What Is LASIK Laser Vision Correction?

What is LASIK?

LASIK (laser in-situ keratomiliusis) refers to a permanent laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea in order to free people from wearing glasses or contacts. LASIK is the most advanced and accurate method of improving eyesight for adults who fall within a certain range in terms of their nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

Laser vision correction is the most common elective procedure in the Western world and is one of the safest operations today. LASIK procedures are painlessly performed in under 30 minutes, using local anaesthetic. Vision improves almost immediately and 99% of patients see clearly within a day.

Am I eligible for LASIK?

Patients must be 18 years of age or older and have stable vision for at least one year before surgery. Patients must not be pregnant and have healthy eyes that are free of disease, scars, retinal problems, and corneal malformations.

Qualified ophthalmologists will perform extensive eye examinations to determine whether a patient’s eyes are suitable for LASIK vision correction surgery. Even if suitable, patients must understand all benefits and risks and have realistic expectations and objectives for surgery.

For patients who’s eyes are not suited to LASIK (thin corneas or other risk factors), eye surgeons can discuss other vision correction procedures such as implantable contact lenses (ICLs).

How is LASIK performed?

Before the LASIK procedure, local anaesthetic drops are used to numb the surface of the eye so that no discomfort will be felt. Patients will be offered a mild sedative tablet before the procedure.

Modern LASIK laser vision correction is a two step procedure that is all over within 30 minutes. The first step is a painless all-laser creation of a corneal flap with a laser called the IntraLase. The second step continues just seconds after the IntraLase in which a different laser precisely reshapes the cornea and changes its focusing power, thus correcting the patient’s vision.

For surgery, patients will be in the operating room about twenty minutes, although actual surgery on each eye is performed within four minutes per eye, with the laser only operating 40 seconds each eye. LASIK does not require medical observation and patients can return home the very same day and see clearly the next.

Follow-up examinations are routinely performed after the procedure to ensure proper recovery.

Why do people opt for LASIK?

As an alternative to contact lenses and glasses, LASIK allows patients to enjoy water sports, hunting, sports and other outdoor activities without the hassle of corrective eyewear. Professions which require good vision or which entail outdoor work or intense physical activity will also benefit from not having to wear corrective lenses. LASIK can also prove useful when travelling or in emergency situations where eyeglasses or contact lenses might not be convenient or easily accessible.

Compared to PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) which was the predecessor of LASIK, LASIK takes far less time for recovery and is less uncomfortable.

Is LASIK risk-free?

Like all surgical procedures, problems are always a possibility. Most problems are minor and do not threaten vision. Modern technology including IntraLase, Iris Recognition, Eye Tracking and wavefront-guided treatments have made LASIK laser vision correction safer and more precise than ever before.

LASIK is a permanent procedure that changes the curvature of the cornea. The result can only be modified by additional refractive surgical procedures. Although most patients will not require glasses or contact lenses after LASIK, reading glasses may still be needed as part of the normal aging process in ones 40s. This is not a flaw of the procedure but a natural progression of the human eye.

Advances in LASIK since its introduction such as the IntraLase and Custom LASIK procedures have reduced these risks significantly. A qualified ophthalmologist or eye specialist will be able to recommend the right options if you are considering LASIK.

See also: IntraLase Custom LASIK and Implantable Contact Lenses on GrownUps.