LASIK is a well known and very efficient outpatient surgery that is intended for elimination of vision disorders, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. This detailed article aims to explain what LASIK is, how it is done, the advantages of having the surgery, the possible complications, and what to expect in the course of the surgery.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a specific kind of refractive surgery that alters the shape of the cornea in order to alter the way light is refracted in the eye. This process works by reshaping the cornea and thus, reducing or completely getting rid of the use of glasses or contact lenses. If you are wondering about the Lasik Surgery cost in Pakistan, online resources and listings are a good way to get a rough idea.
How LASIK Works
Pre-Surgical Assessment: It is imperative that before going for LASIK, the patient is first examined to determine his or her fitness for the surgery. This encompasses determining the corneal thickness, topography of the cornea, the diameter of the pupils and any eye abnormality.
Procedure Steps:
Anesthesia: LASIK procedure is usually done under local anesthesia by applying some drops to the eyes. The patient is conscious but at the same time does not experience any form of pain while the procedure is being carried out.
Corneal Flap Creation: A small and thin layer of the cornea is cut using a microkeratome blade or with the help of a femtosecond laser. This flap is then carefully raised up to reveal the corneal tissue which lies beneath the flap.
Corneal Reshaping: An excimer laser is employed to get rid of some portions of the cornea in the form of micro-abrasion in order to address the vision defect. The laser is controlled by the measurements made before the surgery to determine the patient’s condition.
Flap Repositioning: After the Lasik, the corneal flap is then carefully placed back over the treated area. The flap heals without sutures and is quite self-explanatory.
Benefits of LASIK
Improved Vision: LASIK can enhance the vision to a great extent; majority of the patients get 20/20 vision or even better.
Quick Recovery: The postoperative course of LASIK is rather minimal, and most patients’ vision is significantly enhanced the next day.
Reduced Dependence on Glasses or Contacts: The majority of patients have a significant reduction of their optical sufficiency and many become spectacle or contact lens independent.
Long-Lasting Results: The outcomes of the operation are usually permanent in most cases although there may be some instances where patients may need a touch up. Unfortunately, vision does not remain the same throughout a person’s lifetime especially after the age of forty, but the results of LASIK are for life.
What to Expect
Before the Procedure:
Consultation: One should consult an ophthalmologist to know whether he is fit to undergo lasik surgery.
Pre-Surgery Instructions: In some instances, you may be asked to cease the use of contact lenses some weeks prior to the surgery because they may modify the contour of the cornea.
During the Procedure:
Duration: In general, the whole procedure of examination takes from fifteen to thirty minutes for both eyes.
Comfort: The surgery will be done while you are still conscious and though you will be able to feel some pressure you will not feel any pain.
After the Procedure:
Immediate Aftercare: You will need someone to take you home after the surgery and therefore, arrange for someone to pick you up. You might also have a sensation that something is stuck in your eyes, developing redness and watery eyes, as well as photophobia.
Follow-Up Appointments: These follow up examinations will be planned to assess your progress and to check if your vision is recovering as it should.
Healing Process: In most cases, the patients’ vision is enhanced dramatically within the initial 24 to 48 hours. The full stabilization of vision may require from several weeks up to several months.
Conclusion
LASIK is a very popular and rather safe procedure that can significantly enhance the quality of vision in patients with refractive errors. LASIK works by adjusting the shape of the cornea which can help in decreasing or eliminating the use of spectacles or contact lenses with longevity and fast healing.
Knowing the procedure, the advantages, disadvantages as well as the process that the patient is likely to go through during the recovery process will enable one to make the right decision as to whether to undergo Lasik Surgery in Karachi or not. It is recommended that you always seek advice from a professional ophthalmologist for your specific case and recommendations.