the Excimer laser, the flap is repositioned. The flap re-adheres after approximately 30 seconds.

What to do in Lasik eye surgery?

Before you go for the Lasik surgery, you should have a proper test done by your physician. The optician will examine your eyes to determine their health, analyze the kind of visual correction needed and determine how much Lasik ablation is required. Risks like losing vision, developing debilitating visual symptoms, severe dry eye and large refractive errors are often associated with Lasik eye surgeries. So you consult a proper eye surgeon for the best results.

Once you are confident about undergoing the Lasik eye surgery you should follow certain rules to get quick results from the surgery.
Following is a brief history of what should be done before, during and after Lasik:

Before surgery

- Stop wearing soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses and hard lenses.
- Do not feel pressurized by your doctor, friends and family
- Stop using creams, lotions, perfumes and make-ups.
- Keep removing all debris and residues from the eye surfaces.

During surgery

- Apply a numbing drop to your eye that will clean the area around your eye and create a numb feeling near your eyes.
- Hear the shield that holds the flaps in places. Wear it to prevent any sudden accidents or getting hit in your eyes.

After surgery

- Consult your doctor immediately in case of any itching, eye irritation, mild pain or sudden discomfort.
- Use eye drops given by the doctor to prevent infections or inflammations.
- Never wear contact lenses at least for next fortnight.

What are the Risks?

LASIK is a surgical procedure, and like all surgeries, there is a potential for risks and complications. Every eye heals differently, and it is not possible to predict precisely how your eye will heal. Although most patients are very pleased with the results of their refractive surgery, every patient should weigh the chance of experiencing complications against the potential benefits the procedure can provide.

How is Lasik advantageous over other surgical procedures?

Lasik eye surgery is quite advantageous over other surgery procedures because they often involve much less pain as an aftermath. Lasik unlike other eye surgeries also promise extremely good vision that can be achieved almost immediately or at least by the next day.

Moreover, Lasik eye surgery is hassle-free but you should take proper care for your eyes. In spite of such care, if you face any worsening symptoms you should immediately contact your doctor to prevent any further eye-related problems.