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Understanding LASIK Surgery: Is It Right for You?

What is LASIK Surgery?

Understanding LASIK Surgery: Is It Right for You?

Imagine waking up in the morning and seeing everything clearly—without reaching for your glasses or contact lenses. That’s exactly what LASIK eye surgery can offer. LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a precise, safe, and effective vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina. This results in sharp, natural vision.

It is commonly used to treat:

  • Nearsightedness (Myopia)
  • Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
  • Astigmatism

For most patients, LASIK is a life-changing procedure that provides long-term visual freedom.

LASIK and Other Refractive Surgeries

It’s important to understand that LASIK is just one of several procedures that fall under the umbrella of refractive surgery. If LASIK isn’t the right fit for you, there are other advanced techniques that can achieve similar results. Some of these include:

  • PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): This is an excellent option for patients with thin corneas. Instead of creating a flap, the laser works on the corneal surface.
  • SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A minimally invasive procedure that removes a small lenticule from the cornea through a tiny incision, preserving more corneal strength.
  • CLEAR (Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive correction): A newer variant of SMILE, offering enhanced precision.
  • SILK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis): The latest evolution in refractive surgery, providing even smoother vision correction outcomes.

Each of these procedures has unique advantages, and during your consultation, I will help you determine the best approach based on your eye health, lifestyle, and visual needs.

Preoperative Investigations Before Refractive Surgery

Before proceeding with any refractive surgery, a series of comprehensive preoperative tests are conducted to ensure you are a suitable candidate. These investigations assess the health and structure of your eyes, ruling out any contraindications.

Some essential preoperative tests include:

  • Detailed Eye Examination: Checking for underlying eye conditions such as dry eyes, keratoconus, or infections.
  • Corneal Topography & Pachymetry: Measures the shape, curvature, and thickness of the cornea to determine suitability for LASIK or other refractive procedures.
  • Wavefront Analysis: Evaluates higher-order aberrations that can affect night vision and visual clarity.
  • Tear Film Assessment: Ensures you have adequate tear production to prevent post-surgery dryness.
  • Subjective Refraction: Determines your exact prescription and evaluates your best-corrected vision.
  • Pupil Size Measurement: Assesses the risk of glare and halos after surgery.

These tests allow us to customize the best refractive procedure for your eyes, ensuring the highest level of safety and accuracy.

How Does LASIK Work?

  1. Creating a Corneal Flap: A thin flap is made on the cornea using a femtosecond laser or microkeratome.
  2. Reshaping the Cornea: A highly precise excimer laser sculpts the cornea to correct vision imperfections.
  3. Flap Repositioning: The flap is placed back into position, where it naturally adheres without the need for stitches.

The entire process is completed in just a few minutes per eye, and most patients experience significant vision improvement almost immediately.

Benefits of LASIK Surgery

Quick recovery time – Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours.
Immediate vision improvement – Many notice a dramatic enhancement in vision the same day.
Painless procedure – With numbing drops, the surgery is virtually discomfort-free.
Long-lasting results – Once the cornea is reshaped, the effects are generally permanent.
Reduced dependency on glasses and contact lenses – Enjoy the freedom of clear vision without corrective eyewear.

Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?

You may be eligible for LASIK if you:

  • Are over 18 years old
  • Have a stable prescription for at least one year
  • Have healthy corneas with sufficient thickness
  • Have no significant eye diseases such as severe dry eyes or keratoconus
  • Are not pregnant or nursing

A comprehensive eye evaluation is essential to confirm whether LASIK or another refractive procedure is the right choice for you.

Risks & Considerations

While LASIK is a highly refined and safe procedure, like any medical treatment, it comes with some potential risks:

  • Temporary dry eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Night vision disturbances (halos, glare)
  • Overcorrection or undercorrection (though rare and correctable)

These risks are significantly minimized with advanced technology and a skilled surgeon. During your consultation, I will walk you through all safety measures to ensure the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions - LASIK surgery

No, LASIK is a painless procedure. Numbing drops are used to ensure comfort during the surgery. Some patients may feel mild pressure, but there is no pain.

The actual laser procedure lasts only a few minutes per eye, with the entire process typically completed within 20-30 minutes.

Most patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours, though it is recommended to avoid strenuous activities for a week.

Yes, LASIK provides long-lasting results. However, natural aging processes, such as presbyopia, may still require reading glasses later in life.

Yes, LASIK is highly effective in treating astigmatism, along with nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Protect Your Vision Today!

Your eyes are your windows to the world—don’t neglect them. For personalized advice and comprehensive eye care, visit Shanthi Nethralaya and consult Dr. Shanthi Niketh. Book your appointment now to ensure lifelong healthy eyes!

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