The Ultimate Guide to LASIK Eye Surgery
What is Lasik eye surgery?
Lasik eye surgery is an eye refractive surgery that uses a laser to fix your vision problems. This surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means that you can go home the same day.
Lasik corrects refractive errors, which occur when your eye cannot refract (bend) light as it should. Refractive errors lead to blurred vision. Lasik can help you see more clearly and enjoy a better quality of life.
Lasik may be a treatment option for people who do not want to rely on glasses or lenses to improve their vision. After LASIK, you may not need your glasses or lenses at all.
Or you may only need it in certain situations, such as driving at night or reading. If you are considering Lasik, it is important to know how it works, its benefits and disadvantages so that you can make a decision.
What does Lasik eye surgery do?
Lasik changes The Shape of the cornea to improve how light reaches the retina. This, in turn, allows you to see more clearly.
The name Lasik stands for “laser-assisted keratomeliosis in situ”.The word “keratomileusis’ is the medical term for the remodeling of the cornea.
Your cornea is the outermost layer of your eye. They are dome-shaped and made of transparent tissue. It works with another part of your eye called the lens to bend light before it hits the retina. Your retina lines the back of your eye when light hits the retina, the retina sends electrical signals to your brain that tell you what you are seeing.
To see something clearly, you need all the parts of your eye to work together. Think of the assembly line, with your cornea as the person responsible for the first step in making a product. If such a person makes a mistake, he gets rid of the whole process and affects the result.
Similarly, when light enters your eye, it passes through the cornea first. Problems with The Shape of the cornea prevent light from taking the right path to the retina.
Therefore, by reshaping the cornea, Lasik allows light to enter your cornea the way it should take the right path to the retina.
Who are the appropriate cases for Lasik eye treatment?
Lasik treats the following conditions:
- Nearsightedness: you can see objects better if they are close, but those that are far away are fuzzy or blurred.
- Farsightedness: you can see things better from afar but struggle with those up close.
- Astigmatism: this is blurred vision when viewing objects at any distance. It’s because the cornea has an irregular shape and occurs along with myopia or hyperopia.
- Presbyopia (age-related hyperopia): as you get older, the lens of your eye becomes less flexible. As a result, it is difficult for you to see objects near your face. Lasik, aimed at the cornea, is not able to correct presbyopia. But using a technique called monovision (mixed vision), LISC can correct one eye for distance and the other eye for Near Vision. This improves your close-up vision and helps with tasks such as reading.
Does Lasik permanently fix eyesight?
Lasik permanently changes The Shape of the cornea. This improves your eyesight so that it is normal or almost normal.
However, because your eyes naturally change as you get older, your vision can change in the years after LASIK. This is a normal part of the aging process. At some point, you will most likely need reading glasses to help you see up close.
Lasik eye surgery procedures
Before Lasik surgery
An ophthalmologist or optometrist can guide you on how to prepare for surgery. In general, you should stop using creams, cosmetics and perfumes the day before your surgery.
These products can get into your eyes and increase the risk of infection. You should also ask someone to drive you to and from the surgery.
During surgery
During Lasik surgery, the refractive surgeon performs the following:
- Put drops in your eyes: these drops numb your eyes so you don’t feel pain.
- Put a suction ring and eyelid spacer on your eye: these pain-free devices keep your eye in the correct position and prevent you from blinking. You may feel pressure on your eyelid like someone is pressing on it. Your vision will become blurry.
- Make a thin incision in the cornea: this is called a corneal incision. The surgeon lifts and folds the incision back, like turning the page of a book.
- You are asked to focus on a light directed towards your eye: while looking at the light, the surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea. You may hear a clicking sound. You may also notice a strange smell. This is not a laser that burns your eyes, it is simply a chemical reaction caused by a laser during the formation of the cornea. During laser treatment, your eye position is measured 500 times per second. The laser will stop if you move too much.
- Reposition the corneal incision in place: it starts to re-stick immediately and continues to heal after you return home.
After surgery
After the end of the operation, your vision will be relatively clear. Some describe their vision after surgery as similar to looking through a dirty window. Your glasses or contact lenses will not help you with good vision after the operation is completed.
Lasik surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home after the surgery is done (but you will need someone to stay with you). Your surgeon will introduce you:
- A visor to protect your eyes and prevent you from touching them: you will not have any stitches in your eyes, so it is necessary to avoid touching or bumping your eyes, as this can affect the healing of the corneal fissure.
- Moisturizing eye drops to control dry eye symptoms
- Antibiotic drops to prevent infection
- Steroid drops to prevent inflammation
Most people get 90% of the best possible vision after the operation. Most manage to drive safely to the postoperative visit, which is usually the next day.
During the first week after surgery, you may feel:
- Discomfort or mild pain in your eyes
- Dry eyes
- Tears in the eyes
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
You may be tempted to rub your eyes because of a burning or itching sensation. This irritation is normal. It is necessary to completely avoid touching your eyes during the first week until healing takes place.
Features of the LASIK operation
Lasik surgery may give you clear and sharp vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses. About 96% of people who have had Lasik surgery are satisfied with the results.
People who feel dissatisfied may have expected perfect vision and lack of dependence on glasses, which is not always possible. It is important to discuss the possible level of vision correction for you with an ophthalmologist.
