LASIK eye surgery is the best known and most commonly performed laser refractive surgery to correct vision problems. It can be an alternative to glasses or contact lenses.
During LASIK surgery, a special type of cutting laser is used to precisely change the shape of the dome-shaped clear tissue at the front of your eye (cornea) to improve vision.
Glasses or contact lenses can correct vision, but reshaping the cornea itself also will provide the necessary refraction.
Why is it done?
LASIK surgery may be an option for the correction of one of these vision problems:
• Nearsightedness (myopia).
• Farsightedness (hyperopia).
• Astigmatism.
If you're considering LASIK surgery, you probably already wear glasses or contact lenses. Your eye doctor will talk with you about whether LASIK surgery or another similar refractive procedure is an option that will work for you.
Risks
Risks of LASIK surgery include:
• Dry eyes
• Glare, halos and double vision.
• Under Corrections.
• Over Corrections.
• Astigmatism.
• Flap problems.
• Regression.
• Vision loss or changes. Complications that result in vision loss are very rare!
Conditions that increase risks
Certain health conditions can increase the risks associated with LASIK surgery or make the outcome less predictable.
Doctors may not recommend laser refractive surgery for you if you have certain conditions, including:
• Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• A weakened immune system caused by immunosuppressive medications or HIV
• Persistent dry eyes
• Recent changes in vision due to medications, hormonal changes, pregnancy, breast-feeding or age
• Inflammation of the cornea, lid disorders, eye injuries or eye diseases, such as uveitis, herpes simplex affecting the eye area, glaucoma or cataracts
LASIK surgery is usually not advisable if you:
• Have an eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge, or if you have a family history of it
• Have fairly good overall vision
• Have severe nearsightedness
• Have very large pupils or thin corneas
• Have age-related eye changes that cause vision to be less clear
• Participate in contact sports that may be associated with blows to the face
If you're considering LASIK surgery, talk to your doctor about your questions and concerns. Your doctor will discuss whether you're a candidate for the procedure or other similar procedures.
How you prepare
Steps you can take to prepare for surgery include:
• Know what surgery may cost you. LASIK surgery is usually considered elective surgery, so most insurance companies won't cover the cost of the surgery. Be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for your expenses.
• Arrange for a ride home. You'll need to have someone drive you to and from your place of surgery.
• Skip the eye makeup. Don't use eye makeup, cream, perfumes or lotions on the day before and the day of your surgery.
Article By
Dr. A H Hajra Salar
Ophthalmologist
I Care Center
Hyderabad