Gone are the days when people with vision disorder had to choose between multifocal eyeglasses and contact lenses in order to magnify the small things so they could see close up. Today, very few eye patients are dependent on such options for vision correction, thanks to the state-of-the-art LASIK eye surgery that effectively and permanently correct vision in people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism (blurred vision)
LASIK Eye Surgery Overview
Laser in-situ keratomileusis, or Lasik, is a popular refractive error correcting surgical procedure. The surgery improves eye sight of a person with cataracts or any degenerative eye problem by correcting his/her ranges of vision and reshaping the cornea- the transparent, dome-shaping covering of the front of the eye. A specially trained eye surgeon performs the operation using a highly specialized laser (excimer laser).
While performing the LASIK, the surgeon first creates a thin corneal flap on the surface of the eye cornea using a microkeratome, a laser blade. That flap is then pulled to expose the underlying corneal tissue. After reshaping the damaged cornea with the help of laser, the surgeon then gently repositions the flap to its original place.
Advantages
• LASIK is an effective vision correction procedure which is proven to correct vision in most patients.
• By some estimates, almost 98% of patients who undergo the surgery are satisfied with the results.
• Patients will have their desired vision almost soon after or by the day following the surgery.
• The technique takes less than 30 minutes to perform.
• The technical advancements incorporated in the LASIK technique make it less invasive, eliminating the need of bandages or stitches.
• Patients no longer require corrective eyewear following the LASIK laser eye surgery.
• Adjustments can be made years after the surgery to further correct vision.
Despite these pluses, LASIK surgery comes with some complications, side effects and risks.
• Disadvantages
The LASIK surgery is done on cornea, the most sensitive part of the eye, thus cannot be reversed.
• It is a technically complex procedure, and complications may occur during the surgery.
After getting a LASIK surgery, results may not be permanent, and you may require reading glasses or contact lenses during midlife.
• Even after the surgery, you might still have difficulty in seeing things or driving at night.
Additional surgery may be required to enhance the LASIK surgery results.
• Dryness in the eyes immediately after the surgery is often complained by most patients after the surgery.
• LASIK eye surgery is expensive and usually not covered by insurance policies.
So if you are short-sighted or far-sighted and seeking laser vision correction procedure, LASIK eye surgery may be the best option for you. But before getting a LASIK surgery, you need to be aware of potentials risk and complications associated with the procedure.
Edited by Neelam Goswami on 17-03-2014.
