Five Things About LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery has helped millions around the world to see better without glasses or contact lenses. It is the most popular refractive surgical procedure because it is little or no pain and restored vision occur the next day. LASIK is an acronym for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

Five things you should know before LASIK eye surgery, are listed below. 1st What is LASIK? It is a refractory surgery procedure to correct nearsightedness near and far. During the procedure a thin flap is either through an incision instrument called microkeratome, or by the newer Intralase laser. The surgeon lifts the lid, then removed (ablates) the required cornea with an excimer laser to reshape the cornea.

The flap is then replaced over the area where the tissue was ablated. This flap acts as a bandage over the treated cornea. The doctor performing the procedure uses a computer for calculating and adjusting the refractive laser for the specific problem.

2. What to do before LASIK eye surgery? If you are seriously considering this procedure, the most important thing to do, is a renowned and experienced eye surgeon. A good surgeon reduce the risk of complications. The ophthalmologist will investigate to determine your visual defect, and the level of laser ablation is required.

If you have dry eye disease treatment will be required before the procedure. A map of the cornea is supported by a Corneal Topographer, and you may have a wave front analysis that precisely maps from the visual field of refractive errors. Your doctor will assess the general health and medications and decide whether you are eligible for health reasons for LASIK eye surgery.

If you are not a patient information leaflet, ask after one. Before the LASIK treatment you should know what to expect after the procedure. They are more likely to be satisfied if before treatment, you know the outcome fully understand the risks and complications.

3. What happens during the LASIK treatment? This treatment is short and you're wide awake. The surgeon May give you a mild sedative tablet before the procedure. Even if you walk from the center of the treatment, you should be monitored to ensure that you safely home. The surgeon will anesthetic drops in your eyes, and while you lie down, he or she is the alignment of the laser directly over the eye.

your eye will be kept open and under pressure through a bracket with a suction ring. The surgeon will mark the area of the cornea. The flap is then either a microkeratome or Intralase laser. The flap is lifted. You will then be asked to agree on a light source, while the excimer laser delivers pulses of high quality light beam on the cornea.

The laser is a consistent clicking sound during treatment. Note: You can use a sharp smell during the treatment. The time depends on the extent of your refractory problem. The flap is replaced. They will then rest for a while.

4. What are the complications? In the past, after LASIK eye surgery, there was as much as 5% of the people that an experienced, or other major problem. Today, the complications are much less frequently and are haze, halos and glare. Problems often arises from the hinged flap especially when it is not on the surface properly, or it is cut too thin or thick.

These problems are irregular astigmatism, keratoconus or diffuse lamellar keratosis (DLK). In astigmatism, you may have double vision or ghost images. In DLK, debri produce inflammation under the flap. Urgent treatment is the potential permanent visual loss. In keratoconus, the surface bulges. This can happen if the flap is too thick. Up to 50% complain of dry eyes after LASIK eye surgery. Most disappear after 6 months. Artificial tears help. It may be under or over correction correction. Eye infection or irritation is uncommon, but it will require treatment.

5. What to expect? During the evaluation phase, make sure you know what you should expect after the surgery. You should expect 20/20 vision or better, but 20/40 or better is good enough without glasses or contact lenses. A study by the U.S. military to 16,000 army personnel following LASIK eye surgery, from 2000 to 2003 showed that 86% had 20/20 or better vision and 98% achieved 20/40 vision or better. If the projected results do not meet your expectations, then you have to make an informed decision based on the expected results, risks and costs.

 

Dr. Phil Hariram has a special interest in LASIK eye surgery. For the best results, it is imperative that you do your homework. Visit his website: http://www.philhariram.com and get quality info and latest news.

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