LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a type of refractive eye surgery to correct vision problems by reshaping the cornea to refract light more precisely. It has been around for more than 20 years and is approved by the FDA for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism (a defect in the eye resulting in distorted vision).
For people who have experienced vision problems for years and tired of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, LASIK is truly life changing.
All surgeries carry some risk of complications and side effects, LASIK is widely considered safe and is one of the most studied elective procedures performed today, as the chances of side effects and other problems are low. But the idea of being awake during eye surgery can be scary.
What Does LASIK Eye Surgery Involve?
What does LASIK eye surgery involve?
During LASIK surgery, you lie on your back in a reclining chair. After numbing drops are placed in your eye, an eye surgeon uses a special blinking retainer to hold the eyelid in place and out of the way. An eye surgeon then creates a flap in the very top layer of the cornea and then raises it up before reshaping the cornea with a laser. After reshaping the cornea, an eye surgeon lays the flap back into place and left to heal naturally. The outermost layer of the cornea will fuse with the flap in around 24 to 36 hours.
The surgery takes less than half an hour and your eyes will be fully numb for the duration of your procedure. However, that does not mean LASIK is a simple procedure. Like any surgery, the experience of an eye surgeon is essential to achieving the best results.
Is Your Vision Stable Enough For LASIK?
Is your vision stable enough for LASIK?
In general, the best candidates for LASIK have healthy eyes and stable vision. Stable vision is considered little to no change in prescription for a least one year before having LASIK. It doesn’t make sense to undergo a LASIK surgery when your vision continues to fluctuate. If you have myopia, your vision may continue to change throughout your teenage years. Therefore, you must be at least 18 years of age or older before having LASIK.
LASIK Eye Surgery Success Rate
LASIK eye surgery success rate
No surgical procedure is 100% effective. However, the success rate of LASIK is exceptionally high and is reported to be no less than 96%. Complications after surgery are rare now a days.
LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery Time
LASIK eye surgery recovery time
There is no exact recovery time. Each patient heals differently, but most patients are able to return to normal activities after one day.
LASIK Side Effects And Complications
LASIK side effects and complications
Side effects of LASIK surgery are often temporary. Complications, which can be more serious or longer lasting than side effects, occur in less than one percent of patients.
Potential risks of LASIK include: dry eyes, double vision, halos or glare in vision, undercorrection or overcorrection of vision, vision loss or impaired vision, light sensitivity and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).
Are There Any Safer Alternatives?
Are there any safer alternatives?
PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy) is a highly successful alternative that does not have the same risk of flap complications. PRK was the original laser refractive surgery, approved by the FDA in 1995. LASIK was approved a few years later. PRK is a better alternative for certain patients. If you have dry eyes, thin corneas or if you have a very active lifestyle, PRK may be a good choice for you. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve cutting a flap in your cornea. PRK completely removes the epithelium to access the cornea, and then the epithelium grows back. During PRK surgery, an eye surgeon uses a laser to reshape your cornea. This laser is used on the surface of the cornea, not underneath a corneal flap as in LASIK.
Who Should Not Have Laser Eye Surgery?
Who should not have laser eye surgery?
Like any other surgery, laser eye surgery isn’t for everyone. LASIK is usually not recommended for people who are under the age of 18, are pregnant or breastfeeding, take certain medications, have a severe irregular astigmatism, have autoimmune diseases or other conditions that inhibit healing and have certain eye-related risk factors like thin corneas or dry eyes.
The Final Decision
The final decision
LASIK frees you from having to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. But not everyone is going to be eligible to get their vision corrected with LASIK. It's important to have a full evaluation of your own eyes and don't rush into anything. Speak to your eye surgeon about your interest and get your questions answered. Your eye surgeon will help you determine whether LASIK is the best way to correct your vision.
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