LASIK Surgery for Glass Removal:

In the modern world, eyeglasses have become a part of daily necessities for a significant number of people. These visual aids assist in correcting refractive issues such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. However, despite this, many dream of living a life without them, mostly due to maintenance issues. Considering this, modern medical procedures like LASIK surgery (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) have made this possible. However, this has not erased the age-old question: Is LASIK the forever answer for correcting vision issues?. 

If you too are wondering about this question, this blog might just be the answer.   

What is LASIK? 

Perhaps one of the most popular forms of refractive surgeries in modern times is LASIK surgery. It reshapes the cornea and corrects vision. If the cornea appears to be too steep, irregular, or if light is not able to focus on the retina properly, it leads to blurred vision. LASIK surgery utilises a highly precise laser technology to rectify the curvature of the cornea. This allows light to enter properly, which in turn enables clear vision. 

It is often the solution for conditions like: 

  • Myopia: Poor distant vision 
  • Hyperopia: Poor near vision 
  • Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision due to irregular corneal curvature     

LASIK surgery is safe, quick, and efficient. This is why LASIK surgery for glasses removal is trusted at a global level. 

The Workings of LASIK

The procedure typically takes only 15–20 minutes for both eyes. Since numbing eye drops are used, patients usually feel little to no pain, and vision often improves within 24 hours.

In order to understand the workings of LASIK surgery, please go through this section thoroughly: 

  • The creation of the Corneal Flap: 

A thin flap is created on the cornea with the assistance of a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome. 

  • Modifying the Cornea: 

The flap is lifted, and then the excimer laser is used to remove the tiny pieces of corneal tissue. 

  1. For myopia, the cornea is flattened 
  2. For hyperopia, the cornea is steepened 
  3. For astigmatism, the irregularities and abnormalities of the cornea are corrected.  
  • Repositioning the Cornea: 

The corneal flap is repositioned back into its natural position. 

The entire procedure takes no more than 15 to 20 minutes for each eye. The surgeon will likely use numbing eye drops, which means that if you undergo LASIK surgery,  you will not feel any kind of pain. You can experience normal vision within the next 24 to 48 hours.  

Is it Permanent? 

This is one of the most common questions regarding LASIK surgery. Well, the answer is not that simple, as it is both Yes and No. 

  • The laser modifying the shape of the eye is permanent. Once the corneal tissue is removed, it cannot grow back. 
  • Both your eyes will continue to be affected by age. So you will still be vulnerable to age-related conditions. 

Some examples of these conditions include:  

  • Presbyopia: If you are over the age of 40, your eyes will start to lose their elasticity. LASIK cannot protect you from presbyopia.  
  • Cataracts: Over time, the natural lens of the eye might become cloudy, leading to blurred vision.  
  • Regression: In some patients, surgery performed when the prescription was unstable may lead to refractive issues later on. 

Therefore, from this, it is clear that LASIK can be a long-term solution for vision correction. However, in no way can it guarantee a lifetime of perfect vision.   

Factors Affecting LASIK Surgery 

Factors Affecting LASIK Surgery

The results of LASIK vary for everyone. Considering this, there are several factors that play a role in the success of LASIK surgery. These are: 

  • Age during the time of the procedure 
  1. The perfect candidate will be between the ages of 20 and 40 years
  2. Surgery at a young age might also put the patient at risk of regression 
  • Prescription Stability
  1. Proper vision for 12 months is a prerequisite for achieving long-term results 
  • Thickness of the Cornea
  1. The proper thickness of the cornea plays an essential role in the reshaping procedure. If you have a thin or irregular cornea, you might be more suitable for SMILE or PRK. 
  • Extent of the Refractive Error
  1. If you suffer from conditions like hyperopia or myopia, you might experience little different results. 
  • General health of the eye
  1. If you suffer from conditions like cataracts or glaucoma, you might not be fit enough to undergo LASIK surgery. 

Other than these factors, your daily lifestyle habits play a key role as well. Therefore, before thinking of undergoing LASIK, you must look after your health and see to it that you are able to meet all the factors that have been mentioned above.  

Care After LASIK

For the best long-term outcomes, proper post-operative care is a mandatory necessity. Considering this, these are some tips you must keep in mind: 

  • First few days: Antibiotics and lubricating drops. Please avoid touching your eyes and areas near to eyes.   
  • Attend all your doctor visits: Be sure to attend all your doctor’s visits. Regular check-ups will help to reduce the chances of complications. 
  • Dry Eyes Management: There is a high chance of you suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome after LASIK surgery. Be sure to consult with the doctor if such a thing happens. 
  • Long-term care: Even if you have achieved a clear vision through LASIK, you must still go through regular eye tests for conditions like presbyopia, glaucoma, cataracts, or other age-related conditions.     

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Conclusion 

LASIK is one of the safest methods for achieving clear vision. By reshaping the cornea properly, you will be able to see clearly without ever relying on visual aids. However, you have to keep in mind that it is not a permanent solution. So regular checkups and maintaining eye health daily are mandatory.