WHAT IS LASIK LASER ?
LASIK Laser is basically a type of refractive surgery for the correction of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hypermetropia), and astigmatism (an optical defect in which vision is blurred due to the inability of the optics of the eye to focus a point object into a sharp focused image on the retina).
The full form of Lasik is Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis, commonly known as Lasik laser or laser eye surgery or laser vision correction.
WHY TO HAVE LASIK ?
For clear vision, the eye's cornea and lens must bend (refract) light rays properly, so that images are focused clearly on the retina. Otherwise, the images will be blurry.
HOW LASIK IS PERFORMED ?
The LASIK surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist who uses a laser or microkeratome to reshape the eye's cornea in order to shape so that light rays are focused clearly on the retina so that visual acuity (clearness of vision) can be improved .. LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure. It will take 10 to 15 minutes to perform. The procedure is done when you are awake For most patients, LASIK provides a permanent alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
A complete eye examination will be done before surgery to make sure your eyes are healthy.
A signed informed consent form is needed before the procedure. This form confirms that you know the procedure's risks, benefits, alternative options, and possible complications.
ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LASIK ?
- You should be at least 18 years old (21 for some lasers). The vision of people younger than 18 still is changing.
- You shouldn’t be pregnant or nursing. It might change the measured refraction of the eye.
- You shouldn’t be taking certain prescription drugs, like Accutane or oral prednisone.
- Your eyes must be healthy and your prescription stable. If you’re myopic, you should postpone LASIK until your refraction has stabilized. Myopia may continue to increase in some patients until their mid- to late 20s.
- Your general health should be good. LASIK may not be recommended for patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, herpes infections of the eye, cataracts, disorders of the cornea, and retinal disease. Discuss your general health status with surgeon.
- A history of “dry eye” could matter. If you’ve had problems with dry eye, from wearing contact lenses, taking certain medications, or some other reason, talk to your eye doctor about how it could impact LASIK. You should be screened for dry eye before you have LASIK or other refractive surgery.
- Workplace requirements and lifestyle activities. Discuss work, sports, and recreation with your doctor to make sure LASIK is appropriate for you.
- If you are a candidate for monovision, which corrects one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
An eye shield or patch will be placed over the eye to protect the flap and to help prevent rubbing or pressure on the eye until it has had enough time to heal (usually overnight). Our doctor or nurse will instruct you on what to expect and how to care for your eye when you go home.
LASIK EYE SURGERY : MYTHS VS FACTS
LASIK eye surgery can free you of the many inconveniences that come with being tied to contact lenses or glasses.
LASIK has become one of the most popular corrective vision procedures in the world, To help you get a better idea of what you can expect from LASIK eye surgery, as well to help you fully understand the many benefits that comes with this common procedure, we are dispelling even more common myths regarding vision and LASIK eye surgery.
Very Few People Are Eligible For LASIK
While LASIK eye surgery used to be a very strict and limited procedure when it was first invented a few decades ago, the technology has developed in such a way that millions of people all over the world are finding that they are a perfect match for surgery. LASIK can benefit a great number of people with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Candidates should have a strong desire to be less dependent on corrective lenses, have established realistic expectations, and understand the risks associated with the surgery.
MYTH: After LASIK, Summer Water Sports Are Off Limits
One of the things patients look forward to the most after LASIK surgery is getting in the water. However, after you have your LASIK surgery, your eyes are very vulnerable to infection so it’s advisable to avoid swimming for at least a week post-surgery. After one week, it is fine to begin swimming in a pool. The key to jumping back into serious water activities is proper eye protection. You can resume water activities such as snorkeling, sailing, water surfing, waterslides and kayaking two weeks after your LASIK procedure as long as you wear goggles or other appropriate eye protection.
MYTH: It’s Cheaper To Wear Contacts/Lenses
When most people calculate the cost of LASIK surgery, they often don’t account just how much money contact lenses and glasses actually cost them over time. If you combine the cost of lenses, contact solutions and office visits, these costs can add. That up over 20 or 30 years of wearing contacts and, soon enough, your corrective lenses are costing you more than cost of lasik. Therefore, in the end, LASIK is actually the more cost-efficient option.
LASIK eye surgery is a wonderful procedure for any person who is looking to reduce their dependence glasses or contact lenses and live life with better sight.
MYTH: It Is A Painful Procedure
LASIK surgery patients experience very little to no discomfort both during and after their procedure. Before the surgery, patients are given a topical anesthetic which numbs the eye, therefore you will experience no pain during the procedure itself. Most patients simply report a sensation of pressure when the doctor is creating the eye flap, however it will not cause any pain or discomfort.