LASIK Eye Surgery

For people with blurry vision or common vision problems, LASIK eye surgery is a life changer. It is a refractive surgery that is popular worldwide. In this article, we delve into the details of LASIK – what it is, how it works, the risks involved, and what to expect before and after the surgery.

What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis is a widely favoured medical procedure that addresses vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It reshapes the cornea to focus the light on the retina (the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye) for a clearer and sharper vision. 

How Is LASIK Performed? 

During a LASIK eye surgery, a thin, hinged flap on the cornea will be created using either a laser or blade. Afterwards, a specialized ultraviolet light laser will remove precise amounts of corneal tissue based on the patient’s unique prescription. The laser will gently reshape the cornea, correcting its curvature and refractive errors. After the cornea is reshaped, the surgeon will gently reposition the corneal flap, where it adheres naturally without the need for stitches. 

How Long Is A LASIK Procedure?

The entire LASIK procedure typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes per eye and is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients usually experience rapid improvement in their vision shortly after the surgery, with minimal discomfort during the healing process. 

LASIK: What To Expect 

Before The Surgery

Before LASIK, you may expect to undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your eyes will be thoroughly examined and your overall health will be assessed to ensure LASIK is suitable for you.

You may be required to switch from wearing contact lenses to glasses to allow your corneas to return to their natural shape a few weeks leading to your surgery. 

After The Surgery

You may feel mild discomfort such as watery eyes or sensitivity to light after the surgery. However, the discomfort will typically subside quickly. Ensure to rest your eyes and follow the instructions of your doctor on eye drops and medications.

As your eyes heal over the following days and weeks, your vision should stabilize and continue to improve. It’s crucial to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes to protect the corneal flap during healing. Strenuous exercise should also be avoided temporarily. 

According to Mayo Clinic, more than 8 out of 10 people who’ve undergone LASIK eye surgery no longer need the use of glasses or contact lenses for most of their activities.

Risks Of LASIK

LASIK is generally a safe procedure and has a high success rate. However, like any surgical procedure, it comes with some risks and potential complications. Some of the possible risks of LASIK include:

• Dry eyes.
• Glare, halos, and starbursts, especially at night.
• Undercorrection (not achieving the desired level of vision correction) or overcorrection (correcting too much, leading to other issues).
• Regression, whereas the vision improvement achieved through LASIK may regress over time.
• Corneal flap complications such as irregular healing, wrinkles, or infection.
• Corneal ectasia or corneal weakening and bulging.
• Vision loss due to infections or other complications. However, it is an extremely rare case.  

It is crucial for individuals considering LASIK to have a thorough discussion with a medical professional to discuss medical history and undergo a comprehensive eye examination to determine eligibility and understand potential risks. 

Editor’s List To Help You Find The Best Eye Specialist In Singapore And Asia

If you are looking for the best eye specialist for your eye condition in Singapore or elsewhere in Asia, we have an Editor’s List that can serve as the ideal starting point for your search. Click here for our guide to finding the best eye specialists in Singapore and Asia.

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