About 99% of people get 20/40 vision or better (without glasses) after the Lasik Procedure. This vision is good enough to pass the eyesight test for obtaining a driver’s license. More than 90% end up seeing 20/20 (without glasses)
Side effects of Lasik surgery
It is common for some side effects to occur after LASIK surgery. These effects are not the same thing as complications. Side effects are usually not serious and go away on their own.
Dry eyes are the most common side effect. It affects about 30% of people who have had Lasik surgery. The discomfort is most noticeable three months after surgery, but usually disappears after six to 12 months.
Other possible side effects include:
- Reduced night vision.
- Blurry vision.
- Small red or pink spots on the whites of the eyes.
- Sensitivity to light.
Most of the side effects appear during the first trimester. By six months after surgery, side effects should disappear significantly.
Risks or complications of Lasik
Complications are more serious than side effects and may require treatment. More than 99% of people do not experience any complications. However, it is important to be aware of possible complications, including:
- Corneal problems that require treatment or surgery.
- Corneal ecstasy (weakness of the cornea that causes it to swell)
- Inflammation or infection. Usually this disappears with medications.
- Worse vision than before you had Lasik. This is usually treatable.
Lasik surgery itself has not caused any cases of blindness in people who are suitable surgical candidates. However, an untreated infection rarely leads to vision loss.
Is LASIK Safe?
Clinical trials and research studies have proven that LASIK eye surgery is safe. More than 9,000 people participated in clinical trials in the United States from 1993 to 2005. Additionally, over 7,000 research studies have confirmed that LASIK is a safe surgery. New technology continues to reduce the already low risk of complications (less than 1%)
All surgeries come with some risks. That’s why it’s important to talk to an ophthalmologist to learn more about LASIK and whether the benefits outweigh the risks for you. For example, LASIK may not be an option if you have medical conditions such as damaged corneas or chronic medical conditions that affect healing. It might be disappointing to learn that you cannot have a surgery you want, but ophthalmologists prioritize your safety.
Recovery Time After LASIK Surgery
Recovery from LASIK is relatively quick. Many people can return to work or drive within a few days. However, caution should be taken before driving. Blurred vision is a common side effect of LASIK, so you should not drive until your vision is clear.
You should limit certain activities while your eyes are healing. Follow your ophthalmologist’s advice based on your specific situation. Some general guidelines include:
- Wait three days before participating in non-contact sports.
- Wait two weeks before using makeup or lotions near your eyes.
- Wait at least one month before participating in contact sports (such as football or karate).
- Wait one to two months before swimming or using hot tubs or whirlpools.
How Do I Decide if LASIK is Right for Me?
The first step is to determine if you are a candidate for the surgery. To undergo LASIK, you should:
- Be at least 18 years old (preferably in your early to mid-20s when your vision is stable)
- Have a stable vision prescription that has not changed significantly in the past 12 months.
- Have thick corneas.
Necessary Examinations Before LASIK Surgery
You need a comprehensive eye exam to determine if you meet the required criteria. During your examination, the refractive surgery team will:
- Conduct a test called corneal topography to assess the shape of your cornea.
- Perform additional tests (corneal tomography, epithelial thickness mapping, and corneal biomarkers) as needed to ensure that LASIK surgery can be performed safely. These tests assess the thickness, shape, and strength of your eyes.
- Measure your pupil size.
- Examine your vision.
- Check for dry eye disease.
- Ask about your medical history to determine if there are any conditions that make LASIK unsafe or unsuccessful for you.
For the most accurate results from your examination, you should stop wearing contact lenses for several weeks beforehand. Contact lenses change the shape of the cornea and can lead to inaccurate measurements. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will tell you how long you should stop wearing contact lenses.
If you are a candidate for LASIK surgery, it’s time to learn more about the benefits you will gain from the surgery. You can then make a final decision. Your doctor will discuss the expected outcomes based on your eyes and current vision. Don’t feel rushed or pressured. Take your time and make sure you are comfortable with all aspects of the surgery.
What would prevent me from undergoing LASIK surgery?
About 1 in 5 people who want LASIK surgery have medical or in-kind conditions that prevent them from receiving LASIK. These cases may include:
- Unstable vision (your glasses recipe is constantly changing)
- Extreme myopia, prolongation or astigmatism.
- Corneals are not thick enough for surgery.
- Severe dry eye disease.
- Conical cornea.
- Cataract.
- Glaucoma, diabetes or autoimmune disease is difficult to control.
What better, Lasik or some other kind of laser eye surgery?
Each type of refractive laser eye surgery has its own advantages and disadvantages. There is not one type that is best for everyone. The best type of surgery for you depends on several factors, including:
- Cornea.
- Healthy your eyes.
- Your job or lifestyle.
There are several types of laser surgery that do not create a corneal flap that dates back to its original position after surgery (as does LASIK). Therefore, these surgeries may be better for you if you are not a candidate for LASIK surgery (for example, if your corns are too thin or your job puts you at risk of eye injury). Laser alternatives to laser surgery include:
- Ballot refractive corneal surgery (PRK)
- Small lens extraction with small incision (SMILE)
- Culamer Implantable Lens (ICL)
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