What is LASIK Surgery?
The word “LASIK” means Laser-assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. It is a type of surgery that doctors use to remove glasses from your eyes or to correct vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, etc. This is the most famous and successful type of laser refractive surgery.
Types of Lasik Surgery
1 – Lasik
LASIK is the most effective method of laser eye surgery. It involves forming a partial-thickness corneal flap and separating the corneal layer using an excimer laser.
2 – Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
With PRK, the top layer is scraped off rather than folding it back. For those more vulnerable to eye damage, PRK is a safer option.
3 – Laser-assisted Subepithelial Colectomy (LASEK)
LASEK is similar to LASIK surgery, but the flap is created using a unique cutting device (microkeratome) and by exposing the cornea to ethanol. This procedure requires the surgeon to remove less cornea.
4 – Epileptic
In the epileptic procedure, the epithelium is separated from the central part of the cornea (stroma) using a mechanized blunt blade device (epikeratome), and the cornea is reshaped with a laser.
5 – Lenticular Extraction Using a Small Incision
This procedure creates a lens-shaped tissue (lenticule) under the cornea’s surface by reshaping the cornea with a laser.
6 – Intraocular lens
Intraocular lenses are corrective lenses that can be surgically placed within the eye to improve vision.
The procedure of Lasik surgery
Before Lasik Surgery
The soft lens should be removed from your eye one week before LASIK surgery. Toric lenses should not be used for three weeks before the surgery date. Before LASIK surgery, you might be required to keep the gas-permeable lenses out of your eyes for many months.
Be careful to ask your surgeon what you should do in your situation. Stay awake with contact lenses in, especially when experiencing LASIK. Ensure you don’t sleep in them for at least three weeks before your LASIK procedure.
Be careful to ask your surgeon what you should do in your situation. Stay awake with contact lenses in, especially when experiencing LASIK. Ensure you don’t sleep in them for at least three weeks before your LASIK procedure.
During Lasik Surgery
LASIK procedure typically takes 30 minutes or less. Throughout the procedure, you lay on your back on a chair. You may be offered relaxation therapy.
After numbing drops are put in your eye, your doctor uses an instrument to hold your eyelids open. The suction ring placed on your eye just before the corneal flap is cut may cause slight pressure and a slight loss of vision.
A small blade or cutting laser is used to create a hinged flap in front of your eye. Repositioning the flap allows your doctor complete access to the area of your cornea that needs reshaping.
After Lasik surgery
After undergoing surgery, it is important to follow certain precautions to ensure proper healing and minimize any potential risks or complications. One of the recommendations is to avoid washing your hair for a few days after surgery. This prevents any water or shampoo from getting into your eyes and possibly causing discomfort or illness.
Apart from that, avoid smoky, dusty, or very dry situations that may irritate your eyes or lead to dryness. When going out, wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from external influences such as heat and pollution is suggested. It is also critical to avoid cleaning your eyes with tap water since it may contain dangerous contaminants.
Recovery Time for LASIK Surgery
Resting Your Eyes: It’s essential to give your eyes adequate rest and avoid straining them by reading, using digital devices, or engaging in strenuous activities for a few days following the surgery
Using Prescribed Eye Drops: Your doctor will likely prescribe medicated eye drops to prevent infection and help with healing. Follow the recommended schedule and dosage for these drops.
Avoiding Eye Irritants: Stay away from environments or activities that may irritate your eyes, such as swimming, hot tubs, saunas, or applying makeup around the eyes during the initial healing period.
Wearing protective eyeglasses: Your doctor can recommend you to wear protective goggles or eyeglasses, especially when taking part in activities that might injure your eyes, such as contact sports.
Attending Follow-up Appointments: Regularly scheduled follow-up appointments with your eye doctor are essential to monitor your healing progress and ensure that your eyes are recovering as expected.
It’s crucial to remember that everyone’s healing process is different, and specific variables like age, general health, and the degree of your refractive defect may all affect recovery time. As a result, it’s critical to follow your doctor’s orders and convey any concerns or unexpected symptoms throughout the healing process.
It’s crucial to remember that everyone’s healing process is different, and specific variables like age, general health, and the degree of your refractive defect may all affect recovery time. As a result, it’s critical to follow your doctor’s orders and convey any concerns or unexpected symptoms throughout the healing process.
