LASIK or
Laser-Assisted Insitu Keratomileusis is a
procedure that
permanently changes the shape of the
cornea, using an excimer laser.
This is mainly indicated for those who dislike glasses or find that
contact lenses are troublesome. The procedure is performed with an
excimer laser and it is a painless procedure.The
surgery takes
less than 30 minutes and is done under topical anesthetic drops. The
procedure involves using a unique knife, called a microkeratome, to cut
a
flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap
is then folded back, revealing the stroma of the cornea. Pulses from a
computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma according to
preset parameters, and the flap is replaced. No stitches are used, and
the patient can return home immediately. Topical antibiotic drops are
prescribed. Following the procedure, it is advisable to avoid strenuous
contact sports such as boxing, football, etc for at least three to four
weeks after surgery. It is important to protect the eyes from external
injuries. LASIK is not indicated in the following:Patients
in their early 20s or younger, who are pregnant or breastfeeding,
or who are taking medications that may cause fluctuations in
vision. These people are more likely to have
refractive instability.
Currently, LASIK is not approved for those under the age of 18.Certain
conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis),
immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes etc can prevent proper
healing of the cornea and thus are not suitable for LASIK.Those who
participate in contact sports like boxing, wrestling, etc or other
activities, in which blows to the face and eyes are common, are not
advised to undergo LASIK. Patients with very high refractive errors are
also not suitable candidates.Precautions The safety and
effectiveness of LASIK is not established in diseases like Herpes
simplex or Herpes zoster involving the eye, glaucoma, ocular
hypertension, uveitis, eye injuries or previous eye surgeries, and
keratoconus. A careful discussion with the doctor can help in deciding
if LASIK is appropriate. Other risk factors include blepharitis, those
with large pupils, thin corneas, those who have undergone previous
refractive surgery (e.g., RK, PRK), and patients with dry eyes. Risks involved in LASIKAlthough
many patients have a good visual outcome after LASIK, just like any
other medical procedure, there are risks. These may include, halos,
glare, and/or double vision. Some may still need glasses or contact
lenses after surgery, especially if there has been significant
astigmatism before. Severe dry eye syndrome, migration of the flap,
inflammation or infection leading to lead to temporary or even
irreversible loss of vision can occur rarely.LASIK is generally
a safe procedure with definite indications. The risk-benefit aspects
should be discussed with your doctor before deciding to undergo the
procedure. It should not be considered as a miracle treatment, and has
some definite contraindications. Selection of the right candidate by
proper screening methods can avoid complications or patient
dissatisfaction and improve the treatment outcomes significantly.
More abstracts about the LASIK for refractive errors