LASIK eye surgery(Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is the best known and most commonly performed laser refractive surgery to correct vision problems. Itis a type of refractive eye surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Usually people think that any Laser light is harmful to our eyes but actually it is very safe when used in proper way and after detailed eye examination by an ophthalmologist.
Pre op Evaluation: Both the cornea and retina of the patient are evaluated properly before LASIK to see the safety profile. Cornea is tested for its thickness and curvature and retina is tested for any peripheral degenerations. Accordingly we decide which Laser procedure is suitable for the particular person.
The procedure:
- A thin flap is created on the cornea, either with a microkeratome(a surgical blade) or a femtosecond laser(bladeless)
- The flap is folded back, exposing the underlying corneal tissue.
- An excimer laser is used to precisely reshape the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue.
- The flap is then repositioned and naturally adheres without the need for stitches.
- Effectiveness:
LASIK is a highly effective procedure, with many patients achieving 6/6 vision or better from the very next day and has one of the highest success rates
- Potential risks and complications:
Usually LASIK is very safe with few side effects which are temporary and easily treatable. Dry eye usually persists for couple of months after LASIK which can be treated by good lubricating drops. Complications like corneal ectasia are very rare now a days due to availability of high end machines like Penta cam for pre operative evaluation. Even if it happens it can be treated by minimal invasive treatments like C3R.
Flapless Procedures : Some people are afraid of corneal flaps and want a flapless surgery. In those cases a small lenticule is removed from the cornea by Femtosecond Laser. Procedures like SMILE, CLEAR and SILK come under flapless surgeries. All are same and equally effective. They differ by name because of different machines by different companies. These also have certain limitations and your eye doctor is the best person to decide which procedure is best for you after a thorough corneal evaluation.
Alternatives: If someone is not fit for LASIK due to any abnormality in the cornea there are other safe alternatives to remove spectacle. ICL, IPCL and CLE are other safe options but all these procedures are Fer formed after doctors evaluation and are customized for each indivisual.
