Lasik Surgery

Lasik, which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis, is the most common type of refractive surgery used to correct Refractive Errors or "image formation defects."

What is a refractive error?

A refractive error is a very common naturally occurring eyedisorder. It occurs when the eye cannot clearly focus the images from the outside world. The result of refractive errors is blurred vision, which is sometimes so severe that it causes visual impairment.

The three most common refractive errors are:

Myopia (nearsightedness): difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly.

Hyperopia (farsightedness): difficulty in seeing close objects clearly.

Astigmatism: distorted vision resulting from an irregularly curved cornea.

Refractive errors cannot be prevented, but they can be diagnosed by an eye examination and treated by external aids like spectacles or contact lenses.

Lasik surgery has emerged as an ideal surgical technique to help people reduce their dependency on their external visual aids.

How Lasik works?

LASIK surgery changes the shape of your corneaThe desired result of LASIK eye surgery is to bend (refract) light rays to focus more precisely on your retina rather than at some point beyond or short of your retina.

In most cases, laser eye surgery is pain-free and completed within 10-20 minutes for both eyes.

The results — improved vision withoutvisual aid andcan usually be seen in as little as 24 hours.

There are various vision correction refractive surgeries such as PRK, LASEK and LASIK laser eye surgery and phakic IOL surgery.

Your eye doctor will determine if laser eye surgery is suitable for your condition and, if so, which technique is best.

Types of LASIK

Everyone’s eyes are different. A pre-procedure consultation with your doctor will help determine the right type of laser eye surgery for you.

Custom Lasik is a laser vision correction procedure that helps your surgeon customize the laser treatment to your individual eyes. This procedure may result in your vision being clearer and sharper than ever before.

Bladeless LASIKuses a gentle laser to create a precise, uniform corneal flap. As the name implies, no blades are used in this customizable eye surgery.

Wavefront Technologycreates a customized map of the unique attributes of your visual system that transfers to the laser, enabling your LASIK surgeon to address your individual visual requirements. Wavefront technology is used in custom LASIK surgery, including custom bladeless LASIK.

What is OptiLasik?

Optilasik is a customized laser ablation, specific, tailor made to each individual eye.

OptiLasik just keeps getting better.

The question is, though, if your eyes are as unique as you are, why should they be treated with the exact same procedure everyone else gets? If you are thinking about laser vision correction, choose the procedure that was designed to work with your eyes unique attributes.

Optilasik is one of  the fastest and safest Excimer Laser workstation introduced for the first time in this region by us.

Are you a good candidate for Lasik?

Refractive surgery is not for everyone. Ideal candidate for LASIK surgery should have:

1.    Age more than 18 years.

2.    Stable refraction.

3.    Myopia: spherical equivalent between –1 and –14D (many surgeons restrict limit to –12D)

4.    Hyperopia from mild to moderate:+2 to+5 D.

5.    Astigmatism from mild to severe:2-6 D

6.    Appropriate Central corneal thickness.

7.    People who participate in contact sports such as boxing, martial arts, or wrestling are not good candidate for Lasik. Other refractive procedures, like surface ablation, may be more appropriate choices.

8.    Corneal diseases like keratoconus, inflammation or infection of eye, pregnancy are few contraindications for Lasik.

 

9.    You should have Realistic Expectations. While the vast majority of Lasik results are excellent, you should be fully aware of the side effects, risks and potential complications before you choose to undergo the procedure.

Before Lasik Surgery

You should stop wearing contact lenses for a period of time advised by your doctor before your eye exam and before the Lasik procedure.

Refractive surgeon will perform a thorough eye examination to ensure your eyes are fit for the procedure.

He or she will evaluate:

·         Shape and thickness of your cornea (corneal topography and pachymetery)

·         Pupil size

·         Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism)

·         Presence of other eye conditions.

·         The moistness of eyes to rule out dry eyes.

·         General health and medication history.

Lasik procedure

·         Before surgery begins, anesthetic eye drops are applied to the eyes to alleviate any discomfort during the procedure.

·         A suction ring is applied to the front of the eye to prevent eye movements.

·          Then we create a thin, circular "flap" in the cornea using a microkeratome or a laser.

·         After folding back the hinged flap you will be asked to look at a target light for a short time and laser pulses will be applied to the exposed cornea according to your refractive error.

·         The laser light pulses painlessly reshape the cornea, although you may feel some pressure on your eye. You'll also hear a steady clicking sound while the laser is operating.

·         After the laser reshapes the cornea, the flap is then laid back in place.

·         LASIK is performed on each eye separately, with each procedure taking only about five minutes.

Immediately After LASIK Surgery 

·         You may feel a temporary burning or itching sensation in your eyes immediately after surgery.

·         After taking some rest you will be discharged on the same day. (You will need someone to drive you).

·         You should expect some blurry vision and haziness immediately after surgery which will improve within 24 hrs.

·         You may be able to go to work the next day, but may be advised rest for couple of days depending on the job.

·         You will be called for check up the next day and then after 1 week.

·         It is also important to refrain from rubbing your eye, as there is a small chance of dislodging the corneal flap.

Long-Term Results

·         Under  experienced hands the procedure has excellent safety profile and can improve quality of life dramatically.

·         Most people achieve 20/20 vision or better after the surgery, but lasik results do vary.

·         Rarely post-operative complications  can occur and may include under correction, ectasia, infection or night glare.

·         You may require reading glasses after 40years of age.

Important Points

Ø  Procedure time is 5-10 min for each eye.

Ø  You should be honest with your surgeon about stability of refraction, contact lens usage, and previous eye problems. You should tell about any health issues you have or medication you are trying.

Ø  Stop wearing contact lens before investigations and lasik procedure.

Ø  You should have realistic expectations of what Lasik surgery can achieve for you.

Ø  Typical results are 6/6 or better vision without any refractive aid.

Ø  Recovery time may be few days to several weeks for stabilization of vision.

Ø  Keep all your lasik surgery record with you, which may be required later.

In a bit to boost Lasik treatment in Punjab, the Sankara Eye Hospital Ludhiana located on Ferozepur road near Mullanpur has decided to reduce their rates of Lasik for short period of time which is to Rs. 12,500 per eye including entire investigations charges.

To get additional information kindly call on following given phones No: 8725000268, 0161-2881123/24

(The Author is MBBS, MS, FCMS, FAICO, Director Eye Bank, Cornea cataract and refractive surgeon, Sankara Eye Hospital, Ludhiana.)