If daily dependence on glasses or contact lenses is limiting your lifestyle, LASIK laser eye surgery can offer a long-term path to clearer, more natural vision. There are many individuals who have undergone this amazing vision correction treatment and have benefited greatly from it.
When you’re considering LASIK eye surgery, there are many things you should know. It’s important to understand the whole process, the benefits, and even the cost.
What Is LASIK Laser Eye Surgery?
One of the best and widely known types of laser eye surgeries is LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. This procedure involves changing the corneal shape to allow proper focusing of light rays onto the retina.Â
The LASIK surgery is mainly used for correcting:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism.
If you are a good candidate for LASIK, it offers a long-lasting effect on your vision.
What is the process behind LASIK laser eye surgery?
It is an easy outpatient procedure that normally takes 10 to 15 minutes to be done on both eyes.
The process of LASIK consists of three basic steps:
- A thin layer of the cornea is cut by a femtosecond laser or a special device.
- An excimer laser reforms the cornea according to your prescription.
- The flap is replaced and heals naturally without any stitches.
Vision is restored 24 to 48 hours after the surgery.
Candidate for LASIK
Not everyone is a proper candidate for LASIK. It requires a proper eye examination to find out the suitability of the person.
You are a proper candidate if you:
- are at least 18 years old.
- have a steady eye prescription for a minimum of one year.
- have healthy corneas and retinas.
- Do not suffer from any eye infection or dry eyes.
- are not pregnant or lactating mothers.
If LASIK is not a proper option for you, your ophthalmologist can advise you on some other options such as SMILE, PRK, or ICL.
Advantages of LASIK Laser Eye Surgery
Besides decreasing the need for spectacles, LASIK surgery comes with other benefits as well.
Clear Vision without Glasses
A significant number of patients end up with clear vision after the procedure and do not need to wear glasses or contacts anymore.
Painless and Quick Procedure
The surgery is minimally invasive, painless, and takes only a few minutes.
Quick Recovery
Patients usually get back to their normal routine within one to three days.
Permanent Effect
The procedure helps reshape the cornea and correct vision in the long term.
Better Quality of Life
If you like playing any sport, travelling a lot, or you just want to gain more convenience in your life, you can benefit from LASIK in order to decrease your dependency on glasses.
Advanced Laser Vision Correction Surgeries
There are several types of advanced procedures in addition to the popular LASIK.
Femto LASIK
A bladeless form of LASIK surgery that involves using a femtosecond laser to increase accuracy and safety of the procedure.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
Minimal invasive surgery that is performed through small incisions and is associated with quick recovery and decreased occurrence of dry eye symptoms in some patients.
Contoura Vision
Personalised laser surgery that makes use of detailed cornea mapping.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
A good choice for people who have thin corneas or suffer from certain eye diseases and cannot have LASIK surgery.
Your eye doctor will recommend an appropriate method of surgery depending on your eye health and preferences.
Recovery Following LASIK
The recovery process is usually fast, but it is important to follow your surgeon’s advice to achieve the optimal results.
- Post-Surgery
- Your vision will improve in 24–48 hours.
- Temporary watering of the eyes may be experienced.
- Apply eye drops as recommended by your doctor.
- Do not rub your eyes.
- Wear protective eye shields when sleeping.
- Do not swim, enter dusty areas, or use eye makeup for several weeks.
It takes just a few days to return to regular activities.
Are there any risks?
LASIK is one of the safest procedures if it is done by a professional ophthalmologist and with the help of state-of-the-art technology.
Some temporary side effects can be:
- Dryness of the eyes
- Glare or halos of light
- Discomfort
- Increased sensitivity to light
Most temporary symptoms improve naturally as the eyes heal during the recovery period. Complications are very rare after proper screening and surgery performed by a specialist.
Is LASIK Worth the Investment?
Although LASIK involves an upfront investment, it can provide long-term value by reducing the recurring expenses of prescription glasses, contact lenses, and their maintenance. p.
In addition to saving money, there are other benefits such as increased convenience and confidence associated with LASIK surgery.
Conclusion
LASIK eye surgery is one of the safest and most efficient means for the correction of refractive errors and reduction of dependency on glasses and contact lenses. Thanks to the latest laser technologies, skillful eye surgeons, and speedy recovery process, the procedure becomes highly effective and guarantees excellent results.
In case you plan to have LASIK surgery, make sure to have an eye checkup by an experienced ophthalmologist to find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Proper choice of the surgeon and technologies will guarantee you excellent results.
