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What is Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK)? How Does it Work?
LASIK otherwise known as Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is a surgical operation to change the shape of the cornea which functions in refracting light entering the eye and focusing it to create the images we see today. When getting LASIK, an eye surgeon will first place local anesthesia in the patient's eye before placing a frame over the eye to prevent the patient from blinking. Then the surgeon will cut a thin flap in the cornea using either a mechanical or laser device. The mechanical device that may be used is similar to a blade that allows the surgeon to manually cut a flap. The laser device that may be used acts as a cutting tool focusing infrared light into the cornea, eventually creating a precise flap.
Afterward, the eye surgeon will place an ultraviolet laser over the patient's eye to vaporize some of the connective tissue in the cornea. Removal of corneal tissue adjusts the shape of the cornea, improving its focusing power. The amount of corneal tissue vaporized is programmed into a computer based on the patient's evaluation during a previous doctor's visit. After the laser has vaporized the designated amount of corneal tissue the eye surgeon will put the flap back into place.
What to Expect After Surgery
After the procedure, the patient will be given an eye shield to protect their eyes and to prevent any rubbing, poking, or disturbance until the eye flap has healed. Patients may feel a burning or itching sensation in their eyes. Other temporary symptoms include pain, discomfort, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, bloodshot eyes, and blurry vision. Patients should avoid rubbing their eyes because doing so could reposition the flap requiring more treatment to get it fixed. Patients will also have regular appointments with their doctor to have their vision and eyes as a whole examined. Patients may be prescribed eye drops to prevent infections, swelling, and dryness.
Should You Get LASIK?
Things to consider include possible complications, vision correction problems, potential threats to your career, the cost of the procedure, diseases you may have or medications you're on, participation in contact sports, and bodily fluctuations. If you are considering getting LASIK, discuss your options with a doctor.
Possible Complications
As with any surgery, complications are a possibility and may be inevitable in certain patients.
Overcorrection/Undercorrection
If the ultraviolet laser used doesn't remove enough tissue from the eye, you may not achieve the 20/20 vision you've been hoping for. These undercorrections may require further treatment to remove more tissue. If the laser removes an excess amount of tissue, an overcorrection may occur which may be harder to repair.
Possible Threat to Your Career
Some jobs do not allow eye surgeries to correct vision problems. Check with your employer before making any decisions.
Cost of Procedure
Eye surgery to correct vision issues can be very expensive and is not covered by most medical insurance companies. Check with your medical insurance company before making any decisions.
Diseases and/or Medications
Autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency states, and certain medications may not allow for proper healing post-surgery. Check with your doctor before making any decisions.
Participation in Contact Sports
Sports that involve contact with the face and eyes such as boxing or martial arts could reposition the flap requiring further treatment.
Bodily Fluctuations
Those who are 18-20 years old (LASIK is not permitted for people under 18 years old), those who have unstable hormone levels due to disease(s), those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and/or those who are taking medications that cause vision changes should discuss their possible risks with their doctor.
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Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
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