LASIK SURGERY

What is Lasik Eye Surgery:-

LASIK eye surgery is the best known and most commonly performed laser refractive surgery to correct vision problems. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) can be an alternative to glasses or contact lenses.

In eyes with typical vision, the cornea bends — or refracts — light precisely onto the retina at the back of the eye. But with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, the light is bent incorrectly. This incorrect refraction causes blurred vision. 

• The eye has an outer layer called the cornea. Some people’s corneas can undergo changes in their shape, leading to vision issues, such as astigmatism and myopia. Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure that reshapes this layer.
• The surgery is quick, and people remain awake throughout the procedure. It is also usually painless — if a person experiences pain, it usually indicates there have been complications.

Symptoms of Lasik Eye Surgery:-

LASIK eye surgery is generally safe and effective, but like any surgical procedure, it can cause temporary side effects and complications. Here are some common symptoms experienced after LASIK surgery:

• Dry Eyes: One of the most common side effects of LASIK is dry eyes, which can cause discomfort, itching, burning, and a sensation of grittiness or foreign objects in the eyes. This occurs because the surgery temporarily disrupts the nerves responsible for tear production.

• Blurred Vision: Blurred vision is normal immediately after LASIK surgery as your eyes adjust to the changes made to the cornea. It typically improves within a few days to weeks as the cornea heals and stabilizes. However, some patients may experience fluctuations in vision during the healing process.

• Glare and Halos: Many patients experience glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, especially at night, in the days or weeks following LASIK surgery. These visual disturbances are usually temporary and diminish as the eyes heal.

• Sensitivity to Light: Sensitivity to light, or photophobia, is common after LASIK surgery, particularly in the first few days. Wearing sunglasses can help alleviate discomfort and protect your eyes from bright light while they heal.

• Eye Discomfort: It’s normal to experience mild discomfort, irritation, or a foreign body sensation in the eyes after LASIK surgery. This usually resolves within a few days as the cornea heals. Your surgeon may prescribe lubricating eye drops to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

Procedure of Lasik Eye Surgery:-

The LASIK surgery procedure typically involves several steps:

1. Pre-operative Examination: Before the surgery, you’ll undergo a comprehensive eye examination to determine your candidacy for LASIK. This includes assessing your vision prescription, corneal thickness, eye health, and tear film quality.

2. Anesthesia: Before the procedure begins, numbing eye drops are applied to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the surgery. Some patients may also receive a mild sedative to help them relax.

3. Flap Creation: The surgeon starts by creating a thin flap on the outer layer of the cornea. This flap can be made using either a microkeratome, a small handheld instrument with a blade, or a femtosecond laser, which delivers rapid pulses of laser light to create the flap.

4. Corneal Reshaping: Once the flap is created, it is lifted and folded back to expose the underlying corneal tissue. An excimer laser, which emits a cool ultraviolet light beam, is then used to reshape the cornea according to your specific vision prescription.

5. Flap Repositioning: After the cornea is reshaped, the flap is carefully repositioned onto the cornea’s surface. It naturally adheres back into place without the need for sutures, thanks to the natural adhesive properties of the corneal tissue.

FAQ’s on Lasik Eye Surgery:-