In people with healthy vision, the cornea fulfils its task precisely and refracts light correctly towards the retina at the back of the eye. If the light bends correctly and reaches the desired area correctly, you can see clearly. But what if there is a problem in this part and our cornea cannot refract light correctly? In this case, visual defects called myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia occur. If you have one or more of these visual defects, you will experience blurred vision problems. This is where LASIK surgery comes into play.
LASIK is one of the most effective treatments for patients who have the refractive errors mentioned above and do not want to use glasses or lenses. Without making you more curious, let’s look at the details of the treatment and who it is suitable for.
What is LASIK?
LASIK; It is a surgical operation that allows the elimination of refractive errors by reshaping the corneal layer. We know that it is frequently preferred because the operation process is fast and generally gives an effective result. Let’s briefly mention the operation process for those who are curious.
How is LASIK Surgery Performed?
Lasik surgery is a fast surgery that is usually completed within 30 minutes. The process stages of the surgery are as follows.
- Narcotic drops are applied to the eye so that you do not feel any pain.
- The necessary instrument is inserted into the eye so that your eyelids do not close during the operation.
- Afterwards, we see that a vacuum ring is placed in the eye. Although the vacuum ring causes a slight feeling of pressure on the eye, it does not cause any pain or pain. For this reason, we have already mentioned that anaesthetic drops are added to the eye in the first stage.
- The surgeon creates a flap on the cornea with a cutting laser.
- The flap is removed and the cornea is reshaped using a programmed laser.
- Once the cornea has been reshaped to the desired level, the flap is closed again and in most cases no stitches are required for the flap.
What Happens After LASIK Surgery? How Does the Recovery Process Work?
As mentioned above, the surgery is usually completed in a short time. In fact, it should be said that the postoperative process is comfortable. Following the doctor’s recommendations and following the treatment routine ensures that your vision will improve in a short time. So how does this process work? Let’s also consider the aftermath and processes of LASIK surgery.
- Immediately after the surgery, you may feel itching in the eye and you may feel as if there is a foreign body in your eye.
- In this process, your vision may become blurred and may continue to be blurred for the first hours.
- You may also feel pain in your eye within hours following the surgery. Although it is usually not severe, eye drops and painkillers can be applied to reduce pain.
- In the later hours of the surgery, blurred vision decreases and your vision starts to be restored. However, it may take 2-3 months for you to get a clear vision.
- After the surgery, your doctor will prepare a follow-up programme for you. You need to go to your controls without interruption.
- In this process, you may also need to use protective glasses to protect your eyes.
- You should also avoid eye make-up, water activities and applications such as sauna for the first few weeks. Your doctor will determine the best process for you here.
- When the healing process reaches the desired level, you can return to your normal activities.
In Which Cases Is LASIK Preferred?
Actually, the explanation is simple. As we said in the introduction, LASIK method can be preferred in myopia, astigmatism and hypermetropia patients if they do not want to use glasses or contact lenses. However, it should not be forgotten that the surgery is not suitable for everyone.
Let’s List Who The Surgery Is Not Suitable For
- You must be over 18 years old.
- The degree of refractive errors you have should not be too high. You must be within the LASIK limits. Otherwise, the treatment will not give the desired result.
- The cornea becomes thinner after the surgery. Your corneal thickness remaining after the surgery must be appropriate. This is measured and if a risky situation arises, the surgery is not preferred for you.
- If you have a constantly changing refractive problem.
- If you have diseases such as keratoconus.
- If you have diabetes at a level that is not well controlled.
- If there is any infectious or physical injury to the eye.
- If you have advanced glaucoma.
These reasons may prevent you from having LASIK surgery. All these factors should be eliminated by a doctor’s control. Details are obtained in the eye scan.
What are the Risks of LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is considered safe and highly effective. However, as in every surgical intervention, we can mention that there are some risks for LASIK. Let’s add below what these risks are and how complications can occur.
Glare, Haloed Image: Immediately after the surgery, you may see glare and halos, especially when looking at light sources at night. There may also be a decrease in your night vision. This can be expected and, as with all other risks, it is a side effect that usually goes away on its own.
Dry eye condition: After the operation, there may be a decrease in tear production for a while due to the effect on the eye. This will cause the risk of dry eye to occur. In order to minimise the risk, the drops to be given under the control of the doctor should be used and the eyelids and eye area should be kept clean.
Corneal Ectasia: In rare cases, the cornea may become thinner and weaker than expected. In this case, the corneal tissue may not be able to maintain its shape and vision may worsen.
Yes, you may face such risks. It is best to consult your doctor to bring your eye to the optimum level to minimise side effects and possible risks.
Although these risks are rare, scientific studies show that LASIK is a safe and effective method most of the time. Let’s give various examples from researches.
Vision Improvement After LASIK
According to scientific research, 9 out of every 10 patients who undergo LASIK no longer need to wear lenses or glasses. Most of the patients can achieve a vision of 20/40 or better.
The important thing here is to determine the right method for the right person. Therefore, when deciding on LASIK eye surgery, you should consult a specialist physician and undergo a detailed eye screening.
Now you know what LASIK is. You can make an appointment immediately to say goodbye to your contact lenses and glasses and have your detailed eye screening done.
