How lasik work: A detailed guide

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery is a popular and effective procedure for correcting vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. This guide will provide an in-depth look at how LASIK surgery works, the procedure itself, the benefits and risks, and what patients can expect before, during, and after the surgery.

Understanding LASIK Surgery

LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to allow light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clearer vision. The procedure uses an excimer laser, a cool ultraviolet light beam, to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea with high precision.

Pre-Surgery Preparations

1.    Consultation and Eye Exam:

·       Patients must have a thorough eye exam to make sure they are good candidates for LASIK before having the treatment. Measurements of corneal thickness, corneal mapping, dry eye examination, and pupil size assessment are all part of this examination.

·     Before the procedure, patients should refrain from wearing contact lenses for a while because they can change the curvature of the cornea.

2.   Medical History and Expectations:

·       Along with going over the patient's medical history, the surgeon will go over the advantages, disadvantages, and alternatives of LASIK. Patients should be aware that some may still require glasses or contact lenses following the treatment and should have reasonable expectations about the results.

The LASIK Procedure

Preparation:

Patients receive numbing eye drops the day of the treatment in order to minimize discomfort. Using a lid speculum, the eyes are kept open .

·       Creating the Corneal Flap:

Using a femto second laser or a micro keratome, a very fine surgical tool, the surgeon makes a thin, hinged flap in the cornea. After that, the flap is folded back to reveal the cornea underneath.

·       Reshaping the Cornea:

The cornea is reshaped by the surgeon by excising a pre-specified amount of tissue with an excimer laser. A computer that uses precise measurements of the patient's eye guides the laser to ensure accuracy.

The corneal tissue is vaporized by the laser's

ultraviolet light pulses, which reshape the tissue to fix the patient's eyesight problems.

·     Repositioning the Flap:

The cornea is reshaped, and then the corneal flap is repositioned by the surgeon. Without the need for stitches, the flap clings to the underlying corneal tissue on its own.

Post-Surgery Care

·     Immediate Aftercare:

Patients may feel burning, stinging, or weeping in their eyes for a brief period of time. Eye drops are administered to keep the eyes moist and to prevent infection and inflammation.

To screen the eyes from irritants and unintentional rubbing, a protective shield can be worn over them.

·     Follow-Up Visits:

Appointments for follow-up are essential to track the healing process and make sure problems don't arise. These follow-up appointments usually take place a day or two following the procedure and then on a regular basis over the next few months. 

·      Recovery and Results:

After surgery, most patients report having better vision within a few days, while complete stability of vision may take several weeks to many months.

During the first few days of recovery, it is imperative to refrain from swimming, intense exercises, and wearing eye makeup.

Benefits of LASIK Surgery

• Fast Recovery: With little downtime, the majority of patients see a noticeable improvement in their eyesight in just one or two days.

• High Success Rate: The majority of LASIK patients get 20/20 vision or greater, making it a procedure with a high success rate.

• Long-Lasting Results: Most LASIK patients have permanent vision correction, while some may need to wear corrective lenses or upgrades in the future.
Hazards and Difficulties

• Dry Eyes: LASIK may lessen the production of tears in the eyes. With continued use of lubricating eye drops, this condition typically gets better over time.

• Glare and Halos: In low light, some patients may suffer glare, halos, or double vision. Usually, these symptoms go away with time.

• Undercorrection or Overcorrection: The laser may occasionally remove too much or too little corneal tissue, necessitating further treatments.
• Flap Complications: Although they are uncommon, problems with the corneal flap, including as infections or inflammation, can happen.

Conclusion

LASIK surgery is a procedure that many people with visual difficulties find to be transforming. LASIK can improve eyesight and lessen the need for glasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea. Patients can make the greatest decisions and have the best results possible if they are informed about the surgery, preparation, benefits, and risks. LASIK remains a safe and efficient way to repair vision despite advances in technology and technique.