What is Lasik?

LASIK is a quick, out-patient laser procedure to correct spectacle numbers such as myopia (near sightedness, minus numbers), astigmatism (cylinder) and some types of hypermetopia (farsightedness, plus numbers).

A laser reshapes the front surface of the eye (the cornea) to allow the eye to focus light better.

 

Can Lasik remove my number completely?

LASIK is designed to reduce your number to a minimum so that you are not dependent on glasses or contact lenses. A very small number may remain but this would not require glasses for most activities.

LASIK cannot remove near vision reading number which develops after the age of 40 so glasses would have to be used for reading after that age.

 

What are the advantages of Lasik?

• Life becomes simple, wake up every morning with clear vision. No more fumbling with spectacles or contact lenses.
• Greater convenience for playing sports, swimming, outdoor activities.
• Outpatient procedure. No injection, no bandage, no stay in hospital.
• Clarity of vision within hours after surgery.
• Both eyes treated on the same day.
• Minimum side effects

 

Am I a suitable candidate for Lasik?

• LASIK is best done after the age of 18 years.
• The number should have been stable for at least 1 year.
• It can usually be done for powers upto -9 or -10. Whether your number can be removed satisfactorily depends on many factors. This will be determined after examining your eyes.
• It cannot be done to remove reading glasses.
• A number of tests have to done on your eye by your doctor before it can be confirmed if you are a suitable candidate for Lasik.

 

What tests have to be done before Lasik?

A thorough eye examination is necessary. The current spectacle number is tested. The surface of the eye is examined by a topographer for abnormalities. The pupils are dilated & the retina is examined in detail. The thickness of the cornea is measured with a special instrument.

Based on these tests your doctor will advise you whether or not you should go ahead

What happens on the day of Lasik surgery?

You would have to report about 1 ½ hrs before the procedure. Additional tests may be taken to measure curvature of the cornea just prior to Lasik.

The Lasik procedure : After lying down  in a comfortable reclining chair, anaesthetic drops are instilled in the eye. Throughout the procedure you would be asked to keep your eye fixed on a blinking red light in front of you.

A speculum is gently placed between the eyelids  to keep the eyes open. A ring is then placed on the cornea and suction is applied while an oscillating microkeratome makes a precise thin hinged flap. The flap is retracted & laser is now applied in a  precise manner. The flap is then replaced. You can then get up. There is no bandage. Dark glasses have to be worn for a few days.

While there is no pain you may feel some pressure on the eye in the beginning of the procedure & a cool feeling later while your eye is washed with saline.

How long does the actual procedure last?

• The actual procedure takes about 10 minutes for each eye
• One may go home  about 30 minutes after the procedure

How long is the recovery process?

• There is some irritation & watering the same day which usually clears by next morning. Mild analgesic tablets usually take care of this.
• Most patients see quite well by the next morning
• Normal activities in 2 to 3 days
• Follow up visits are typically required the next day, the next week or two & after a month.

How safe is it?

• Many precautions are taken to ensure maximum safety
• Every patient undergoes a thorough evaluation prior to Lasik surgery
• Lasik done only on eligible patients
• Careful follow up after surgery ensures proper healing
• Complications are not common & can be treated
• Your doctor will explain in detail.

Any risks?

• Dryness, night glare, over or under correction, flap issues & allergies are some of the possible conditions after lasik. Most of these are temporary & treatable. Please discuss any concerns you have with the doctor who will explain these in detail.
• Careful follow up after lasik surgery is important to address any potential healing concerns.

Advanced Lasik at Lobo Eye Clinic?

Lobo Eye Clinic offers the state-of-the-art bladeless LASIK technology for precise and predictable results.

I AM THINKING OF DOING LASIK. HOW DO I GO AHEAD?

Take an appointment now to discuss suitability of Lasik for your eyes. Doctor will examine your eyes & discuss in detail your compatibility for the procedure.