An Introduction to Lasik Eye Surgery

LASIKis a form of laser eye surgery which is performed by Ophthalmologists for correcting vision.

LASIK stands for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis and can be used to help people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism.

Laser vision-correction surgery reshapes the cornea – the clear front part of the eye – so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina at the back of the eye.

The advantages of LASIK eye surgery include its high success rate. More than 90% of patients normally achieve their desired vision after LASIK surgery.

Many patients no longer need to wear eye glasses after Lasik surgery.

It is also associated with little pain and allows people to return to normal very quickly without bandages or stitches.

The LASIK technique was initiated in Colombia in 1960 by Dr Jose Barraquer – who developed the first microkeratome used to cut thin flaps in the cornea and alter its shape. This procedure – called keratomileusis – was initially developed in his clinic. The surgery procedure was further developed in the 1990s and quickly became popular.

Normally patients stop wearing contact lenses a few days or weeks before surgery.

The surfaces of the patient's corneas are scanned by computer and laser in advance of surgery to create an exact map.The surgeon uses this information to calculate the amount and locations of corneal tissue to be removed during the operation.

The operation is performed with the patient awake but they are typically given a mild sedative and anesthetic eye drops. Antibiotics are typically prescribed beforehand to minimize the risk of infection.

The initial step is to create a flap of corneal tissue. A hinge is left at one end of this flap and the flap is folded back, revealing the stroma, the middle section of the cornea.

The second step is to use an excimer laser to remodel the corneal stroma. The layers of tissue removed are tens of micrometers thick. The patient's vision will become very blurry once the flap is lifted and this can be disconcerting.

After the laser has reshaped the cornea, the flap is repositioned over the treatment area by the surgeon.

The process usually takes about 10 minutes.

Although Lasik surgery has many pluses, the disadvantages include the fact that changes made to the cornea cannot be reversed. Any problems can permanently affect vision and it can very occasionally cause a loss of "best" vision.

Before having Lasik surgery, you will be given a full explanation of the process, your medical history will be evaluated and your eyes will be fully examined.

After the initial evaluation, your surgeon will answer any questions you may have.

You will receive an explanation of what to expect in the first couple of days. You will revisit the doctor for an evaluation 24 to 48 hours after surgery as well as at regular intervals within the first six months.