Lasik: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Lasik, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a form of eye surgery used to address visual issues such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

The most common types of Lasik are:

• Standard Lasik: This is the most used form of Lasik, and is used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. A laser is used to reshape the cornea in order to enhance eyesight.
• Wavefront-guided Lasik: This form of Lasik employs a specialised technology known as wavefront analysis to create a comprehensive map of the eye, allowing the surgeon to develop a customised treatment plan for each patient.
• Customised ablation profile (CAP) Lasik: This type of Lasik uses an advanced software program to create an individualised treatment plan for each patient based on their unique eye anatomy and visual needs. CAP Lasik can be used to treat more complex vision problems than standard or wavefront-guided lasik can address.
• PRK (photorefractive keratectomy): This procedure is similar to standard lasik but does not involve cutting a flap in the cornea as part of the procedure, making it safer for people who have thin corneas or other conditions that make them ineligible for standard lasik eye surgery.
• Epi-Lasik: This procedure involves removing some surface cells from the cornea before reshaping it with a laser in order to improve vision, making it safer for people who have thin corneas or other conditions that make them ineligible for standard lasik surgery.

The benefits of Lasik include:

• Improved Vision: Lasik may decrease or eliminate the requirement for glasses or contacts, enabling patients to see well without them.
• Quick Recovery Time: The majority of patients may resume regular activities after 24 hours of the treatment.
• Low Risk of Complications: Lasik has a very low risk of complications and side effects compared to other vision correction procedures.
• Cost-Effective: Lasik surgery cost is often more cost-effective than other vision correction procedures in the long run due to reduced need for glasses or contact lenses over time.
• Long-Lasting Results: The results of Lasik are usually long-lasting, although some people may need a touch-up procedure after several years depending on their individual eyesight needs at that time.

Lasik is used to address visual defects, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

This helps to focus light rays onto the retina in the back of the eye more accurately, improving vision.

• Dry eyes: Lasik can cause temporary dryness of the eyes due to the disruption of the tear film. This can usually be addressed by using artificial tears or other medications.
• Flap complications: In order to reach the underlying tissue during Lasik, a flap is made in the cornea. During healing, this flap may get dislodged or move out of position, necessitating further surgical intervention.
• Infection: Infection is rare but possible after any surgery and can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
• Under-correction or over-correction: Lasik results are not always perfect and an individual may still need glasses or contacts after treatment in order to achieve optimal vision correction.
• Glare, halos, and double vision: These visual disturbances are common side effects of Lasik that may take several months to improve or resolve completely depending on the individual's response to treatment.

• The best way to prepare for Lasik is to follow your doctor's instructions.
• Before the procedure, your doctor will likely ask you to stop wearing contact lenses for a certain period of time, refrain from using any eye makeup, and avoid any medications that may interfere with the procedure.
• In addition, your doctor may recommend that you have a comprehensive eye exam prior to the procedure so they can determine if Lasik is right for you.
• During the exam, your doctor will measure the shape and thickness of your cornea and evaluate your general eye health.
• Your doctor may also ask you to avoid alcohol or other substances that could thin your blood (such as aspirin) before the surgery as they can increase bleeding during the procedure.
• Finally, it's important to get plenty of rest before Lasik so that you're relaxed and comfortable during the surgery.

• The first step in Lasik is to use a device called a microkeratome to form a small flap in the outer layers of the cornea.
• This flap is then gently folded back so that an excimer laser can be used to reshape the underlying tissue.
• The laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue from specific areas of the cornea in order to correct any refractive errors.
• Finally, the flap is replaced and allowed to heal naturally over time.

• Make sure to have a thorough eye checkup. This will assist your doctor in determining whether or not you are a suitable candidate for Lasik surgery.
• Inform your doctor about any medicines you are taking and about any health conditions that may have an impact on the surgery.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with your doctor and make sure that you are comfortable with the decision to proceed with Lasik surgery.
• Stop wearing contact lenses at least two weeks prior to the procedure, as this can affect the accuracy of measurements taken during the eye exam and can also interfere with healing after surgery.
• Refrain from using any eye makeup or lotions around your eyes on the day of surgery, as these products can introduce bacteria into your eyes during surgery and may cause an infection afterwards.

• The first step is to numb the eye using a topical anaesthetic in the form of eye drops.
• The eyelids are then held open using a device during the process.
• A suction ring is then placed on the eye to ensure that it remains stable and steady throughout the procedure.
• A femtosecond laser is used to form a tiny flap in the cornea, which is subsequently pulled up and folded back so that it does not interfere with the laser surgery.
• An excimer laser is then used to reshape the corneal tissue beneath the flap, which corrects any refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
• The flap is then adjusted and let to heal naturally over time, with no stitches or sutures required for closure.

After completion of treatment, topical antibiotics are applied to prevent infection and steroid drops are given as needed for inflammation relief and healing process acceleration.

Generally, Lasik surgery can cost anywhere from ₹20,000 to ₹80,000 per eye.

• Foods that are high in protein, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy products, can help the body heal quickly.
• Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can also provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals to aid in recovery.
• It is essential to maintain proper hydration throughout the day by consuming a sufficient amount of fluids at regular intervals.

The Lasik treatment is one that is widely acknowledged to be both safe and effective.

The risks associated with Lasik are rare, but they can include dry eyes, fluctuating vision, difficulty seeing in dim light, and halos or glare around lights.

• Generally speaking, having Lasik is not painful.
• Most individuals only experience mild discomfort when having the surgery done.
• Lasik is performed while the patient is awake and alert, but numbing drops are placed in the eye to reduce any discomfort.
• After the procedure, some patients may experience mild irritation or dryness in their eyes, but this usually goes away within a few days.

Recovery from Lasik typically takes about 24 hours, although some people may experience mild discomfort for up to 48 hours after the procedure.

Within a day or two, the majority of patients are able to resume their regular activities.

The most common side effects associated with Lasik surgery are:

• Dry eyes
• Fluctuating vision
• Light sensitivity
• Halos around lights.
• Post-operative infections and a loss of best-corrected vision can also occur but are rare.
• Most of these side effects are temporary and the majority of patients return to normal activities within 24 hours of the surgery.

The most common Lasik aftercare includes:

• Wearing protective eyewear such as sunglasses or a shield when outdoors.
• Refraining from rubbing or touching the eye area for at least four weeks.
• Using artificial tears and/or lubricating drops as prescribed by your doctor
• Taking antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.
• Spending at least four weeks abstaining from contact sports, hot baths, swimming, and other vigorous activities.
• Keeping follow-up appointments with your eye doctor to monitor healing and vision correction.

For the treatment of visual issues, Lasik is a reliable and secure method. Most patients who undergo the surgery report better eyesight, and it may provide great outcomes with little risk. The procedure takes just a few minutes and causes no discomfort; most patients may resume their regular activities in a day or two. The long-term success rate of Lasik is very high, making it a popular choice among those who are seeking to improve their vision without glasses or contact lenses.