What is LASIK and Why Is It Required?

What is LASIK and Why Is It Required?

LASIK surgery serves as a vision correction procedure that allows millions of patients to stop using glasses and contact lenses. 

This article provides a comprehensive explanation of what is LASIK surgery, including its full definition, vital applications, treatment classifications, surgical method, patient criteria, advantages, risks and post-operative care.

LASIK Full Form and Meaning

The LASIK full form is Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK functions as a refractive eye surgery that utilises laser technology to reshape the cornea. 

LASIK eye surgery applies laser technology to adjust corneal shape, which addresses vision disorders that include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

What is LASIK Surgery?

The laser-based technique of LASIK surgery reshapes corneal curvature to allow proper retinal light focus. The medical procedure creates improved vision clarity that makes prescription glasses or contact lenses unnecessary.

Key Features of LASIK Surgery

Feature	Details
Quick Procedure	The surgery takes only 10-15 minutes per eye.
Painless Process	Numbing eye drops ensure a pain-free experience.
Fast Vision Improvement	Most patients notice clearer vision within 24 hours.
High Success Rate	LASIK has a 95-99% success rate for vision correction.

Why is LASIK Required?

LASIK surgery establishes itself as a mandatory solution for those with refractive errors causing vision impairment. The following are the main drivers that lead patients to get LASIK surgery.

1. Freedom from Glasses and Contact Lenses

Numerous individuals consider contact lenses and eyeglasses to be inconvenient accessories. LASIK provides individuals with long-lasting treatment to resolve their vision problems permanently.

2. Better Quality of Life

Those who take part in sports together with outdoor enthusiasts and people working in visual-demanding professions like aviation and the military should consider LASIK eye surgery as it provides significant benefits to their vision.

3. Long-Term Cost Savings

Patients must allocate their funds toward purchasing glasses and contact lenses along with regular eye check-up costs. Buyers can achieve lasting visual enhancement with a single payment through LASIK surgery.

Types of LASIK Surgery

Different types of LASIK surgery exist because of evolving technological advances and personal circumstances. People choose from these main LASIK surgery types:

Type of LASIK	Description
Traditional LASIK	Uses a microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap.
Blade-Free LASIK	Uses a femtosecond laser instead of a blade for precision.
Wavefront-Guided LASIK	Also known as Custom LASIK, it maps the eye’s surface for personalised treatment.
Topography-Guided LASIK	Corrects irregular corneal shapes using detailed topographic maps.
ReLEx SMILE	A minimally invasive technique with a smaller incision and no flap creation.

Practitioners recommend specific LASIK procedures to patients by assessing their eye condition along with their corneal structure.

How is LASIK Eye Surgery Done?

The cornea reshaping procedures of LASIK eye surgery lead to enhanced vision by following a systematic protocol.

Step-by-Step LASIK Procedure

1. Pre-Surgery Preparation

• The doctor puts numbing drops into your eyes to stop you from feeling pain.
• A lid speculum helps hold the eye open during the procedure.

2. Corneal Flap Creation

• A special tool, either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser, creates a thin layer of the cornea.

3. Corneal Reshaping

• A specialised laser system targets and removes small amounts of corneal tissue to correct vision.

4. Flap Repositioning

• The doctor places the flap back into its natural position without using stitches.

5. Recovery Phase

• Healing starts right away, and people see better results within a day.

Who is Eligible for LASIK?

Not all patients qualify for LASIK treatment. To qualify for LASIK surgery, patients must have these fundamental qualities:

• 18 years or older (stable vision for at least 1 year).
• No severe dry eye syndrome or corneal diseases.
• No active eye infections or injuries.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding affect vision, so you should not use LASIK until these conditions end.
• A normal amount of corneal tissue must remain to perform laser reshaping without issues.

Benefits of LASIK Surgery

People choose LASIK eye surgery due to its positive benefits, such as:

Benefits	Description
Permanent Vision Correction	No need for glasses or contact lenses
Quick and Painless	The procedure is completed in minutes, with minimal discomfort
Fast Recovery	Most patients resume normal activities within 24-48 hours
Improved Lifestyle	Ideal for athletes, professionals, and travellers

Risks and Side Effects of LASIK

Although LASIK surgery is typically safe, patients need to know about possible complications during this treatment:

Risks and Side Effects	Description
Dry Eyes	Common for a few weeks post-surgery
Glares and Halos	Some patients see halos around lights, especially at night
Flap Complications	Improper healing may require additional treatment
Vision Regression	Rare cases may require touch-up surgery

Most side effects from surgery fade away naturally as your recovery continues.

Recovery and Aftercare

The right post-surgery care helps you recover well from LASIK eye treatment:

1. Immediate Post-Surgery Care

Care Instructions	Details
Rest	Take rest for the first few hours after surgery.
Avoid Eye Rubbing	Do not touch or rub your eyes for at least one week.
Protective Eyewear	Wear eye shields while sleeping to prevent accidental rubbing.
Limited Screen Time	Reduce phone, TV, and computer usage for the first 24 hours.
No Driving	Avoid driving until your doctor approves your vision.

2. First Few Weeks

Care Instructions	Details
Use Eye Drops	Apply prescribed lubricating drops to prevent dryness and infection.
Avoid Water Exposure	No swimming, sauna, or hot tubs for at least 2 weeks.
No Eye Makeup	Avoid mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow to prevent irritation.
Wear Sunglasses	Protect your eyes from UV rays and bright lights.
Limit Strenuous Activities	Avoid heavy workouts that may strain the eyes.

3. Long-Term Care

Care Instructions	Details
Regular Eye Check-Ups	Schedule routine visits to monitor eye health.
Follow the Doctor’s Advice	Adhere to all post-LASIK guidelines provided by your ophthalmologist.
Maintain Good Eye Hygiene	Keep your eyes clean and free from irritants.
Limit Screen Exposure	Take regular breaks to reduce digital eye strain.
Stay Hydrated	Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

Conclusion

LASIK eye surgery offers patients an effective and lasting treatment option that minimises refractive vision issues safely. Patients who no longer want to wear glasses or contacts can experience major improvements in their quality of life through LASIK surgery. 

You need to visit an ophthalmologist for a medical assessment to confirm if you qualify for the surgery.