Lasik

In normal vision light enters the eye and is bent by the cornea and focussed to produce a sharp image on the back of the eye the retina. When a person has a refractive/visual error like short or long sight the light is bent such that a blurred image is produced.

In a patient with short/long sight/astigmatism by the use of spectacles or wearing contact lenses the light is curved so that when it lands on the retina a clear sharp image is produced.Laser eye surgery procedures work by altering the cornea's curvature such that light focusses sharply on the retina.

This re-shaping of the cornea helps improve vision thus eliminating or at least reducing the need for correction with spectacles or contact lenses.

Lasik eye surgery can be used to correct short sight, long sight and stigmatism (correct spelling astigmatism).Older patients who have presbyopia/age related near vision problems cannot have their vision improved with this procedure, howver there are alternatives such as CK TERAPY.

The surgery is suitable for healthy patients ,over 21 yrs of age with an eye prescription which has been stable for 18 months - 2 years.

If you are under 21,have an unstable eye prescription or certain medical conditions surgery may be unsuitable.

Before surgery is carried out a patient undergoes a rigorous pre-operative eye examination consulation, find out more here

On the day of the procedure.

The eye is anaesthesitized with eye drops, the awake patient lies still on a bed (some medication for relaxation may be prescribed!)

The eye lids are retracted with a special instrument.

Firstly a flap is created on the cornea surface, using either a precision blade(microkeratome) or a laser.This flap, still attached to the eye is positioned to one side.

Next the laser under the control of a computer,is used by the ophthalmic surgeon to remove/ablate the required amount of tissue from the cornea.

The procedure itself is relatively painless.

The flap is repositioned(without stitches!),and adheres to the cornea.

After surgery, antibiotic eye drops are prescribed and a protective eye shield is worn for a few days to aid healing.Sunglasses may be needed immediately after the operation,as some light sensitivity may be experienced.

Vision may be blurred and there is often some mild pain post operatively.It may be 2/3 days before work can be recommenced and driving begun again.

Follow up appointments are often carried out within 24hrs, 1 week, 1 month, and finally three months later.At this time vision will normally have stabilized.

Any persistent pain,or redness/infection of the eye necessitates a return to the surgeon for further investigation and advice.

Post operatively , it is advisable to avoid rubbing or touching the eyes.Also contact sports and vigorous exercise should be avoided for some months.

Lasik although having been carried out for nearly 15 years is still a 'new surgical procedure',and its' long term side effects are still under investigation.

Possible complications include

- dry eyes

-poor night vision

-under/over correction

In extremely rare cases complications may lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness.

The overall vision improvement from all types of laser eye surgery depend on how your eyes as an individual heal, so there can be no 100% guarantees as to its effectiveness in completely eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Ocasionally further enhancement operations will be required.

More on Lasik Surgery here.

Read about other surgical vision correction procedures here

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