Eye Treatments » LASIK surgery

LASIK surgery

 

Summary

LASIK surgery is an eye surgery that changes the shape of your cornea permanently. The cornea is the clear covering on the front of your eye. When the shape of the cornea is changed it helps improve your vision and reduces or eliminates your need for corrective eye wear.

LASIK surgery is predominately performed on patients who require corrective eye wear because they are nearsighted. However, in some cases it can be used to correct farsightedness and astigmatism. A patient must 18 years of age or older to have LASIK eye surgery.

Length of the procedure: 10 to 15 minutes per eye

Hospital Stay: Patients are released from care the same day as their LASIK procedure.

Recovery before traveling home: Patients seeking a LASIK surgery through medical tourism can return home 48 hours after their procedure.

Travel Tip: After LASIK eye surgery you will need to have a follow-up appointment within 24 to 48 hours. Find a comfortable handicap accessible hotel room to recover in during this time.

Procedure Details

The LASIK procedure begins with a complete examination of your eyes. Your eyes will also be measured for cornea size, pupil position, shape and thickness of cornea. You will receive anesthetic eye drops to numb the surface of your eyes.

Once your eye is numb the surgeon will use a special knife called a microkeratome to cut a corneal flap. The flap will be lifted away carefully and a laser is then used to reshape the underlying tissue of the cornea. When the surgeon has reshaped the cornea he will carefully put the flap back in place. No stitches are required and the flap will heal its self.

After the Procedure

After the LASIK surgery you will have an eye patch or shield in place to protect the flap. The shield also prevents you from rubbing or touching your eye. You will also be given dark glasses to wear outside.

Immediately following LASIK surgery your eyes may burn, itch or it may feel as if there is something in your eye. You may also have a small amount of discomfort. You will be given pain medication to alleviate this discomfort.

Your vision may be blurry immediately following the procedure. However, the next day that should subside. You will also be give antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. Make sure you use these eye drops as prescribed.

Self Care after LASIK surgery:

     •          Keep follow up appointment after procedure

     •          Avoid swimming, hot tubs and whirl pools for 2 weeks

     •          Avoid eye make-up and creams for 2 weeks

     •          Avoid contact sports for 2 to 4 weeks

     •          Do not drive until vision is completely back to normal

Results

Most people heal completely within 3 to 6 months of the LASIK procedure. Some people may require an additional procedure to achieve the desired results. After LASIK many people have problems with visual halos, glare and night driving. These problems subside with 6 months in most cases. Even with LASIK most people require reading glasses after the age of 45.

Risks and Complications

As is with any procedure there are risks associated with LASIK surgery. The following is a list of the most common risks and complications:

     •          Corneal infection

     •          Corneal scarring

     •          Misshapen cornea

     •          Inability to wear contact lenses

     •          Decreased distance vision at high altitudes

     •          Decrease in contrast sensitivity

     •          Dry eyes

     •          Light sensitivity

     •          Glare or halos

     •          Night driving difficulty

     •          Red or pink patches on the white of the eye

     •          Vision loss

     •          Scratchiness

 

 

Contact your physician if any of the following occur:

 

                •              New problem with eye develops

 

                •              New eye symptom develops

 

                •              Severe eye pain develops

 

                •              Reported symptoms

 

                •              Vision gets worse

 

                •              Any visual concerns

 

                •              Any sign of infection