Generally about the treatment
LASIK is the most popular form of eye surgery. It is fast, efficient, and very gentle. Complications are rare, and the result is for many people a huge improvement in the quality of life. Any person with glasses or contact lenses can imagine, how great it would be to be free from the trouble of having to wear glasses or lenses.
The technique is an improvement of the older PRK method. The PRK operation also involves the use of a laser, and often the same as for LASIK surgery. The difference between these two is found in the method used for removal of the cornea. In PRK, the top layer of the cornea is scraped off in order to reach the tissue, that the laser is to remove. With LASIK, a flap of the cornea is cut off, and bent to the side. After the operation, the flap is put back into place.
LASIK is an abbreviation of "Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis". - An eye surgery method, which involves the use of the powerful Excimer-laser. The Excimer-laser is specifically designed for operating on the fragile tissue of the eye. The laser works by quickly reshaping the cornea, which is usually all it takes to correct refractive errors such as myopia (shortsightedness), hyperopia (longsightedness), and astigmatism. The reshaping of the cornea simply involves removal of the excess tissue from the underside of the cornea.
LASIK can be a great solution for those, who meet the health standards required. Complications as a result of the procedure are very rare, and the result is mostly a significant improvement of the eyesight.
Wavefront
Some LASIK clinics offer the special Wavefront technology. The Wavefront technology provides a more detailed image of the individual patient's refractive errors than in conventional LASIK. Even though there is only a slight difference in the results between a LASIK operation with or without Wavefront, a larger number of patients achieve perfect vision, when the Wavefront technique is used.
Suitability
Certain people are not suited for this form of eye surgery. The right candidate must be over the age of 18, and the procedure can only be carried out on healthy eyes, and eyes that are not still in development. Anyone who has needed to change the strength on their glasses or contact lenses within the last year are not suited for the treatment. There could also be other individual circumstances, that could disqualify a person for this type of surgery. During the initial consultation, an eye specialist would be able to evaluate, whether or not a person is suitable for the operation.
The procedure
To begin with, the eye surgeon carries out a thorough assessment of the patient's medical journal. At the preliminary consultation a series of tests are carried out to ensure that the patient is not suffering from any illnesses in the eye, as well as other related conditions that could affect the result of the operation. Due to hormonal changes, LASIK cannot be carried out on pregnant women or patients with diabetes. Additionally, patients with a particularly weakened immune system are not suited for the surgery, as this could affect the healing process.
Prior to the operation, a corneal topography, which is a detailed picture of the contours of the cornea, is taken. The surgeon then uses the picture to assess, how much of the tissue should be removed. Once the patient is ready and placed on the examination couch, he or she is given 3 different types of eye drops, which sedate the eye and protect it from potential infection after the operation. The eyelid is then fixated for the operation, preventing the patient from being able to blink.
A tiny flap from the surface of the cornea is then pulled aside in order for the laser to reach the tissue to be operated on. This flap can be cut out with the laser, or a special instrument can be used. Once made, the flap is pulled aside using tiny tweezers.
The pulsating light of the laser then removes as much excess tissue as the surgeon has programmed it to. In seconds, and usually without the patient feeling any pain at all, the shape of the cornea is corrected, and the vision improved. After the treatment, the eye is cleaned with a saltwater solution. A so-called shield is put on top of the eye in order to keep the corneal flap in place, and to protect it, in case the patient accidentally rubs his or her eyes.
On the following day, the patient goes to see the eye doctor, who then removes the shield, controls their vision, and checks the healing process of the eye. On occasion, the patient is provided with eye drops, which prevent the eye from catching an infection.
The treatment takes a few minutes and does not require admission.
Anaesthesia
With the help of eye drops, the eye is sedated just before the surgery takes place. The majority of people don't experience any pain during the procedure.
Side-effects
Immediately after the surgery, it may feel as if the eye is itchy or that it stings, as if something has gotten caught in the eye. Some discomfort or mild pain may occur, which can be cured with a light painkiller.
The eyes may water, and the vision may become blurry. Many experience an increased sensitivity to light, and it is common for the patient to "see stars", or have rainbow vision. These are side effects, that will pass within a short amount of time.
Risk of complications
As with every surgical procedure there are risks associated with LASIK surgery. However, complications after LASIK surgery are quite rare.
As with any other form of wound healing, there is a risk of infection in the cornea, as this has been opened. In the case of an infection, there is a risk of the wound opening up, although this has only happened on very rare occasions.
There is a risk of the laser removing too much or too little tissue, compared to what was required. If less tissue than expected has been removed, the problem can be solved with a follow-up treatment, whereas removal of too much tissue may result in the patient having to continue their use of contacts or glasses. It is possible, that the vision can be reduced in such a way, that it cannot be restored by using glasses, contact lenses, or any additional surgery. It is almost impossible to become blind from having the surgery.
Some patients experience double vision, and/or see "stars", especially at night. Some patients, whose vision has improved significantly in daylight after the surgery, experience a decrease in their vision at night or in fog, in comparison to before having the surgery. There is also a risk of developing dry eyes. A condition, which causes discomfort and which may require treatment. These conditions are usually just temporary, but might become permanent.
Even though studies indicate a permanent result from LASIK eye surgery, it is important to keep in mind, that LASIK has only existed since 1998. Due to this, there is no knowledge of possible long-term complications that may occur in the future.
Healing and recovery
Most people are able to function normally immediately after the surgery. As the cornea has been opened, it is highly recommended, that the patient keeps at ease during the following couple of days after surgery.
Sports and other similar activities should be avoided for the first week after the surgery, and contact sports should be avoided for the following 4 weeks, in order to avoid blows or bumps to the eye. The use of creams and makeup should also be avoided during the first couple of weeks after surgery. Swimming, as well as the use of a bathtub or spa should be avoided for 1 - 2 months after the surgery.
Duration of the result
American studies indicate, that the treatment is permanent. LASIK does not, however put a stop to the natural deterioration of the eyesight, which may occur with age, and significantly long-sighted patients may experience a reduction in the effects over time.