Lasik is a laser eye surgery used to correct refractive errors. In this procedure, a thin laser beam is used to cut the front surface of your eye (the cornea) and change its shape. The new shape of the cornea will allow light beams to once again focus on the retina. Vision should be improved.
For adults with stable eye power, LASIK provides an alternative to glasses and contact lenses.
Why is LASIK done?
LASIK is an optional surgery for adults with stable vision. If your eye power has not changed for 1-2 years and you no longer want glasses or contact lenses, LASIK can be used to give your eyes clear vision. LASIK will correct:
Short sight (myopia)
Long sight (hyperopia)
Astigmatism
Who is an Ideal Candidate for LASIK?
To be eligible, you must:
Be at least 21 years
Have a stable eye power for at least 1 year
Have a healthy cornea and retina
Family history of Refractive Errors
Developmental disabilities
What to Expect – About the Surgery:
Lasik
Is a simple and safe surgery
Causes almost no pain or discomfort
Leaves no scar
Has fast recovery periods
Has very few complications
Can be enhanced, if necessary
After the surgery, you may still need to wear spectacles of a lower power. Please discuss all concerns with an eye doctor before deciding on LASIK.
Types of LASIK:
PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy): Usually advised for patients with very weak power
Standard vs Personalized LASIK: Both reshape the cornea to correct the refractive error. The standard laser applies a uniform correction to the entire reshaped area. In personalized LASIK, measurements are taken from the entire eye to create a customized map of your refractive error. The laser is used to apply a correction specifically for your refractive error.
FEMTO: Blade-free LASIK. The cornea is not cut manually, but by a special laser machine.
Preparing for Surgery:
Before surgery:
You will need to complete a few things before your LASIK surgery.
You will need to get a pre-surgery eye examination to make sure you are fit for the surgery. This examination typically takes 4-5 hours and can be done at Aravind on any working day. The best time to come is at 8 am. Based on the examination, around 70% of patients will be approved for LASIK surgery. The remaining 30% are ineligible and cannot have the surgery.
You should NOT wear contact lenses for a minimum of 7 days before coming for the pre-surgery exam.
When deciding if LASIK is right for you, keep in mind that there is no absolute guarantee that it will correct your vision 100%. You will see much better without glasses than you did before. But, you may still need to wear glasses at times to perform certain tasks.
After surgery:
After the surgery, your eyes may itch and water. Vision will also be blurry. Keep in mind that your eyes are still healing, so it will take time (about 2-3 months) for the vision to clear completely.
For a few weeks after surgery, you should avoid:
Cosmetics
Contact sports
Swimming in pools or hot tubs
The doctor will tell you if and when it is necessary to come for a follow-up visit.
Results – How good will my vision be?:
LASIK is intended to provide clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. Most patients who get LASIK will have very good vision and will not need to wear spectacles. However, the results may vary from person to person. LASIK does not guarantee a 100% correction of vision. If your refractive error is very severe, your vision may not improve as well as expected. However, it will likely be better than it was before surgery.
