LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, and it is a popular refractive surgery that corrects common vision problems. Surgeons use lasers to change the shape of the cornea, which improves how light hits the retina. This procedure helps individuals who struggle with blurry vision due to refractive errors see clearly without corrective lenses. Here is more information about LASIK surgery:
Understanding LASIK Surgery
LASIK is an outpatient refractive surgery that permanently alters the shape of the cornea. Light enters the eye through the cornea. Then, the dome-shaped tissue bends that light to focus it on the retina. When the cornea has an irregular shape, the eye cannot refract light correctly, which leads to blurred vision. This procedure fixes those errors because it allows light to take the proper path to the retina. The term “in situ” means in position, and “keratomileusis” refers to the medical reshaping of the cornea.
This surgery addresses specific refractive errors that affect how clearly you see objects at various distances. Nearsightedness makes far-away objects look fuzzy, but farsightedness creates struggles with close-up vision. Astigmatism causes blurred vision at any distance because the cornea has an irregular shape. The procedure cannot fix age-related presbyopia directly. Doctors use a technique called monovision to correct one eye for distance and the other for near vision.
Determining Ideal Candidates
Not everyone qualifies for this refractive surgery, so doctors must evaluate your eyes thoroughly. You must be at least 18 years old to undergo the procedure. Your vision prescription must remain stable for at least 12 months before the operation. Surgeons also require that your corneas are thick and healthy enough to withstand the reshaping process. Certain medical issues disqualify patients from receiving treatment.
Common disqualifying conditions include:
- Severe dry eye disease
- Keratoconus
- Cataracts or glaucoma
- Uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases
- Active pregnancy or nursing
Wearing contact lenses changes the shape of your cornea. You must stop wearing them in the weeks before your consultation exam. An eye care provider performs corneal topography, and they measure pupil size during the consultation. They review your medical history to verify that the surgery is safe for your specific situation.
Undergoing the Procedure
The entire operation usually takes 30 minutes or less to complete. Your surgeon places drops in your eyes to numb them, so you do not feel pain during the treatment. They place a suction ring on the eye to keep it in the proper spot. After they create a thin flap in the cornea, the doctor folds the flap back.
You will stare at a light while a laser reshapes the corneal tissue. You might hear a clicking sound, or you might notice a distinct smell during this part of the surgery. Once the laser finishes its work, the surgeon puts the corneal flap back in place, and it begins to reattach immediately.
The provider will give you a shield to protect your eyes, and they prescribe drops to prevent infection. You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure and to your follow-up appointment the next day. Avoid rubbing your eyes while they heal.
Learn More About LASIK
Because this laser eye surgery offers a permanent solution for refractive errors, it remains a popular choice for vision correction. It reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina, which allows many patients to see clearly without glasses. Qualified candidates are adults with stable prescriptions and healthy eyes. The process is quick, and recovery allows most people to return to normal activities within a few days. If you want to learn more about LASIK eye surgery, consult a specialist near you.
