Following are the Facts and Procedures for the Lasik Eye Surgery:-
What is Refractive Surgery?
Refractive surgeries are those that are performed to help an individual reduce their dependency on glasses. They may be laser or non-laser based surgeries.
What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis.
How does LASIK eye surgery work?
LASIK eye surgery is done to help patients reduce their dependency from their spectacles.
• This Lasik Eye Surgery involves the creation of a flap on the cornea of the eye, after which laser is used to ablate/burn tissue and mould its curvature such that it changes the focal point of the eye.
• A thin flap of required thickness is created using either a motorized blade (Microkeratome LASIK) or a specialized Laser (Femtosecond or Bladeless Lasik Eye Surgery).
• It is then washed and put back in place, and the number-correcting laser is done. No stitches are required.
How is LASIK performed?
It is a simple relatively painless procedure which takes between 10 to 15 mins per eye. This procedure is done without any injections.
Facts About LASIK:
1. Will my number become zero after surgery?
LASIK is meant to reduce your dependency on glasses, but may not completely eliminate their need. The total number of the patient is fed into a highly precise computer technology but the healing of the human eye is unpredictable. A negligible residual number may persist but this doesn’t necessarily mean that the patient requires glasses. Often patients are eager to know whether their number after surgery is zero or not, and they overlook the fact that they have completely normal vision and are comfortable with the same.
2. Does Lasik effect last forever?
LASIK is a laser done on the eye to reshape the cornea such that the number is minimized. However, it cannot halt your normal aging process. Presbyopia is a condition near around the age of 40 years when an individual starts developing a reading glass power. This is because of the effect of age-related changes in the eye. This effect begins around 40 years and progressively increases up to the age of 60 years. An individual who had no glasses for all his life may now require glasses for reading/ writing/ mobile phone use/ near work. LASIK cannot in any way halt this natural phenomenon, and so when the time comes, one will require reading glasses, though LASIK will still remain effective for their distance vision.
3. Will I develop Cataract after LASIK?
Cataract is an opacification of the normally clear lens. An age-related Cataract is an inevitable process and LASIK will have no bearing on it. Whenever you do require cataract surgery, the surgical procedure and options for the Intraocular Lens remain the same.
Blade-free LASIK
Traditionally, a bladeless/ blade-free LASIK is what is referred to as FEMTOSECOND LASIK.
This is a highly precise technology which may be of additional benefit in thinner corneas or those whose curvature is too flat or steep. Here, a Femtosecond laser is used to create the flap in the cornea. i.e. the first step differs in that instead of a motorized blade, a highly precise laser (of a different type from the one that removes the number) is used to create the flap. This is a true bladeless Lasik.
What are the types of LASIK surgery?
There are different types of LASIK surgery:
Blade LASIK: A motorized blade is used to make the incision and create a flap in the cornea which is then followed by a laser to reshape the corneal tissue.
Bladeless Femtosecond LASIK: In this procedure a laser is used to create the flap, thus eliminating the use of a blade all together.
Wave Front Guided LASIK: Using wave front technology a detailed 3d map is created of the cornea, thus providing the surgeon with extreme precision to perform the procedure this is also called Customized LASIK and corrects the aberrations of the eye.
Topography Guided LASIK: Corneal topography helps the surgeon map out even the minor irregularities on the surface of the cornea which in turn leads to a better outcome post-surgery. This is another form of Customized LASIK, commonly referred to as CONTOURA LASIK on certain types of machines.
Alternatives to LASIK
It is important to know that not everyone can undergo the LASIK procedure. The concerned person’s eye must be of a certain curvature and thickness to permit the surgery. Beyond permissible limits, the procedure may be harmful to your eye. E.g if the cornea is too thin/ too steep/ too flat or the spectacle power is very high.
The nonsurgical options like glasses or contact lenses are always there. Always remember that Lasik is a cosmetic procedure!!
For thinner corneas, a blade-free procedure called EPILASIK or PRK ( Photo Refractive Keratectomy) can be performed. In this procedure only the uppermost layer of the cornea i.e. the epithelium is removed instead of making a flap. Since lesser tissue is involved, it may be a better option for thinner corneas. Ultimately, the laser that removes the number is the same in both the procedures. (Only the first step differs.)
For corneas that are too thin or that have very high spectacle powers, a better option called ICL can be done. This is an Implantable Collamer Lens, similar to a thin contact lens of your eye power, but surgically inserted into your eye and it rests on the natural crystalline lens.
Dr Kareeshma Wadia and our caring team are ready to provide you the expert care. Don’t hesitate to reach out, we are just a call or click away. Take the first step towards better eye health today.
