Vision correction has been performed from decades by using medicines, glasses, lenses and surgery. Eyeglasses have been used commonly by millions of people around the world to correct vision errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, reading problems etc. But in recent years, vision correction surgeries have become very popular because it is safe, has fast recovery period and gives accurate vision.
Lasik or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis is one of the most popular surgical methods of vision correction. It also involves reshaping of cornea so that the light entering the eye can properly focus on the retina and gives you clear vision.
Is Lasik good for me?
You have to consult your ophthalmologist (eye doctor) to know if you are a good candidate for Lasik surgery or not. Some people have very thin cornea on which it is difficult to perform this method. In such cases and some other cases, your doctor will suggest you other vision correction methods like PRK, LASEK, phakic IOL surgery which is most suitable for you.
Who should not go for Lasik surgery?
This surgery is not recommended in some health conditions means you should not go through it if you have:
· Collagen vascular disease like Rheumatoid Arthritis
· Autoimmune or Immunodeficiency disease because this condition interfere in the healing process
· Pregnant or nursing woman
· Haves signs of corneal thinning
· On medications which has eye related side effects. For example, Isotretinoin (Accutane) for acne treatment, Amiodarone hydrochloride (Cordarone) for normalizing heart rhythm.
· Diabetes condition
· History of herpes simplex or herpes zoster keratitis
· Significant dry eye
· Severe allergies
How is Lasik surgery performed?
If you have made up your mind about undergoing a Lasik surgery then you should find the best place to get your Lasik done with the help of an experienced and skilled surgeon. When you consult an experienced surgeon for Lasik treatment then he/she would perform some eye tests to approve you for Lasik surgery. Therefore, this procedure can be categorized into three different stages which are:
· Pre Surgery stage or Preparation stage
· Surgery
· Post Surgery or Recovery stage
Pre Surgery Stage
Our eye as unique as our fingerprints and therefore a thorough analysis of anatomy of your eye is required before the surgery. Some of the important aspects of eye anatomy are noted down during the eye exam and it also ensure that your eyes are healthy for the surgery. These eye features are following as:
· Health, shape and thickness of Cornea
· Pupil size
· Tear layer
· Refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, astigmatism etc.
· Other existing eye conditions and their severity
· Moistness of eye to reduce the chances of dryness after surgery
· Curvature of front surface of the eye to create an eye map
Besides performing an eye exam, your medical history will also be documented therefore you need to bring all your previous medical documents and prescriptions which includes any earlier surgery, diseases, list of allergy or any current medications. You will be asked to stop wearing contact lenses before two weeks of eye exam. The reason behind such suggestion is that contact lenses can alter the natural shape of cornea.
With the advancement in surgical tools, techniques and procedure, Lasik surgery has become safer, easier and precise. In recent years, iLasik has been become more popular because it involves intraLase laser instead of microkeratome which makes it a bladeless surgical method.
Surgery
Before the surgery procedure, numbing eye drops will be administered into your eyes and provide you some medication to relax you. Your eyelids will be kept open with the help of an instrument known as lid speculum. The surgeon will mark the cornea before creating a flap and a suction eye ring will be applied in front of your eyes to arrest the eye movement.
After the flap creation, surgeon uses the computer to adjust the laser light according to requirement of reshaping of the cornea. You will be asked to look at the target light and the surgeon will observe your eye anatomy through a microscope and apply pulse of light to reshape of your cornea. During the laser surgery, you will hear a steady clicking sound and may feel some pressure on your eye. This surgery is performed takes five minutes and if it is performed separately on both eyes.
Post surgery stage
After completion of the surgery, you will be asked to rest for a while. You may feel a temporary burning or itching sensation, some blurry vision and haziness but the condition will improve within 24 hours.
Your eyes will recover completely within few days time but in some rare cases; it may take weeks to recover. Your vision will improve within 1-2 days and you can resume your work but your doctor may suggest you to rest for couple of days. You are not allowed to do strenuous exercise as it can slow down the healing process or traumatize the eyes.
You must take extra care of your eyes and avoid rubbing them because it can cause flap displacement or dislocation. You must follow all the instructions and medications prescribed by your doctor to enhance the healing process.
Although the surgery is highly safe but still you may experience some common problems like night vision problems, dry eyes, halos or glare after the surgery which you can easily avoid with eye drops and other doctor suggested methods.
Lasik surgery cannot prevent the effect of aging on your eyesight and you may need reading glasses after reaching your forties. You must discuss every aspect of the surgery like its benefits, risks, complications, Stability of corrected vision in coming years and precautions before you say yes for the surgery.