LASIK Eye Surgery 2022

 LASIK Eye Surgery 2022

LASIK is one of the most common and widespread eye surgeries to correct vision defects through the local correction of corneal curvature by laser, which has become an alternative to lenses and eyeglasses Hence, we must know how the process of seeing things takes place. This happens as a result of the refraction of light falling on the cornea (the transparent front part) of the eye to reach the retina in the (back) of the eye, and this results in seeing things clearly. 

What is LASIK

It is a surgery to correct the curvature of the cornea, which is the transparent (front) part of the eye, by using a special type of laser so that the cornea can reflect light correctly on the retina in the back of the eye so that the vision is clear.

What is LASIK used for

In the case of eyes with normal vision, the curvature of the cornea works to reflect light directly and correctly on the retina, so we can see things clearly. But there are cases of vision defects where the light from the cornea does not refract on the retina properly, so the vision becomes blurry, and doctors call it (refractive error) this happens in the following cases:

• Myopia: In this case, close objects can be seen clearly, while distant objects are difficult to see and their vision is blurry. This is due to the curvature of the cornea too sharply from the normal level or to the length of the eyeball a little longer than usual, The refraction of light from the cornea occurs in front of the retina and not on it as in a normal vision.

• Long-sightedness (Hyperopia): In this case, distant objects can be seen clearly, while it is difficult to see them up close, This is because the cornea is too flat or the eyeball is a little shorter than usual in which light refracts from the cornea behind the retina and not on it as in the case of normal vision.

• Astigmatism: Here the vision is blurry, whether near or far vision because the shape of the eye cornea is uneven

  If you suffer from one of the above conditions, you should see your doctor to determine if  LASIK surgery is an appropriate option for you.

When should LASIK surgery not be performed

• you are less than 18 years old 

• Pregnant or breastfeeding 

• You have eye diseases such as glaucoma or severe dry eyes

• in case of other health problems such as diabetes or diseases of immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

• in the case of a thin or uneven cornea

• Having many recent changes in your vision prescription

What are the benefits of LASIK operations

• After LASIK surgery there is an improvement in the degree of vision, there is a chance of achieving a vision of 20/25 or more after surgery.

• More than 8 out of 10 people no longer rely on lenses and eyeglasses after refractive surgery. 

• Little pain, if any.

• No stitches or bandages.

• Your doctor can adjust your vision if it changes with age.

What are the risks of LASIK surgery

As in other surgeries, LASIK surgery may include some risks, including:

• There may be some problems that affect vision permanently, although this is a complex and rare process, so care must be taken to choose a surgeon with great experience in these surgeries.

• You may lose the highest or best vision you had while wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses, and these are rare cases.

• Overcorrections, which are the removal of a lot of eye tissue by a laser

• . Undercorrections, are the removal of a little eye tissue by a laser that is not enough to see better

• . This type of surgery is not covered by insurance, so you will bear the cost at your own expense.

What are the side effects of LASIK surgery

There are some side effects that some patients may feel after surgery, such as discomfort on the first and second day after LASIK eye surgery, and there are some rare side effects that usually go away over time, including:

• dry eyes
• Glare and seeing halos around the pictures and double vision.
• Difficulty seeing at night.
• photosensitivity

How to prepare before LASIK surgery

• After the eye surgeon's review, we will talk about what to expect during and after the operation. Then reviewing the patient’s medical history, in addition to doing a complete eye examination that includes tests to measure the thickness of the cornea, refraction, and intraocular pressure. The doctor may draw a map of the patient’s corneas as well as dilate the pupil of the eye. The surgeon will answer any questions or inquiries the patient has about the surgery. Then he sets the date for the operation.

• If you use hard contact lenses, do not wear them for at least 3 weeks before the evaluation, and do not wear any other type of contact lenses for at least 3 days before the evaluation.

• Do not wear eye make-up before surgery or bulky extensions in your hair so as not to interfere with the position of the head during surgery.

What happens during LASIK eye surgery

• LASIK surgery usually takes approximately 30 minutes or less. The patient lies on a level chair and the doctor puts anesthetic drops in the eyes and may give you medicine to help you relax.

• The doctor uses a tool called Microkeratome or Femtosecond laser to make a small articular flap called (flap) that can be folded up to reach the part of the cornea to be reshaped using another type of laser. And by returning the flap to its place, which usually heals without stitches, the surgery is over.

• After surgery, you should plan to have someone else drive you home.

LASIK-Diagram

What to expect after LASIK eye surgery

• Dry eyes, although you do not feel it, the doctor will give you eye drops to keep the eyes moist, as well as a drop to prevent infections and infection, and for a short time you may feel a slight burning sensation or blurry vision when using them. Do not use any eye drops before asking the doctor.

• Most patients notice better vision within a few days after surgery due to the rapid healing of the eyes. If any

 problems or unusual side effects occur, see your doctor immediately.

• You should not swim or use a hot tub for at least two weeks after surgery. You may use a plastic shield to protect your eyes while you sleep for a few days.

• Your doctor will tell you the time of your next visit for post-operative follow-up, which may be after the first day or more.

What are the results of LASIK eye surgery

• Your vision can change after LASIK for the better, and you may need reading glasses as you age.

• More than 10% of people may need to perform LASIK again after a period to restore the effects, but in general, 90% of patients have vision ranging between 20/20 or 20/40 after LASIK surgery.

Written by: Dr/ Amira Saleh