LASIK laser and refractive surgery
Are you tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly? LASIK laser and refractive surgery are advanced, safe, and effective solutions that can correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These cutting-edge procedures have transformed the lives of millions by offering a quick, pain-free way to achieve visual freedom and reduce dependence on corrective eyewear.
What is LASIK Laser and Refractive Surgery?
ASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery that uses advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye—to correct vision problems. By altering the shape of the cornea, LASIK allows light entering the eye to focus properly onto the retina, improving vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Other Types of Refractive Surgery
While LASIK is the most common refractive surgery, other options can address a variety of vision problems or patient needs:
1. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
- PRK is similar to LASIK but involves removing the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) instead of creating a flap.
- It’s a good option for patients with thin corneas or those not eligible for LASIK.
2. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
- A newer, minimally invasive laser procedure.
- A small, lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue is removed through a tiny incision using a laser, reshaping the cornea and correcting vision.
3. Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs)
- Suitable for patients who aren’t ideal candidates for LASIK or other laser surgeries.
- ICLs are surgically implanted in the eye to improve vision without altering the cornea’s shape.
4. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
- Similar to cataract surgery, this involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision.
- This is an option for patients with presbyopia or age-related vision changes.
Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK Laser and Refractive Surgery?
LASIK laser and refractive surgery can dramatically improve vision, but not everyone is a good candidate. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- Over 18 years of age: Vision must be stable, as eyes may still change during teenage years.
- Stable prescription: Your refractive prescription should not change significantly for at least a year before surgery.
- Healthy eyes: No history of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, or keratoconus.
- Adequate corneal thickness: A sufficient amount of corneal tissue must remain after the procedure.
- No significant medical conditions: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes can interfere with healing.
Your ophthalmologist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine your eligibility for LASIK or other refractive procedures.
How LASIK Laser Surgery Works
The LASIK procedure is fast, simple, and typically takes only 10-15 minutes per eye. Here’s how it works:
1. Preparation:
The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops to ensure the procedure is painless.
2. Creating the Corneal Flap:
Using a specialized device called a microkeratome or femtosecond laser, the surgeon creates a thin, protective flap on the surface of the cornea.
3. Reshaping the Cornea:
An excimer laser is used to carefully reshape the cornea by removing precise amounts of tissue. This alters how light enters and focuses within the eye.
4. Repositioning the Flap:
The corneal flap is then repositioned into place, allowing it to heal naturally without stitches.
5. Recovery:
Benefits of LASIK Laser and Refractive Surgery
LASIK and other refractive surgeries offer numerous benefits that can improve your quality of life:
- Quick recovery time: Most patients return to daily activities within 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
- Reduced dependence on glasses or contacts: Many patients achieve 20/20 vision without corrective eyewear.
- Painless procedure: LASIK is quick, with minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
- Safe and effective: LASIK has a high success rate and is one of the most reliable vision correction options available.
- Long-lasting results: Most patients maintain clear vision for years after the procedure.