What Is Lasik Eye Surgery ?
Lasik eye surgery is a specific type of laser treatment used to correct poor eyesight, which can only be performed by qualified
ophthalmologists. Its longer name is Laser in Situ Keratomileusis, and the first steps towards developing this treatment were taken in 1970
when Dr Jose Barraquer discovered a process to alter the shape of the cornea and cut corneal flaps, known as
keratomileusis.
A further development in eye surgery in the 1990s, known as photorefractive
keratectomy, enabled the shape of the cornea to be permanently changed by burning off a part of the eye tissue. These two therapies combine
to produce the procedure known today as lasik eye surgery. It is a popular type of surgery, as the potential complications are minimal, and
the recovery time is reasonably short.
Am I suitable for lasik eye surgery ?
There are a number of criteria to consider when you are thinking of having lasik eye surgery:
§ - You should
be over eighteen, or preferably over twenty one, as your eyes will still be changing if you are younger than this.
§ - Your eyes must be
healthy and your glasses prescription must be stable. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not have lasik eye surgery as the
condition and shape of their eyes may be unstable at these times.
§ - You need to
be generally in good health to have lasik eye surgery. You may not be suitable for the treatment if you have diabetes or arthritis, or
if you are taking prescription drugs such as Accutane.
§ - Weigh up the
benefits against the risks. Does wearing glasses or contacts bother you enough to go through a surgical procedure?
What happens during lasik eye surgery ?
Before you have lasik eye surgery, the surface of your eyes will be scanned by a computer controlled device to determine the exact
shape of the corneas and the amount of tissue that needs to be lasered off. You will probably be prescribed antibiotics to minimize the
chance of infection and if you wear contacts you will be asked to switch to glasses for a few days or weeks to allow your eyes to absorb
more oxygen.
During lasik eye surgery you will receive a sedative and local anesthetic in the form of eye drops. The ophthalmologist will use
lasers to cut a flap in the cornea, pulling it back to reveal the centre of the cornea, the stroma. Tissue will be removed from this area
using a laser, according to the calculations made prior to the surgery.
Whilst lasik eye surgery is in progress, a computer system measures the position of the eye at a rate of around four thousand
times per second to ensure the lasers work as accurately as possible and don’t damage other parts of the stroma.
Risks and complications associated with lasik eye surgery
Although the side effects and risks associated with lasik eye surgery are infrequent, you should be aware of them before
you
make the decision to proceed. Side effects that are fairly common, but usually
disappear quickly include:
§ - Pain and discomfort
§ - Scratchy or dry eyes
§ - Blurred vision
§ - Red patches on the white of the
eye
§ - Haloes or starbursts around
lights
§ - Over sensitivity to light
There are more serious complications with lasik eye surgery that may require further treatment, or may even be permanent. These
include:
Over or under correction which may mean you still need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
§ - Scarring, warping, or infection of
the cornea.
§ - The possibility that you may not be able to see as
well after lasik eye surgery as you could before the treatment, even with glasses or contact lenses.
§ - Problems with vision at night, especially when
driving.
Some complications resulting from lasik eye surgery can be caused by the flap that is cut in the surface of the eye. The flap can
become detached altogether, can fail to heal effectively, or can become infected. Going home to sleep directly after lasik eye surgery can
limit these complications.
Lasik eye surgery is a new and innovative technology that had helped hundreds of thousands of people to improve their eyesight,
and reduce their need for glasses or contact lenses. However, it is wise to remember that it is still a surgical procedure to a very
delicate and sensitive part of the body, and you should be aware of the potential risks before you make the decision to go
ahead.
More information.....
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Refractive Surgery
Cosmetic Eye Surgery
After Lasik Eye Surgery
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Corrective Eye Surgery
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Custom Lasik
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