Frequently Asked Questions

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

The full form of LASIK is Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK is a type of refractive surgery in which a laser is used to enhance or improve the vision of the eye. In LASIK, special equipment called a microkeratome is used to create a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. After creating a flap, the laser is used to reshape the cornea for better vision. As the desired shape is achieved, then the surgeon will place the flap back on the cornea surface. No stitches are used in this procedure and the surface of the cornea heals by itself within weeks or days.

Mostly, there are four [4] types of LASIK methods and they are:

1. Wave optimized LASIK
2. Wavefront-guided LASIK
3. Topography-guided LASIK
4. All-Laser LASIK

Wave optimized LASIK uses the detailed curvature measurements of the cornea and reduces the spherical aberrations of the eye. This type is done to preserve the original spherical structure of the eye. LASIK procedure helps to eliminate the dependency of an individual on eyeglasses or contact lens. It helps to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in an individual.

LASIK is a safe procedure for improving eye vision. It does not use any surgical tools such as blades, scissors, or stitches, etc. It is performed by a well experienced and eye specialist by using a laser and other surgical mechanic tools. 

What are the indications for LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK is indicated in the following conditions:

1. Myopia (Nearsightedness)
2. Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
3. Astigmatism (blurred vision due to irregular curvature in the lens in the eyes)

What are the advantages of LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK Eye Surgery has several benefits such as:

1. The success rate of LASIK Eye Surgery is 96%.
2. LASIK Eye Surgery is the least painful because of the anesthetic eye drops used.
3. Vision is corrected the day after the surgery hence the recovery time is less.
4. No stitches or bandages are required after LASIK Eye Surgery.
5. If the vision changes as the age progress, the LASIK Eye Surgery can be adjusted.
6. The patient who has undergone LASIK Eye Surgery has a dramatic reduction in eyeglasses or contact lens dependence. 
7. Most of the patients don't even require eyeglasses and contact lenses.  

What are the side effects of LASIK Eye Surgery?

Usually, the side effects of the surgery subside after 24 to 48 hours of the surgery. But some patient experiences prolonged side effects and few of them are:

1. Dry eyes
2. Glare
3. Fluctuating vision
4. Difficulty to see at night
5. Seeing halos around the vision

What preparations are to be done for LASIK Eye Surgery?

1. Before LASIK Eye Surgery, the doctor will discuss the aspects of the surgery to the patient. Few initial tests such as corneal mapping, measuring corneal thickness, eye pressure, and pupil dilation are performed before the surgery. 
2. Then the doctor will explain any queries the patient might have and get further along by deciding the date for the surgery.
3. If the patient wears rigid gas permeable contact lenses then they shouldn’t be worn for at least 3 weeks prior to the surgery and any other type of the lenses shouldn’t be worn for at least 3 days prior to the surgery. 
4. The patient should get the eyeglasses to the doctor so that the prescription can be reviewed. 
5. Before the surgery, the patient should eat light food and take the medication as prescribed by the doctor.
6. The patient should avoid wearing eye makeup and big hair accessories as it can be tough to position the patient’s head under the laser.
7. If the health of the patient deteriorates before the surgery then they should inform the doctor to know whether the surgery should be carried on or postponed.

How is LASIK Eye Surgery done?

1. An instrument called a microkeratome is used during LASIK Eye Surgery to create a thin flap in the cornea. 
2. Then the cornea flap is peeled which is a painless process and the corneal tissues are reshaped using the laser. 
3. After the successful reshaping of corneal tissue such that it can properly focus the rays onto the retina, the flap is put back in the place and that completes the surgery. 
4. During LASIK Eye Surgery the patient is given eye drops that is local anesthesia and the surgery takes around 10-15 minutes to be completed. 
5. The patient can even request for mild sedation as well to the doctor.

What is to be expected after LASIK Eye Surgery?

1. The eyes of the patient undergone LASIK Eye Surgery will be dry but will go away after a few days. 
2. The doctor might prescribe eye drops to avoid eye drying, infection, and inflammation. 
3. The drops prescribed might cause a slight burn or blurred vision. 
4. The patient should only use doctor-approved eye drops.