1.What is LASIK?
LASIK (LASER IN SITU KERATOMILEUSIS) is an advanced laser surgery that permanently eliminates your dependence on corrective eyewear i.e. glasses and / or contact lenses with the resultant lifestyle advantages. It is Used to correct refractive errors, LASIK eye surgery is a treatment that reshapes the cornea in order to produce clear vision. The LASIK refractive eye surgery procedure can treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, and reduce patients’ dependency on contact lenses and glasses. LASIK eye surgery provides individuals with an effective treatment option, where a predetermined amount of corneal tissue is removed. This reshaping of the cornea improves the eye’s focusing power and enhances patients’ visual acuity.
LASIK improves the uncorrected vision for distance - one's visual capacity while not wearing corrective lenses - in most patients who have the procedure. Nearly all patients can expect to achieve 20/40 vision, which most states consider good enough to drive without having to wear contacts or glasses, and many can expect to achieve 20/20 vision or better. However, there are no guarantees that you will have perfect vision. People who are most satisfied with the results of laser correction clearly understand the potential risks and complications and possess realistic expectations of what their vision will be like after surgery.
The effects of LASIK are permanent. The effects of LASIK do not wear off. But, it is important to realize that a person's eye can still change internally. That is why many surgeons recommend having the procedure done after the major eye changes have occurred in one's life.
2. ARE YOU AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR CORNEAL REFRACTIVE SURGERY?
If you are considering corneal refractive surgery, you must :
- Be at least 18 years of age, with a stable refraction for the past 6 months.
- Have healthy eyes that are free from any eye diseases or corneal abnormalities (eg Scar, Infection, etc)
- Corneal thickness more than 480 microns which will be evaluated by us.
- A Complete retinal evaluation.
- RGP/Semi soft lens use to be discontinued 2 weeks prior to LASIK.
- Soft contact lens use to be discontinued 1 week before LASIK.
- Be informed of corneal Refractive Surgery risks and benefits as compared to existing treatments for refractive errors.
- Be able to lie flat without difficulty.
- Be able to tolerate local/topical anasethsia.
- Be willing to sign an informed consent form prior to the procedure.
- Be able to keep your eyes accurately on the fixation light during the laser treatment.
If you have any of the following criteria, you should not have refractive surgery, because the risk involved is greater than the benefit:
- If you have any connective tissue diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis), Auto immune (eg SLE) and immunodeficiency diseases.
- If you are pregnant or nursing.
- If you show signs of Keratoconus or any other condition that causes a thinning of the cornea.
If you fulfill the above criteria and are interested in undergoing refractive surgery, discuss your decision with your corneal Refractive Surgeon. Your doctor may decide to perform an in-depth pre-procedural examination to evaluate the overall health of your eyes and determine your suitability for the procedure.
FAQs ON REFRACTIVE SURGEY (LASIK)
1. FWill my vision improve immediately?
You should be able to see reasonably well within a few days after your procedure. If you have had a SURFACE PRK procedure, your vision may fluctuate for the next 1 to 3 months and reading fine print may be difficult. If you have had a LASIK procedure, your vision is likely to stabilize around a month after the procedure.
2. What are the possible side effects of the procedure?
Early side effects of any corneal procedure include light sensitivity, glare and foreign body sensation in the eye. Both SURFACE PRK and LASIK can sometimes result in under correction or incomplete removal of the refractive error. Occasionally, an overcorrect ion eg., the correction of more myopia than intended, can also occur. A change in the clarity of the corneal tissues – termed corneal haze – can also occur in some patients.
3. How do I know if I am a good candidate for LASIK?
A large percentage of nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic patients are potential candidates for LASIK. Patients who are 18 years of age or older, have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye disease are suitable. Along with being medically suitable, the best candidates are people with a lifestyle or occupation in which they are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses. By having an evaluation, examination, and consultation with you, the doctor will be able to determine if you are a good candidate.
4. Is the effect of LASIK permanent?
Yes. Following an initial healing period of two to three months, the effect of the treatment is lifelong.
5. Will I need reading glasses after the treatment?
Generally, patients under 40 years of age read well without glasses following the treatment. Patients over 40 may need magnification for reading fine print. Presbyopia is the term that refers to the natural weakening of the focusing muscles that occurs in our early to mid 40s, causing us to need the magnification that reading glasses provide. The LASIK treatment does not correct or prevent presbyopia.
