LASIK Eye Correction Surgery
Safe and Painless Eye Surgery
LASIK surgery has improved the vision of many people allowing them to permanently discard their glasses and contact lenses.
The clear part of the eye – the cornea – focuses light rays on to the back of the eye (the retina). The cornea is normally free of imperfections, but any alteration in the shape of the cornea causes images to be poorly focused and so blurred vision results.
Millions of people have problems with their corneas caused by small imperfections in its shape.
LASIK can correct three types of visual problems: short sightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The combination of astigmatism with either short sight or long sight is common. Glasses and contact lenses are designed to compensate for these problems, but because of the distance between their artificial lens and the natural lens neither can provide perfect vision. LASIK works by correcting the corneal defects so providing perfect vision.
Presbyopia is an age related condition in which reading becomes more difficult; this condition can not be easily corrected with LASIK surgery. Presbyopia usually begins at around 40 years and progressively worsens making reading smaller print more difficult.
First an instrument called a microkeratome makes an incision at the edge of the cornea through which the sophisticated medical laser is passed. The laser is computer controlled and highly accurate. It makes microscopic corrections to the shape of the cornea’s inner surface so ‘ironing out’ any defects and restoring the corneas’ natural shape.
To be suitable for LASIK corneas have to be thick enough so before the procedure is performed an ophthalmic surgeon will measure the thickness of your cornea.
Anyone considering LASIK should undergo a thorough examination by an ophthalmologist. The exam, and a follow-up consultation with the physician, can also identify hidden health problems that may affect the candidate’s vision in the future.
A reputable LASIK clinic will conduct a series of pre-surgery tests and will inform you of the potential results of LASIK and your suitability for the treatment.
The history and examination are simple and include stable vision for the last two years. Because contact lenses change the shape of the cornea they should not be worn before LASIK treatment. Soft contact lenses should not be worn for three days before surgery, with hard ones being discarded three to four weeks before.
The ophthalmologist will want to know if you have any illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure and if you are taking permanent medication. They also need to determine if there is any history of eye trauma, injury or disease.
The ophthalmologist will carry out the usual eye examinations and some ones that are more sophisticated. Using a special instrument the outline and shape of the cornea will be mapped and its thickness measured; to be right for LASIK treatment corneas have to be of a suitable thickness. Other tests will include testing eye muscle strength, an examination for glaucoma and cataracts. Also the ideal age for LASIK surgery is between the ages of 18 and 40 years old.
However, as with any medical or surgical procedure, for certain patients the outcome of the procedure may not seem “ideal” or meet all of his/her expectations. A small minority of patients may also experience complications. Therefore, it is crucial that LASIK surgery candidates thoroughly discuss the procedure — its benefits, risks and probable outcomes — with their physician prior to undergoing the surgery. Each patient should be fully informed and feel comfortable that they are making an educated decision based upon facts.
LASIK surgery significantly improves vision, self image, confidence and quality of life.
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