Laser Eye Surgery For Different Refractive Errors/ Vision Problems

LASIK procedure to treat refractive errors

Commonly known LASIK stands for ‘Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis’. This advanced laser procedure is the most commonly performed laser eye surgery to types of refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. This eye laser surgery reshapes the cornea to enable light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clearer vision. This is a pain-free process. It requires around 15 to 20 minutes for both eyes. This laser procedure used for eye surgery is performed on each eye separately. And the result patient get is improved vision. This surgery helps in eliminating the need of wearing or using eyeglasses or contact lenses. For information, there are numbers of other vision correction surgeries performed by eye-surgeons. These are laser procedures only such as PRK and LASEK laser eye surgery and phakic IOL surgery etc. It completely depends on the problem that patient is facing and eye-doctor will determine if one of these procedures is suitable for patient’s condition or not. And if I does, then doctor will decide which technique is best to perform on patient.

How LASIK Works

The first step before surgery is performed is numbing patient’s eye. It begins with numbing eye using drops to prevent any discomfort during the procedure. Then doctor may also give patient some medication to help him/her relax. Then patient’s eye is positioned under the laser. Patient’s eyelids are kept open with the help of an instrument called a lid speculum. Doctor/surgeon marks the cornea before creating flap by using an ink marker. Then a suction ring is applied to the front of patient’s eye. This is to prevent eye movements or loss of contact that could affect flap quality. Once the corneal flap is created, surgeon uses a computer to adjust the excimer laser for patient’s particular prescription. There is a target light patient is asked to look at for a short time. Then the laser sends pulses of light to patient’s cornea. This painless step reshapes the cornea. Consultation with surgeon/doctor is must so that patient can understand every important thing related to surgery. For example, what to do before or after or during the surgery, other important points to consider that are related to eye-care and etc.