All About LASIK

2008-09-30 11:13:57

( Health )



What is LASIK Vision Correction?

LASIK, short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a form of refractive eye surgery for correcting vision defects such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

LASIK was not widely practiced until the nineties when doctors initiated the idea of combining refractive surgical procedures with laser technology. Because of its great precision and lower risks, LASIK quickly gained popularity and is now practiced in most countries.

How do You Qualify for LASIK?

Before you can have LASIK, you need to be screened out by an eye specialist to see whether you can tolerate the procedures and sustain the desired effects.

You will not be allowed to take LASIK if you are pregnant, under the age of 20, or are taking medication that conflicts with the procedure. You may also be prohibited if you are in the military or are a contact sports player. Having diabetes, overly thin cornea, or a very high eye prescription will also disqualify you from LASIK.

What can You Expect Before LASIK?

Your doctor will advise you to refrain from wearing contact lenses for at least a week prior to the operation. Your cornea will also be examined and measured to determine the thickness and surface contour, and to detect irregularities such as astigmatism. You will take an antibiotic before the actual surgery to minimize post-operative infection.

You need to be given antiseptic eye drops to minimize discomfort, but there is no need for sedation. However, you may request for a mild sedative if you are particularly feeling anxious.

What Happens During LASIK?

The LASIK operation is done in three steps. The surgeon creates a flap on your cornea, which may sometimes result in scleral bleeding but this is actually a minor and harmless side effect.

Then the surgeon remodels your corneal stroma by vaporizing and removing tissues with the laser. At this point, you will experience blurry vision or see only white light and the orange laser light.

After reshaping the stromal layer, the surgeon will reposition the LASIK flap over the area. He will also check for air bubbles and debris in the eye. The flap will remain in position in your eye and will heal naturally.

Since you will feel very sensitive towards light, you will need to wear protective dark goggles even for sleeping. You will need to take antibiotics and eye medications to prevent infection and to ensure complete healing. You will also need to sleep frequently during healing.

What are the Risks of LASIK?

If you have followed all the instructions of your doctor and surgeon, you should be able to heal completely within two weeks to a month.

Like any other medical procedure, LASIK does have its own risks. The most common is the occurrence of dry eye, which may become a permanent condition. The only way to alleviate dry eye is to continually use eye lubricants.

Unfortunately, LASIK may not completely correct your vision problem. You may still need reading glasses in the future.


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