LASIK
Lasers are used to correct refractive errors thus eliminating the need to wear glasses and contact lenses
REFRACTIVE ERRORS
Normally, the light entering the eye is brought to a focus on the Retina. When this focus falls in front or behind the retina, a condition called refractive error occurs and can be of following types.
In this condition the light rays falls in front of the retina. This happens when the eye is longer than normal.
In hypermetropia the light rays falls behind the retina. It happens when the eye is shorter than normal.
In this condition the light rays gets focused in a line instead of a point. These subjects experience distortion of objects or missing lines or words while reading.
This is an aging process. As we get older the lens in the eye loses its ability to focus near objects because of reduction in accommodative power. As a result we find it difficult to see near objects clearly. This normally happens around 40 years and gradually progresses as we grow older. It may be corrected with reading glasses.
FAQ ON LASIK
Lasik stands for laser in-situ keratomilieusis. In this procedure an Excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea and correct a wide range of refractive errors.
Anybody who wears a glasses or contact lenses can undergo this procedure. However the surgeon will consider a number of other factors with regard to the eye before advising the treatment.
Normally in young children the refractive error is not stable. It gets stabilized only around 18 yrs and so it is better to treat them after that.
Lasik treatment using Excimer laser has been in use since last 15 years and also approved by U S FDA.
It is possible to treat up to 15 diopters ( - 15 ) of myopia, 6 diopters of hyperopia ( + 6 ) and 6 diopters of astigmatism.
Complications do occur as in any surgical procedure, however the incidence of these complications is only about ½ to 1 %. Most of the problems are minor and do not threaten vision. Some of them are over correction, under correction, and visual aberrations.
Yes, different centres use lasers made by various companies. We at super vision use the Wavelight Allegretto Laser from Germany. This is a Wave front optimized machine with U S FDA approval and one of the best in the industry.
The high capital cost of excimer laser is one of the reasons and adding to the costs are expensive consumables.
No, we ask our patients to remove their soft contact lenses for 1 week and rigid GP lenses for 2 weeks before initial examination. This is to make sure that the cornea returns to its natural curvature when we perform our initial examination.
Reading glasses will be required only for people nearing 40 yrs and above. This is due to ageing process. However your surgeon may be able to help you by compromising on distant vision or monovision.
The entire procedure takes only 10 - 15 mints and laser treatment takes only few seconds. Usually both the eyes are done together.
No, you will be asked to wear an eye shield while you sleep on the first few nights after surgery.
Most patients will be able to do routine activities after 24 hrs. You may get back to work after couple of days provided your doctor permits.
Normal exercising except swimming is permitted three weeks after surgery.
1. You must have completed 18 yrs
2. Your power must be stable for the past one year
3. You must have a healthy and clear cornea.
4. You must not be suffering from eye diseases like severe dry eye, glaucoma, cataract etc.
5. Pregnancy is a contraindication
6. You must have realistic expectation and clarity of thought.
PROCEDURE
Lasik is performed as an out patient procedure. The eyes are numbed using eye drops and a thin flap is created by an instrument called microkeratome. To evaluate patient’s fitness before the procedure, we do a detailed examination of his eye which includes Pachymetry, Topography, pupil size measurement and retinal evaluation
Recovery: Visual recovery following Lasik is rapid. One will attain 70% vision immediately after the procedure, about 95% after 24 hours and the rest in a weeks time. Once can go back to routine work in 36-48 hours with very few restrictions.
Safety & Succes: Lasik is a safe procedure, provided it is performed after proper evaluations in a good centre. It is a hightly successful procedure and the results are reliable and lasting.
Post OP Care: One can leave the centre an hour after the procedure and have to come back the next day for review. Avoid rubbing the eyes / swimming for 4 weeks. It is preferable to wear a goggles for a week.