What is Lasik Eye Surgery? Treatment and Benefits

Introduction – Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery has been a popular choice for correcting eye power for more than 20 years. Although refractive problems are the main reason for using laser eye surgery, cataract and retinal treatments have also benefited greatly from laser technology.

In this article, we will look at the several benefits of laser eye surgery (LASIK). However, it is first important to understand the procedure and your eligibility for it. Finally, this article will also help you understand the factors that determine the overall LASIK eye surgery cost in India. If you suffer from astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness, LASIK eye surgery might be the answer you have been looking for.

Types of LASIK Surgical Techniques 

• Microkeratome/ Blade LASIK 

In this classic LASIK operation, a microkeratome is used to generate the corneal flap. An excimer laser is then used to remodel the corneal tissue behind the flap in order to rectify the refractive defect.

• Femto LASIK 

Alternatively referred to as all-laser LASIK or bladeless LASIK, this technique uses a femtosecond laser rather than a microkeratome blade to generate the corneal flap. Compared to blade LASIK, femto LASIK is thought to have the potential for fewer issues and more accurate flap formation.

• Vision Contour LASIK

Contoura Vision LASIK is a sophisticated type of custom LASIK that uses corneal wave front data and topography-guided technologies to generate a highly individualized treatment plan. 

• Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) 

SMILE is a minimally invasive refractive procedure that corrects vision by forming a tiny, lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) inside the cornea, which is subsequently removed through a tiny incision. Compared to regular LASIK, SMILE may provide benefits such as faster recovery and a lower risk of dry eye.

Are you eligible for LASIK eye surgery? 

LASIK eye surgery is a standard technique that can enhance vision with minimal interruption.  But not everyone is eligible for this particular operation. Along with other potential disqualifiers like pregnancy or specific medical disorders, age and eye health are crucial considerations. It’s crucial to speak with an eye specialist to find out if LASIK is the best choice for you. Usually, qualifications for eligibility include:

• At least eighteen years of age.
• Stable eyesight for a minimum of a year.
• Excellent general eye health.
• No history of infections or disorders of the eyes
•  Not nursing a baby or pregnant.

In order to find out if LASIK is a safe and practical option for you, it’s crucial to undergo a comprehensive consultation with an eye specialist. You can benefit from LASIK eye surgery in numerous ways as long as you complete the eligibility requirements and take care of any potential disqualifications.

What Makes You An Ideal Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is the right option for you if you suffer from the following medical conditions-

• Hazy vision: This includes clear vision problems brought on by astigmatism, hypermetropia, and myopia.
• Problems with Night Vision: This includes increased glare, halos, or trouble seeing in dim light, particularly in people with larger refractive errors.
• Eye Fatigue: Eye strain or pain, especially after extended hours of reading, using a computer, or performing other visually taxing chores.
• Headaches: People who have uncorrected refractive error may get headaches, particularly if they are squinting or trying to see clearly.
• Distorted vision: Items may appear warped or malformed, particularly in astigmatic people.
• Squinting: Squinting is a common response to trying to see better, especially when one is far away or in dimly lit areas.

What is the Procedure for LASIK Eye Surgery? 

Prior to Surgery

You will have a thorough eye exam to determine your eligibility for LASIK laser eye surgery prior to the treatment. In addition to measuring your cornea, our staff will go over your medical history and answer any queries or worries you may have. Along with comprehensive information on how to be ready for surgery, you’ll also get any essential medication schedule and precautions.

Stage- wise Surgical Procedure 

• Stage I: Preparing For Surgery

• Anesthesia: To make sure you don’t experience any pain during the treatment, numbing eye drops are given.
• Sedation: To help you relax, you may occasionally be given a mild oral sedative.

• Stage II: Developing the Flap

• Formation of a Corneal Flap: During this stage, a tiny, hinged flap is developed on the surface of your cornea. The most common surgical tools used for this are a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome.
• Flap Lifting: the flap is gradually lifted to reveal the corneal tissue underneath

• Stage III: Reshaping with lasers

• The cornea is reshaped using a computerized excimer. Tiny amounts of tissue are removed by the laser in order to fix the eyesight problem. Usually, each eye takes less than a minute for this portion of the process.

