In a normal eye, the cornea and lens bend the incoming light rays to accurately focus on the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Refractive error is what we have when the natural shape of the eye does not allow the light rays to focus on the retina. LASIK is a type of refractive surgery that uses a laser to permanently reshape the cornea so that the existing refractive error of the eye is corrected.
LASIK surgery is preferred to correct refractive errors in suitable candidates such as:
The surgery is quick and is typically finished in 15-30 minutes. First, special anesthetic drops are instilled in both eyes that numb them temporarily. A thin corneal flap is lifted using a femtosecond laser or microkeratome blade. Then, a special laser called the excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea to the extent personalised according to the refractive error of the patient, and finally, the flap is repositioned.
LASIK is a revolutionary eye procedure that has helped millions of young people regain clear vision and freedom from glasses.
It comes with numerous benefits :
The procedure results in quick and instantaneous reshaping of the cornea and is associated with very quick healing. Most patients regain good vision within 24-48 hours.
LASIK results are permanent. Once vision stabilises after surgery, the patient generally does not need any additional surgery.
Patients with high refractive errors generally have to rely on glasses or contacts for all their day-to-day activities. With the LASIK procedure, many of them gain clear vision without depending on glasses, thus achieving freedom and independence.
LASIK is typically a quick and painless procedure. The surgery takes only 15-30 minutes. The patient doesn’t feel any pain or discomfort during or after the surgery and can quickly resume his activities.
LASIK has an extremely high success rate. The complication rate is extremely low. With advanced technology like blade-free LASIK, the complication rate has become negligible.
The likelihood of serious complications with LASIK surgery is extremely low. Some patients may develop dryness of the eyes, glare and haloes. Dryness of the eyes is the most common side effect of LASIK surgery, but it can be alleviated with topical medications alone. Glare and haloes may cause difficulty during night driving, but these effects usually fade over weeks to a few months.
Not every person is suitable for the LASIK procedure. There are certain criteria based on which the doctor recommends the most suitable refractive procedure for the patient.
Age: Patients aged around 20-21 years are good candidates for LASIK since their refractive power usually stabilizes at around that age.
Corneal thickness : The cornea should be of sufficient thickness and can be checked pre-operatively with a simple test called Topography.
Stability of vision: Sometimes, the vision may not be stable and may fluctuate or change due to conditions like pregnancy. Such patients are not suitable candidates for any kind of refractive surgery.
Eye health: Patients with co-existing eye conditions like glaucoma, severe dry eyes, and keratoconus are not preferred candidates for refractive correction.
Severity of refractive error: Very high refractive errors may not be completely corrected with the LASIK procedure, in which case, other suitable options are much safer and beneficial.
Dr Siva Wurity is an experienced LASIK surgeon who has performed more than 40000 surgeries. His multifaceted expertise as a corneal surgeon and dry eye expert always gives the most suitable guidance to the patient in deciding the type of procedure he/she needs not to undergo. His unbiased advice will consider various patient factors like medical, financial, and professional commitments.
Book LASIK with the best surgeon in Hyderabad, Dr. Siva Kumar Wurity, and experience blade-free, safe, painless eye surgery with fast recovery – schedule your appointment today!
MOTIVATION is the primary eligibility for LASIK surgery. Once a patient wants to get LASER VISION CORRECTION done, Age above 20 years,Stable power(Refractive error), and suitable Topography scans(done in the hospital) are the prerequisites before proceeding further.
Pain is a subjective symptom. But most of the patients do not feel any pain except for some touching sensation/mild pulling sensation, depending on the type of LASIK surgery.
Anywhere between 3 days and 10 days, depending on the type of LASIK procedure one undergoes and also the type of profession.
