Refractive surgery

LASIK Laser surgery, is  a time tested laser surgery which aims at reducing one’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Patients from all walks of life, who wear glasses or contact lenses but wish to have better vision without glasses can avail this facility at our Eye Hospital.

At PBMA’s H. V. Desai Eye Hospital – LASIK Department, we ensure detailed patient evaluation and education before planning LASIK surgery. LASIK, or “Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis” is the most commonly performed laser eye surgery to treat myopia (near sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. Like other types of refractive surgery, the LASIK procedure reshapes the cornea to enable light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for better and clear vision.

In most cases, laser eye surgery is pain-free and completed within 15 minutes for both eyes. The results are – improved vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses – can usually be seen in as little as 24 hours.

In the case where, one is  not a good LASIK candidate, a number of other vision correction surgeries are available, such as PRK and LASEK laser eye surgery and Phakic IOL surgery. The eye doctor will determine if one of these procedures is suitable for one’s condition and, if so, he will determine which technique is the best suited, for the individual.

Your doctor will perform a thorough eye exam to ensure that your eyes are healthy enough for the procedure. He or she will evaluate: the shape and thickness of your cornea; pupil size; refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism); as well as any other eye conditions, that may be pre-existing. The best candidates are one’s who have mild/moderate myopia, hyperopia and/or astigmatism, adequate corneal thickness.

Usually, an automated instrument called a corneal topographer is used to measure the curvature of the front surface of your eye and create a “map” of your cornea. With wave front technology associated with custom LASIK, you are also likely to undergo a wave front analysis that sends light waves through the eye to provide an even more precise map of aberrations affecting your vision.

Your doctor will also note your general health history and any medications you are taking to determine if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK.

You should stop wearing contact lenses for a period of time as advised by your doctor (typically around two weeks) before your eye exam and before the LASIK procedure, as contacts can alter the natural shape of your Cornea.

Before your surgery begins, numbing eye drops are applied to your eye to prevent any discomfiture, during the procedure. Your doctor may also give you some medication to help you relax. Your eye will be positioned under the laser, and an instrument called a lid speculum is used to keep your eyelids open.

The surgeon uses an ink marker to mark the cornea before creating the flap. A suction ring is applied to the front of your eye to prevent eye movements or loss of contact that could affect flap quality. After the corneal flap is created, the surgeon then uses a computer to adjust the excimer laser for your particular prescription.

You will be asked to look at a target light for a short time while he or she watches your eye through a microscope as the laser sends pulses of light to your cornea. The laser light pulses painlessly reshape the cornea, although you may feel some pressure on your eye. You’ll also hear a steady clicking sound while the laser is operating. LASIK is performed on each eye separately, with each procedure taking only about five minutes duration.

Upon completion of your LASIK surgery, your surgeon will request you to  rest for some time. You may feel a  burning or itching sensation immediately following the procedure, which is temporary. After a brief post-operative exam, you are allowed to go home though you cannot drive your vehicle, unless and until the follow up, the next day, wherein your  doctor, will examine your eye and confirms whether your uncorrected vision meets the legal standard for driving.

You might experience blurred vision and haziness immediately after surgery; however, clarity should improve by the very next morning. Your eyesight will stabilize and continue to improve within a few days, although in some cases it may take several weeks or longer, which is rare. Most people, undergoing Lasik surgery, experience vision improvement almost immediately.

You may be able to go to work the next day, but  doctors do advise a couple of days of rest, for natural healing. Also, it is usually recommended that you refrain from any strenuous exercise for at least a week, since this can traumatize the eye and affect healing. Generally, you are to consult your doctor or your LASIK surgeon the day after surgery.

As with any other surgery, you are advised to follow your doctor’s instructions and take any medication prescribed. Also, one must avoid rubbing one’s eyes, as there exists a small chance, that this action could dislodge the flap, before its proper healing and adheres more securely to the underlying cornea.