• Stage IV: Repositioning the Flap

• With extreme caution, the corneal flap is returned to its initial location. It doesn’t require stitches because it sticks by itself.

Post Surgery Care 

You will receive comprehensive instructions for post-operative care following LASIK surgery to guarantee the best possible healing and visual recovery. In order to evaluate your vision and treat any concerns, our experts will keep a close eye on your development and set up follow-up consultations. Within days of surgery, the majority of patients report better eyesight, no discomfort, and a quick return to their regular activities.

Steps to Prepare For LASIK Eye Surgery

• Make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with a surgeon. Your eye health, corneal thickness, and visual acuity will all be evaluated during this examination.
• Talk about your expectations, including what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, as well as any possible dangers.
• Follow your surgeon’s instructions for how long to take off your contact lenses before the examination and surgery if you wear them. This is important because using contact lenses can change your cornea’s structure.
• Be prompt in your arrival to the clinic or operation center. It’s possible that you’ll need to finish some paperwork and be prepared for an eye exam.
• On the day of the procedure, dress comfortably and don’t apply lotions or makeup. Since you won’t be able to drive right after the procedure, make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the surgery.

Advantages of Laser Surgery

• Better vision without contact lenses or glasses.
• Prompt outcomes, frequently seen in a matter of days.
• Less reliance on visual assistance.
• Increased ease and quality of life.
• Enhanced general visual awareness and peripheral vision.
• Rise in self-worth and confidence.
• Quick healing with little discomfort.
• Long-lasting outcomes that provide years of sharp vision

Risk Factors Associated With LASIK Eye Surgery

• Some patients report seeing halos or glare around lights, especially at night or in dimly lit areas.
• Rarely, double vision (the perception of two images instead of one) can result during LASIK.
• LASIK may cause eyes to produce less tears, which might result in dry, stinging, or irritated eyes. Although usually transient, this can occasionally endure.
• If the surgery doesn’t completely correct vision, more care or ongoing usage of corrective lenses may be required.
• In rare circumstances, the correction may be made excessively, which could cause problems with near- or far-sightedness.

Key Factors For Determining The Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery 

• Type of Laser Technology: Costs may increase for advanced technologies such as wavefront-guided or bespoke LASIK, which customizes treatment based on your individual eye features, and femtosecond lasers, which are used to create the corneal flap.
• Experience of Surgeon: Reputable and highly experienced surgeons frequently charge for their services. Their knowledge can lead to improved results and a lower risk of complications.
• Regional Variations: Depending on the hospital location, LASIK eye operation price may change. In comparison to smaller towns or rural locations, major metropolitan centers typically have higher costs associated with LASIK treatment.

How can mediEND assist you in LASIK eye surgery?

• Seasoned medical professionals

You will receive excellent care and competence from a team of highly skilled and experienced LASIK surgeons who have completed many successful procedures.

• Cutting Edge Technology

In order to guarantee the best results for our patients, mediEND employs the most advanced and most sophisticated LASIK technology.

• Individualized Attention 

Since every patient is different, they provide individualized care that is catered to your specific needs and concerns at every stage of the LASIK procedure, from consultation to follow-up after surgery.

• Easy payment option

This includes no-cost extended maintenance payments (EMIs) and health insurance coverage.

Conclusion

To sum up, LASIK eye surgery has several advantages for people who want to see better. LASIK has established itself as a reliable process for treating astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness due to its rising popularity and excellent success rates. It increases quality of life by removing the need for contacts or glasses in addition to improving vision. Long-term financial benefits are also offered in comparison to the expense of wearing contacts or glasses. Above all, LASIK can enhance one’s overall attractiveness and self-confidence. Take the initial step toward improved vision by speaking with an eye doctor about your interest in LASIK and finding out if you are a good candidate. 

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