Lasik Surgery: A Complete Guide For What To Expect

LASIK surgery, an acronym for laser-assisted in-place keratomileusis, stands as the most frequently performed laser eye surgery for addressing myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

Similar to various laser refractive surgeries, the LASIK procedure modifies the cornea’s frontal curvature, enabling precise retinal focusing without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK typically is pain-free and requires only about a quarter-hour to treat both eyes. Vision improvement is immediate and sometimes stabilizes in as little as 24 hours.

The LASIK Surgery Procedure

A mechanical surgical tool called a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser is employed to make a skinny, circular flap within the cornea. The surgeon then folds back this hinged flap to access the underlying cornea (called the stroma).

An excimer laser is employed to reshape the corneal stroma. This highly specialized laser uses a cool ultraviolet beam to get rid of (“ablate”) microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea to reshape it so it more accurately focuses light on the retina for improved vision.

The corneal flap is laid back in situ, where it adheres to the corneal stroma without stitches

What to Expect Before LASIK Surgery

• Before LASIK. Your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye exam to work out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK vision correction.

• During this exam, we will examine the surface of your eye to ensure there is no unusual risk of dry eyes after LASIK.

• An automated instrument, known as a corneal topographer, will create a detailed, point-by-point map of your cornea’s shape. Additionally, a wavefront analysis of your cornea may be conducted to enhance the potential for achieving the sharpest LASIK outcome.

• Your doctor will advise you to refrain from wearing contact lenses for a specified period (usually at least two weeks before LASIK). This step is crucial because the use of contact lenses can modify the shape of your cornea and may impact the procedure’s outcome.

During LASIK Eye Surgery

• Before your LASIK Eye Surgery, your Lasik Surgeon will apply numbing eye drops to prevent any discomfort during the procedure. Additionally, your surgeon can provide you with medication to help you relax.

• The laser will position your eyes, and an instrument known as a lid speculum will keep your eyelids open.

• First, the surgeon applies a suction ring to the front of your eye to prevent eye movements or loss of contact that might impact the corneal flap’s quality.

• After creating the corneal flap, the Lasik surgeon employs a computer to fine-tune the excimer laser according to your specific prescription. You will receive instructions to focus on a target light briefly while the surgeon observes your eye through a microscope. The laser emits pulses of light to your cornea.

• The laser light pulses painlessly reshape the cornea, but you’ll feel some pressure on your eye. You’ll also hear a gentle clicking sound while the laser is working. The laser treatment itself takes only a minute.

Immediately After LASIK Eye Surgery

• Upon completion of your LASIK eye surgery, your Lasik surgeon will have you rest for a while. You might feel a short-lived burning or itching sensation immediately following the procedure.
• After a quick post-operative exam, someone can drive you home. (You cannot drive after LASIK until your ophthalmologist sees you the subsequent day and confirms your uncorrected vision meets the legal standard for driving.)
• You should expect some blurry vision and haziness immediately after surgery; however, for many people, vision improves immediately and stabilizes within a couple of days.
• You may be ready to attend work the subsequent day, but many doctors advise a few days of rest instead.
• Generally, you’ll return to ascertain your ophthalmologist or your Lasik surgeon in India the day after surgery.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions and take any medication prescribed. Also, avoid rubbing your eyes, as there is a small chance this might dislodge the flap until it heals and adheres more securely to the underlying cornea.

Long-term

• Laser eye surgery offers numerous benefits and may dramatically improve your quality of life. Most people achieve 20/20 vision or better after the surgery, but outcomes vary from person to person.
• You may still get to wear glasses or contact lenses following laser vision correction, though your prescription level typically is going to be much less than before.
• If you’ve got a mild residual refractive error after LASIK. And you would like sharper vision for activities like driving in the dark, prescription lenses with anti-reflective coating often are helpful.
• If you’re sensitive to sunlight after LASIK, ask your ophthalmologist about prescribing glasses with photochromic lenses.
• While the procedure has a superb safety profile, LASIK complications can occur and should include infection or night glare. (starbursts or halos that are most noticeable when you’re viewing lights in the dark, like while you’re driving).
• A small percentage of individuals need a LASIK enhancement or “touch-up” procedure, a couple of months after the first LASIK surgery to realize acceptable acuity.
• And you will need reading glasses once you reach your 40s, thanks to a traditional age-related loss of sight called presbyopia.

How Does One Choose Eye Surgeons in India?

Most people do not have first-hand knowledge about LASIK or eye surgeons in India. An honest starting line when choosing an Eye Surgeon in India is to speak with the attention professional you recognize and trust. Or ask friends or relations who have had successful LASIK.

Your Lasik surgeon in India will probably work with a team. Who may help together with your initial evaluation and measurements. But it’s your Lasik Surgeon in India who takes the responsibility for determining whether LASIK is an appropriate choice for you. Who confirms the measurements to guide the procedure, who performs the procedure, and who provides postoperative care.

Talk with your Lasik Surgeon in India about your questions and concerns and the way LASIK will benefit you. He or she will assist you to understand the advantages and limitations of surgery.