What is Laser Surgery for Eyes?

Understanding Laser Eye Surgery: A Quick Guide to LASIK

LASIK eye surgery, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a refractive surgery that implements lasers to fix issues involving a person's vision. It is an outpatient treatment, meaning the patient can return home the very same day after surgery.

Laser eye surgery has been developed to correct various refractive problems, such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. Many individuals avail themselves of this treatment because of its quick recovery time, minimal discomfort, and effectiveness. However, before you opt for this procedure, it will be beneficial to fully understand the process, along with its benefits and associated risks. 

Keep reading to learn more!

Which Type of Eye Conditions Does a Laser Surgery Treat?

People suffering from refractive errors can benefit from LASIK surgery. These problems appear when someone's eyes do not bend properly or refract, hindering the light from being focused effectively on the retina in the back of the eye. 

To rectify this condition, laser eye surgery is often considered suitable for:

●  People Having Myopia or Nearsightedness

Those developing myopia find it difficult to see distant objects clearly. A laser treatment for eyes can correct this problem by adjusting the cornea so that light can focus on the retina appropriately. 

●  Individuals With Hyperopia or Farsightedness

People who have hyperopia find it difficult to focus on close objects. With precise LASIK eye surgery, it is possible to reshape the cornea and improve near vision. 

●  People With Astigmatism

Astigmatism or blurred vision is often a result of an irregularly shaped cornea. A LASIK surgery can eliminate these irregularities and give you a sharper vision. 

In India, the cost of laser eye surgery is comparatively lower compared to other countries like the USA, Singapore, or the UK. Therefore, an increasing number of people are going for this option. 

You can also purchase a specialized health insurance plan to get coverage for LASIK eye surgery. Such plans are offered by Star Health Insurance, and anyone with eye power of more than -7.5D can use the policy to get treatment at any preferred network hospital near their area. 

Please note that most of these plans come with a waiting period of 2-3 years. For more information about waiting periods, it is suggested that you get in touch with your chosen health insurer's customer care department.  

Laser Eye Surgery Procedure

Laser eye surgery does not take much time and is typically executed by ophthalmologists within 30 minutes. Here's how it is done:

• The surgeons apply numbing drops on your eye to prevent discomfort.
• Next, they create a thin corneal flap by using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser.
• After this, the experts reshape your cornea by using an excimer laser. It helps correct a specific refractive error.
• Finally, the flap is repositioned to enable natural healing.

In most cases, the patient notices an enhanced vision within several hours following the LASIK surgery.

 
Who is Unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery?

Individuals who are not required to go for LASIK eye surgery include those who:

• Have had changes in their eye prescription over the previous 12 months
• Are younger or in their 20s, although many ophthalmologists suggest those who are above 18 can opt for the surgery
• Take other medications that may result in changes in vision
• Have a thin cornea, as laser surgery may not be suitable for them
• Are you pregnant or nursing

Side Effects of Laser Surgery

Like many other medical procedures, laser eye surgeries also can have potential side effects. However, these effects are temporary. They are as follows: 

●  Dry Eyes

A temporary feeling of dryness in the eyes is very common after laser surgery. Doctors prescribe suitable eye drops to eliminate the discomfort. 

● Fluctuating Vision

For many, their vision may take some days or even weeks to completely stabilize following laser eye surgery. 

●  Glare and Halos

A few patients may face glare or halos when they are around lights, particularly at night. However, these effects disappear after a few weeks. 

Laser Eye Surgery Benefits

Here are the benefits of LASIK surgery:

• Laser eye surgery can potentially provide you with crisp, clear eyesight without needing any contacts or glasses. 
• Most people who have undergone the procedure are happy and satisfied with the results. 

However, some have been disappointed and may have hoped for 100% clear vision with zero reliance on glasses. 
The latter outcome is not always possible. Therefore, it is important to schedule an appointment with a reliable ophthalmologist to determine the level of vision improvement that is possible for you. Eye doctors will suggest the best course of action while keeping your safety as the highest priority.