Laser eye surgery is an extremely safe and effective procedure for correcting vision problems. It is commonly performed on both eyes to correct nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia).
The procedure is typically completed under local anaesthesia, and the treatment may take only 5 minutes per eye. Your eye surgeon uses a special type of laser called an excimer laser to alter the surface of your cornea, which is the clear front surface of your eye.
Before the procedure, your ophthalmologist will review detailed measurements of your eye and assess your overall health. You will also be given a mild sedative to help you relax before the procedure begins.
Once your ophthalmologist has numbing drops in your eye, he or she will use a small blade or laser to create a hinged flap in the front of your eye. This allows your doctor to access the area of the cornea where the refractive error occurs. Then the doctor reshapes the cornea with the laser beam and replaces the flap.
LASIK is one of the most common types of laser eye surgery. It is performed using a special kind of excimer laser that vaporizes small amounts of the cornea each time it pulses on the surface.
It reshapes the cornea so it bends light more correctly, reducing the amount of blurring that is caused by your refractive error. Some people who have a high prescription for their eye glasses or contact lenses may need a different procedure, such as PRK.
Refractive errors like myopia and hyperopia are caused by the cornea not bending light correctly. Refractive errors that are not corrected by LASIK or other forms of eye surgery can lead to blurred vision, difficulty with close work, headaches and more.
You will need to have several follow-up visits over the first six months after the surgery to ensure that your eyes heal as they should. In some cases, your doctor might recommend a second laser procedure to further improve your vision.
The results of a successful LASIK or other refractive surgery Click here usually last for years. Generally, your natural sight should be greatly improved, and you should be able to eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses altogether.
However, it is not uncommon for your vision to fluctuate over time as the refraction changes as you age. This is not a major problem, and your doctor can usually determine within three to six months whether or not an improvement in your vision is likely to occur.
When you are ready to have eye laser surgery, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you. You should be prepared for some pain, redness and irritation after the procedure, but these will go away quickly.
Your ophthalmologist will give you prescription eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated and prevent inflammation after the procedure. Your ophthalmologist will also explain how to apply your eye drops properly.
LASIK is an excellent option for most people with mild to moderate refractive errors. If you have a high prescription, a more invasive procedure such as PRK may be better for you. Your ophthalmologist will discuss the risks and benefits of both procedures with you and help you decide which is best for your needs.