It is an eye surgery performed to improve vision and reduce the need for the person to wear glasses or contact lenses. Permanently change the shape of the cornea (the transparent covering at the front of the eye).

The term “LASIK” is used to refer to all types of laser eye surgery.

What is LASIK eye surgery like?

Before a LASIK procedure, the eye surgeon will evaluate the detailed measurements of the eye. He will then use a special type of laser cutter to precisely alter the curvature of the cornea. 

With each pulse of the laser beam, a small amount of corneal tissue is removed, allowing the eye surgeon to flatten the curvature of the cornea or make it more pronounced.

Commonly, the surgeon creates a flap on the cornea and then lifts it before reshaping the cornea. There are also variations where a very thin flap is lifted or no flap is used, or no flap is lifted. 

Each technique has advantages and disadvantages.

LASIK surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure. This means that it takes approximately ten to fifteen minutes for each eye. The only anesthetic used is an eye drop that numbs the surface of the eye. 

The procedure is carried out while the patient is awake, but providing medication to help relax him. Surgery can be done on one or both eyes in the same session.

LASIK procedures

There are different specific types of laser eye procedures. Depending on your individual circumstances and preferences, you may consider the following:

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

With this procedure, instead of forming a flap, the upper surface (epithelium) is scraped. This corneal abrasion takes three to four days to heal, causing moderate pain and blurred vision in the short term.

Laser Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy (LASEK)

LASEK is similar to LASIK eye surgery, but the flap is created using a special cutting device (microkeratome) and exposing the cornea to ethanol. 

The procedure allows the surgeon to remove less of the cornea, making it a good option for people who have thin corneas. 

For people at increased risk for eye injury, LASEK has no significant advantages over LASIK eye surgery.

Laser-assisted epithelial in situ keratomileusis (epi-LASIK)

In an epi-LASIK procedure, the surgeon separates the epithelium from the middle of the cornea (stroma) using a mechanized blunt blade device (epiqueratome) and reshapes the cornea with a laser. 

This procedure is similar to LASEK surgery.

Implantable lenses

Corrective lenses can be surgically inserted into the eye to improve vision. This is routinely done as part of cataract surgery (in which the old, cloudy natural lens is removed).

 It can also be an alternative to LASIK eye surgery for older adults who may need cataract surgery in the future. 

Younger people with a high degree of myopia who cannot be successfully treated with corrective lenses may also be offered implantable lenses. 

But this is not a routine option for most people.

Bioptics

Bioptics combines one or more techniques, such as implantable lenses and LASIK eye surgery, to treat nearsightedness or farsightedness. 

But this is not an option for most people who want refractive eye surgery.

Are there any risks?

Before having LASIK eye surgery you should make sure that you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, as these conditions affect your vision measurement values.

• Some of the risks that may arise are:
• Corneal scarring or permanent problems with the shape of the cornea, making it impossible to wear contact lenses
• Decreased or permanent vision loss
• Corneal infection
• Dry eyes
• Glares or halos
• Sensitivity to light
• Red or pink patches on the white of the eye (usually temporary)

Before the procedure

A complete eye exam is done to make sure your eyes are healthy. 

Later, other tests are done to measure the curvature of the cornea, the size of the pupils in light and dark, the refractive error of the eyes, and the thickness of the cornea (to make sure you have enough corneal tissue left after Surgery).

Before the procedure the patient has to sign an authorization for surgery. This to confirm that the patient knows the risks, benefits, alternative options and possible complications of the procedure.

After the procedure

A shield or patch will be placed over the eye to protect the flap. It will also help prevent rubbing or pressure on the eye until the eye has had enough time to heal (usually overnight).

For the first 6 hours, keep your eye closed as much as possible.
Do not rub the eye, so that the flap does not dislodge or move.

You may have burning, itching, or the feeling that something is in your eye. This sensation does not last more than 6 hours in most cases.

The doctor may prescribe medication for mild pain and a sedative.
Vision is usually blurry or cloudy on the day of surgery, but will improve the next day.

At the first visit after surgery, the eye shield will be removed and the doctor will examine the eye and test your vision. You will be given eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation.

It is recommended:

Do not drive until vision has improved sufficiently.
Avoid swimming, bathtubs and whirlpools
contact sports
Use of eye lotions, creams and makeup 2 to 4 weeks after surgery

Call your eye doctor right away if you have severe pain or if any of your symptoms get worse before your scheduled check-up appointment (24 to 48 hours after surgery).