Lasik Eye Surgery FAQs
What part of the eye does LASIK surgery target?
In LASIK surgery, the shape of the cornea is changed using a laser. This technique of laser eye surgery changes the way light rays fall on the retina. LASIK is used in the treatment of various disorders such as hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), and astigmatism.
What does LASIK correct?
LASIK corrects refractive errors (spectacle power/number) such as Myopia (nearsightedness/minus number), Hyperopia (farsightedness/plus number) and Astigmatism (cylindrical power)
How do glasses or contact lenses correct vision?
Glasses or contact lenses correct the vision by correcting the refractive errors in our eye. The vision gets corrected with the help of glasses or contact lenses as they add or subtract the focusing power to the lens and cornea, and help the rays of light form a point focus on the retina.
Do glasses or contact lenses reshape the cornea?
Orthokeratology, or also known as ortho-k, is a process in which the use of specifically intended and formfitting contact lenses is used to provisionally reshape the cornea to improve vision. However, it is not a frequently used mode of treatment.
What vision problems can LASIK surgery correct?
LASIK surgery can correct the refractive errors such as nearsightedness(myopia), farsightedness(hyperopia) and astigmatism. In order for the light to focus directly on the retina, LASIK corrects the corneal shape that causes these refractive errors.
Is LASIK permanent?
LASIK does solve the patients refractive errors for a long period of time, but age-related reading number or cataract are bound to happen for everyone.
Is LASIK surgery safe?
Yes, LASIK surgery is safe, if done for the appropriate candidate after a detailed evaluation of the eye. It cannot be done for all individuals. Majority of the people who get it done are content with the results, and complications are rare. There are certain side effects, such as dry eyes and temporary vision problems (such as glare), which are quite common, but improve over time.
How long does the LASIK procedure take?
The duration of the LASIK procedure usually takes 10-15 minutes or less per eye.
What is bladeless LASIK?
Bladeless LASIK uses a specialized laser known as the Femtosecond Laser to create the flap in the cornea.
How much does bladeless Lasik eye surgery cost?
Bladeless Lasik eye surgery costs anywhere between 75,000 to 1,50,000
Does LASIK eye surgery hurt?
LASIK is usually painless, and does not hurt. Numbing eye drops are put prior to the surgery which helps during the process. During the procedure we need to keep the eyes open with a small instrument which separates the eyelids. Also, during the procedure there is some suction applied to the eye (based on what type of lasik is performed) this may be perceived as pressure on the eye for a few seconds, which each patient will perceive differently and some may describe as mild pain. After the procedure the effect of the anesthesia will wear off leading to some discomfort for which your doctor will prescribe you medicines.
Are there any risks or side effects of LASIK?
Like any other procedure, the LASIK surgery also has some common side effects such as dry eyes, and glare which is a temporary visual problem. Within a few weeks or months these symptoms usually clear up. Complications that may result in a loss of vision are extremely rare.
Will I have perfect vision after LASIK?
The idea of LASIK surgery is to reduce your dependency on glasses. Most of the time, the LASIK procedure provides 20/20 vision as a result. Nevertheless, some people who have higher prescriptions may not attain this level of visual clarity after the laser surgery. If your vision is still blurred beyond a certain point, you rarely may need a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
I have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Can LASIK help me?
Yes, the LASIK surgery can help you by correcting conditions such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness(hyperopia), and astigmatism.
How much does a Lasik Eye Surgery cost in India?
The price for LASIK Eye Surgery will vary depending on the hospital and the type of surgery you are opting for. You can expect the LASIK surgery cost for both eyes to come up to anywhere between Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 1,30,000.
It also depends on what type of procedure – blade or bladeless LASIK, and what type of laser treatment- standard or customized.
How much does LASIK Eye Surgery cost in Mumbai?
Based on whether the LASIK is Blade/Bladeless Femtosecond/Customized/Trans PRK, the LASIK costs anywhere between 40,000 to 2,00,000 in Mumbai (prices vary from center to center).
It also depends on what type of procedure – blade or bladeless LASIK, and what type of laser treatment- standard or customized.
Does insurance cover Lasik Eye Surgery?
NO. Most of the time insurance does NOT cover the cost of the LASIK surgery, nevertheless, it is advisable to check with your insurance advisor and check your policy plan for coverage terms and conditions before you proceed further with any major decisions.
Jehan Eye Clinic is a center for skilled clinical excellence, and aims at being at par with the
latest technology at all times. It is headed by Dr Kareeshma Wadia-Havewala, who is a
specialist in Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Surgeries.
