LASIK

DIAGNOSIS

LASIK surgery itself isn't a diagnosis. It's a corrective procedure for vision problems.

CAUSES/RISK FACTORS

• Dry Eyes: This is a common temporary side effect, but in some cases, it can become permanent

• Glare or Halos: Light sensitivity or seeing halos around lights can occur, especially at night

• Undercorrection or Overcorrection: The laser ablation might not perfectly correct your vision, requiring retreatment in some cases

• Infection: Although rare, there's a small risk of infection after surgery

• Loss of Best-Corrected Vision: In rare instances, vision might worsen beyond what glasses or contacts could previously correct

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

Pre-operative Consultation and Evaluation:

• Consultation: Discuss your expectations, medical history, and lifestyle with your ophthalmologist. They'll explain the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and answer any questions you have.

• Eye Exam: A comprehensive eye exam will assess your corneal thickness, tear production, overall eye health, and suitability for LASIK. This may include tests like topography (corneal mapping) and wavefront analysis (detailed measurement of optical imperfections).

A WEEK OR TWO BRFORE SURGERY:

• Stop Wearing Contact Lenses: The duration may vary depending on the type of lenses you wear (soft vs. rigid gas permeable) and your doctor's instructions. This allows your cornea to return to its natural shape for accurate measurements.

• Avoid Certain Medications: Blood thinners or medications that affect dry eye may need to be stopped temporarily. Discuss any medications you take with your doctor beforehand.

• Schedule Time Off Work: Plan for some recovery time after surgery. Most people experience blurry vision initially, and it's best to avoid activities requiring clear vision until your doctor clears you.

THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY:

• Avoid Eye Makeup and Lotions: These can irritate your eyes and complicate the procedure.

• Arrange Transportation: You won't be able to drive yourself home after surgery. Arrange for a friend or family member to take you or utilize a ride-sharing service.

• Light Meal: Eat a light meal before surgery, following any specific instructions from your doctor.

TREATMENT DETAILS

Types

LASIK itself is a specific type of laser vision correction surgery, but there are variations within LASIK procedures depending on the technology used to create the corneal flap:

• Femto-LASIK (bladeless LASIK): This is a more advanced approach that uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap. It offers greater precision and potentially faster healing compared to the traditional method.
• Femto-LASIK (bladeless LASIK): This is a more advanced approach that uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap. It offers greater precision and potentially faster healing compared to the traditional method.

TECHNOLOGY USED:

LASIK surgery uses two special laser tools to fix your vision! Imagine them like tiny sculptors for your eye.

• The first laser (femtosecond laser) acts like a fancy pizza cutter. It shoots super quick bursts of light to gently create a thin flap in the outer layer of your eye, like lifting the top of a tiny pie crust.

• The second laser (excimer laser) is like a mini excavator. It beams a special light that carefully shaves off very small amounts of tissue from underneath the flap, reshaping your cornea like a sculptor would mold clay. This changes how light bends as it enters your eye, fixing your vision problems.

• Another cool thing is a laser pointer that keeps track of your eye. Even if you wiggle a little, this laser pointer makes sure the sculpting lasers stay focused on the right spot for a safe and precise procedure.

• Sometimes, a fancy measuring tool (wavefront technology) can be used to get an even more detailed map of your eye. This helps the sculpting laser create a super precise design, potentially giving you extra sharp vision!

RECOVERY

• LASIK is a minimally invasive procedure with a relatively short recovery time. Most patients experience blurry vision immediately after surgery, which usually clears up within a few hours. It's crucial to follow post-operative instructions carefully, which may include using eye drops, wearing protective eye shields, and avoiding strenuous activities.