LASIK Eye Surgery

Millions of Americans suffer from eye imperfections such as near- or far-sightedness. Most rely on glasses or contact lenses to remedy these imperfections, but LASIK eye surgery offers another option to many.

What is LASIK eye surgery?

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a precise method of using a laser to reshape and remove small parts of the cornea, improving the eye’s focusing power and ability to see.

Why surgery?

LASIK eye surgery has freed many from their daily dependence on glasses and contact lenses, and is a life-long correctional procedure, though there are occasional cases of relapse. Most people that undergo LASIK surgery report good vision almost immediately or within a day at the longest, and few experience pain during or after the surgery. Most report 20/20 vision or better after the procedure. Unfortunately, because it is a relatively new practice, some long-term LASIK effects are not yet known.

What happens during surgery?

1) Drops are used to numb the eyes.

2) A suction-device is placed on your eye

3) A device called a microkertatome is attached to the suction device and is then used to cut a small circular flap in the cornea.

4) The suction device and micorkeratome are removed and the corneal flap is folded back.

5) An excimer laser is used to emit a cool ultraviolet beam that reshapes the cornea by removing small parts of the corneal tissue. This process takes about 30 minutes.

6) The corneal flap is replaced, covering the corneal tissue and ending the procedure.

Should I consider LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is an FDA regulated procedure that has helped millions achieve lifelong 20/20 vision or better, without the use of glasses or contacts. Most patients report personal correction very similar to their level of correction with glasses or contacts – if you have vision correctable to 20/25 with glasses, it is likely that LASIK will correct your eyes to approx. 20/25. If you suffer from near- or far-sightedness, astigmatism, or any combination of these afflictions, you are probably a candidate for LASIK. LASIK is not recommended for those who suffer from certain medical or eye conditions, or those taking medications that might prevent healing. LASIK is not approved for minors. Also, LASIK is not covered by most insurance and it can be quite costly, though costs have been dropping steadily.

Side Effects

There are some known side effects associated with LASIK eye surgery. Some individuals require an unforeseen follow-up surgery. A small number reported blindness, permanently dry eyes, loss of night vision, and development of various visual symptoms, such as glare, halos, starbursts, etc.

LASIK Statistics

• Most studies find the rate of serious complications to be less than 1%.
• Studies have found the rate of inoperative complications between 1.3% and 3.5%. The rates were found to be highly dependent on the quality of the microkeratome.
• Studies have found the rate of post-op. complications at around 4%, and more currently as low as 1.5%.
• Over the past several years, the rate of patients requiring follow-up correctional surgery has dropped from 33% to 15%.

Tips if you are considering LASIK eye surgery

• Compare your available options. Quality of treatment can vary depending on the doctor and laser device used.
• Consult your optician or optometrist before undergoing any procedure. Chances are they have experience with former patients who have undergone a similar procedure.
• It may be in your best interest to wait for your vision-loss to plateau. If your prescription hasn’t changed in the last year, this likely indicates you’ve reached your plateau.
• Make sure choosing LASIK won’t affect your career – some professions prohibit surgical eye correction. Speak to your employer to see if they prohibit LASIK.
• You will need to arrange for pre- and post-treatment transportation.
• You may need to treat yourself with various drops and medications for several days after your surgery.
• You will need to make room in your schedule for several days of rest after your procedure, though many find this unnecessary.
• The procedure works to correct one eye or to correct both eyes.
• Understand that there certainly are risks involved, as with any surgical treatment. You should discuss these risks, and how they apply specifically to you, in detail with a trusted Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, or LASIK surgeon.