6. How many times do I need to be seen following the treatment?
Most patients are usually seen the day following the treatment and then atleast 1 month and 3 months following the treatment. Some patients require more visits. Remember, we are available 24 hours a day when you have any questions, concern or need attention.
7. How soon after the treatment can I bathe and take a shower?
Your physician will advise you as to the specifics, however, typically you can bathe the same day of the treatment but you should not shower for 2 days after the treatment. As always, avoid getting soap or water directly into your eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes during the first month after surgery.
8. When can I drive after the treatment?
You should not drive on the day of the treatment. After that, you may drive when you feel confident that your visual acuity and eye comfort allow you to drive safely.
9. How soon can I use eye makeup?
You may resume wearing eye makeup 2 weeks after your treatment. We strongly recommend that you purchase new eye makeup, specifically mascara, to avoid potential infection following your treatment.
10. How soon after the treatment can I exercise?
Non-contact sports can be resumed as soon as you feel capable. Eye protection is always recommended for racquet sports or rough sports where there is a risk of being hit in the eye.
11. How soon can I swim?
You should stay out of the swimming pools for two weeks after your treatment, and rivers, lakes and oceans for 3-4 weeks following your treatment.
12. What kind of Anesthesia is used during the treatment?
Numbing eye drops are used. Sometimes an oral medication is used to help with relaxation. No needle or intravenous drugs are used.
13. Can both the eyes be treated at the same time?
In LASIK– Both eyes are performed same time, but SURFACE PRK and Epi LASIK is performed one eye at a time. The timing of treatment of the second eye is best decided in consultation with your ophthalmologist.
14. Does LASIK hurt?
The treatment itself is painless because we put a few numbing drops in your eyes to make you even more comfortable. You will feel pressure on and around the eye during treatment. With LASIK, some patients may experience a feeling of "something in the eye" for a day or so after treatment.
15. Can I see the treatment as it is being performed?
You will be "awake" but very relaxed. You will not be able to see any of the details of the treatment. You will see a number of lights, but the images will be blurred.
16. Will I experience pain after the treatment?
Some patients experience a feeling of burning or scratchiness. This feeling generally lasts from one to three hours following the treatment. Most people feel fine if they take a nap soon after the treatment.
17. Will my eyes be patched?
No, but clear, protective eye shields will be placed over your treated eye(s) following the treatment, and will be removed in our office the next morning. You will continue to wear these eye shields at bedtime for 1 week for protection.
18. Will I need to wear spectacles or contact lenses after the procedure?
Both SURFACE PRK and LASIK are designed to allow you to discontinue the use of corrective lenses. In some patients with high refractive errors and in those over 40 years of age, corrective lenses may still be required. In some patients however, it may be possible to perform a second refractive procedure to correct a residual refractive error.
19. Is the LASIK procedure covered by insurance?
LASIK (Corneal Refractive Surgery) is considered as elective/ cosmetic surgery and it is not covered by many health insurance plans. However you can contact our insurance section staff after your LASIK consultation. You may also contact your insurance agency for the same.
20. When can I resume my normal activities?
If you have had a SURFACE PRK, you will be able to return to work within three to four days of surgery. If you have had LASIK procedures, you can return to work on the following day. Eye medications should be continued during working hours as instructed by the surgeon. While most activities can be resumed after this time, the face should not be placed under water for at least one week following LASIK. Care should also be taken to avoid any trauma to the eye including rubbing of the eyes during this period.
21. What is the criteria for lasik surgery?
- Age of the patient should be over 18 years.
- Corneal thickness more than 480 microns which will be evaluated by us.
- A Complete retinal evaluation.
- RGP/Semi soft lens use to be discontinued 3 weeks prior to LASIK.
- Soft contact lens use to be discontinued 2 weeks before LASIK.
- Yes if the requisite tests and above criteria are followed.
- If done after a thorough screening.
- A good center / clinic is booked.
- Use of latest equipment is used.
- Done under the care of expert hands.
- It is an FDA approved procedure
A wide range of refractive errors can be corrected including near sightedness, far sightedness & astigmatism. Near sightedness is an eye number which ranges from 0 to minus 22 diopter. Far sightedness is a number which ranges from 0 to plus 5 diopter. Astigmation(Cylindrical) 0 to 6 diopter cyl.
