LASIK is a refractive procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. LASIK is the most common type of refractive surgery and the key objective of the procedure is to eliminate the dependency on glasses and contact lenses and to provide normal/near normal vision without correction.
Using targeted excimer laser beam energy, the LASIK procedure reshapes corneal tissue to correct refractive errors so that light rays are focused more precisely on the retina to produce clear, sharp vision. Depending on the corneal thickness, refractive error type of the patient and other factors that will be determined during the preoperative evaluation, the doctor will recommend one of the procedures, Femto Lasik, PRK, Transepithelial PRK or PTK, whichever is the most suitable for the patient.
Benefits
Patients who choose to undergo LASIK will achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses, while also benefiting from minimal downtime and little to no post-operative discomfort.
Though it may take several months for full results to develop, significant visual improvement is noticeable immediately after the LASIK procedure, with most patients achieving the vision that is 20/20 or better.
Eligibility
LASIK is a safe procedure, yet it is not ideal for everyone. A thorough medical evaluation of the patient’s eyes will be performed in order to determine if the LASIK procedure is appropriate, or if the patient would benefit from another type of refractive procedure.
The preoperative evaluation includes:
- Detailed refraction and eye examinations with Slit lamp, 78D and IOP check
- Corneal evaluation with corneal topography, aberrometry, specular microscopy and pachymetry
- Tear function tests
- Peripheral retinal evaluation with wide-angle fundus photography and indirect ophthalmoscopy
Candidates eligible for the LASIK procedure include patients who meet the following requirements:
- Stable refractive error for a period of at least six months
- Age over 18 years
- Myopia up to -8.00 diopters and hyperopia up to +4.00 diopters
- Astigmatism (selective cases)
- Corneal thickness and other dimensions should be within normal limits (no corneal pathology)
- Normal tear function without ocular surface diseases
- Healthy retina (to rule out peripheral retinal degeneration and treat if required prior to LASIK)
- No comorbidities like glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy etc.
- Women who are not pregnant and women who are not nursing
Postoperative care
After LASIK, patients will rest in the office for a short time before having someone else escort them home. Bed rest is not required and the patient can get back to their routine in three to five days.