LASIK Eye Surgery

How does LASIK work?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery that corrects vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how LASIK works:

Pre-Procedure

1. Consultation: You’ll consult with an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) to determine if LASIK is right for you.
2. Evaluation: Your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine the shape and health of your eyes, including your prescription, corneal curvature, and pupil size.
3. Preparation: You’ll be given a mild sedative to help you relax during the procedure.

Procedure

1. Anesthesia: A numbing eye drop is applied to the eye to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
2. Microkeratome creation: A thin layer of the cornea (the clear dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye) is folded back, like a hinge.
3. Laser reshaping: An excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue, correcting the refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism).
4. Flap repositioning: The folded layer of cornea is then repositioned back into its original position.
5. Flap securing: The flap is secured in place with tiny stitches or a special adhesive.

Post-Procedure

1. Recovery: You’ll rest for about 30 minutes to an hour before being allowed to leave the clinic.
2. Medication: You may be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to help prevent infection and reduce swelling.
3. Follow-up: Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and remove any sutures.

How LASIK Works

The excimer laser reshapes the corneal tissue by removing microscopic amounts of tissue in a precise pattern, creating a new shape that corrects your refractive error. The corneal flap acts as a natural bandage, allowing the eye to heal without leaving a scar.

Benefits

1. Improved vision: LASIK can significantly improve your visual acuity and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
2. Quick recovery: Most people experience improved vision within a few days to weeks after the procedure.
3. Permanent results: The reshaped cornea remains stable over time, providing long-term correction.

Remember that LASIK is a surgical procedure, and like any surgery, there are potential risks and side effects. It’s essential to consult with an experienced eye doctor or ophthalmologist to determine if LASIK is right for you.

Is LASIK worth it?

For me, it was definitely worth it. I had LASIK 20 years ago and my eyesight is still better than 20-20. Add up the cost of contact lenses over 20 years, and LASIK proves to be cost-effective.