LASIK, which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a popular surgery used to correct vision in people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism. All laser vision correction surgeries work by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye.
Pros:
- Around 96% of patients will have their desired vision after LASIK. An enhancement can further increase this number.
- LASIK is associated with very little pain due to the numbing drops that are used.
- Vision is corrected nearly by the day after LASIK.
- No bandages or stitches are required after LASIK.
- Adjustments can be made years after LASIK to further correct vision if vision changes while you age.
- After having LASIK, most patients have a dramatic reduction in eyeglass or contact lens dependence and many patients no longer need them at all.
Cons:
- LASIK is technically complex. Rare problems may occur when the doctor creates the flap, which can permanently affect vision. This is one reason to choose a surgeon who is very experienced at performing these surgeries.
- LASIK can rarely cause a loss of "best" vision. Your best vision is the highest degree of vision that you achieved while wearing your contacts or eyeglasses.
Possible side effects:
- Glare
- Seeing halos around images
- Difficulty driving at night
- Fluctuating vision
- Dry eyes
Alternatives to LASIK are:
- LASEK: If you have thin or flat corneas, LASEK is one of the best LASIK alternatives.
- Phakic IntraOcular Lens Implants: If a patient has a lens that is not able to focus, he or she most likely doesnât qualify for LASIK. Phakic IntraOcular Lens Implants are good alternatives.
- Epi-LASIK: Like LASEK, Epi-LASIK is not as invasive as traditional LASIK
- Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery: Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery is another LASIK alternative that can help those that donât qualify for traditional corrective surgery. A laser is used to remove the natural lens so it can be replaced with an artificial IntraOcular lens.
There are no specific effects of LASIK surgery in old age, in other words, after the cornea heals from the surgery it tends to remain in a stable shape for years or decades. Changes in vision with time and age such as presbyopia or that due to cataract development are not related in any way to prior LASIK surgery.
Next Steps
Follow the steps as advised
Health Tips
If condition persists or worsens visit the opthalmologist at the earliest