Lasik is an innovative type of vision corrective eye surgery for people suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness, myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Lasik is a step forward in radial keratotomy for the treatment of visionary problems offering an alternative to contact lenses and eyeglasses. As in similar Laser eye surgeries, the cornea or front part of the eye is reshaped, thus allowing light traveling through to focus correctly onto the retina at the back of the eye
About the Procedure
LASIK eye surgery is conducted in three steps.
1. Creation of a flap of corneal tissue.
2. Remodeling of the cornea underneath the flap.
3. Reposition of the flap
Length
On average LASIK eye surgery takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Benefits
The benefits of LASIK are obvious and immediate:
• A high rate of success. Most people, approx. 80%, are satisfied and report a desired vision.
• Little, if any, pain.
• Almost immediate correction of vision.
• Bandages and stitches are not needed.
• Usually eyewear is not needed anymore.
• Further adjustments to eyesight can be undergone in the future
Who is an ideal candidate?
An ideal candidate would have a stable prescription for at least one year prior to surgery, be under the age of 50 and suffer from visual impairment.
Who is not an ideal candidate?
A candidate not ideal for the surgery will show early signs of a cataract and be over the age of 50.
Recovery
Immediately following surgery, it is advised that a helper be on hand to drive you home and assist in basic menial tasks. Even though you may not notice or feel it, chances are your eyes will be dry and at risk of infection. Therefore, you will have to take a course of anti-biotic and inflammatory eye drops, and this medication will continue for the next few weeks.
During this period your vision may be blurred and you may feel a slight burning effect. You will be given a specific pair of ‘shields’ to protect the eyes from bright lights and protective goggles to both prevent rubbing of the eyes when asleep and reduction of dry eyes
Planning your surgery
The FDA website on LASIK clearly states: "Before undergoing a refractive procedure, you should carefully weigh the risks and benefits based on your own personal value system, and try to avoid being influenced by friends that have had the procedure or doctors encouraging you to do so”.
Preparing your surgery
Prior to LASIK eye surgery, you will have your medical history examined and eyes tested and evaluated. These tests may include measuring and evaluating corneal thickness, refraction, corneal mapping, air pressure and pupil dilation. From the information studied, it will be calculated just how much and the location of corneal tissue to be removed. Should you wear contact lenses, your coordinator will instruct you not to wear them for a short period of time prior to surgery. That length of time will depend on what type of contact lenses you are used to wearing. It is typical that you will be prescribed an anti-biotic to minimize possible infection immediately after the surgery.
Anesthesia
Anesthetic eye drops and a sedative
Risks / Complications / Side effects
The most common complication following LASIK eye surgery is dry eyes, and it may become permanent. If left unattended, dry eyes may impair vision and concur pain. The following is a list of the possible side-effects/risks and complications reported with LASIK eye surgery:
Dry eyes
Overcorrection / undercorrection
Sun and light sensitivity
Visual acuity fluctuation
Halos starbursts around light sources at night
Ghost images / double vision
Wrinkles in flap
Decentered ablation
Debris or growth under flap
Thin or buttonhole flap
Induced astigmatism
Corneal Ectasia Floaters
Epithelium erosion
Posterior vitreous detachment
Macular hole
After your surgery
You will be expected to revisit your surgeon a day or so after the LASIK eye surgery for an evaluation, and this will continue, at regular intervals, for the following few months. Your surgeon should have adequately explained to you the importance of post-operative care in order to minimize the possible risk complications, and especially of dry eyes.
Price range
BHT58,000-88,000