Lasik Eye Surgery
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LASIK eye surgery is a procedure used to correct a person’s vision in order to reduce or eliminate his/her need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK is a refractive correction surgery which is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthetic eye drops. The patient remains awake and the actual time for the surgical procedure is just a few minutes.
How LASIK Works
The cornea of the eye bends and focuses light to create an image on the retina. This works similar to the way a camera lens use light to create an image on film. Because the shape of the cornea and eye are usually not perfect, the image on the retina can be blurred. LASIK removes corneal tissue with a special laser to re-shape the cornea and improve its focus.
The LASIK eye surgeon uses a bladed microkeratome or a special laser to cut a flap in the cornea. Then using a laser beam of light, the doctor removes microscopic pieces of tissue to reshape the cornea. The flap is then laid back in place.
Initial Evaluation for LASIK
Though the actual LASIK procedure takes just minutes, you do need to prepare before undergoing the surgery. You will have an initial evaluation where the doctor performs a thorough eye examination. At the appointment, the doctor and patient will discusses the patient’s medical history and any current conditions to determine candidacy for LASIK eye surgery.
Because contact lenses change the shape of your cornea, it’s necessary to stop wearing lenses and switch to eye glasses BEFORE your initial evaluation.
If you wear soft lenses, stop wearing them for two weeks before the initial evaluation. Toric and rigid gas permeable lens wearers should stop three weeks ahead of time and hard lens wearers should swith to glasses four weeks in advance.
At the initial exam, the doctor will explain the surgical procedure, including its benefits, risks and any alternatives. You will learn about what to expect before, during and after the LASIK procedure.
Before signing the consent form and agreeing to the surgery, be sure that you ask any questions you may have, as well as understand the risks, costs and expectations.
Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK
Though eligibility varies, the surgeon will normally have you fill out a questionnaire and/or will ask you similar questions to these to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery.
Are you under 18 years old? (Young people are not considered good candidates, as their eyesight is still changing.)
Has your lens prescription changed in the last year? (Eyesight needs to be stable to perform LASIK.)
Are you pregnant? (Most surgeons will not perform LASIK on pregnant women.)
Do you suffer from uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disease or vascular disease? (Patients afflicted with these diseases are not normally considered good candidates.)
Do you have lazy eye, glaucoma or another eye problem? (This may not rule you out, but is taken into consideration.)
Do you suffer from severe dry eye syndrome? (This problem should be treated before undergoing LASIK.)
The doctor will also perform an eye exam to make sure that there are no other eye problems.
Complications and Risks of LASIK Eye Surgery
Though the risks are low with LASIK surgery, you should be aware that complications and risks do exist.
In very rare cases, some patients lose vision. Other patients develop halos or double vision after the surgery, particularly at night. You could be undertreated and need a second LASIK surgery, or on the contrary, you could be overtreated and need to wear glasses.
Patients can develop infections or severe dry eye syndrome, in which they do not produce enough tears. This condition can be uncomfortable and result in the need to use eye drops regularly.
In some cases, the cornea flap is not placed back properly and does not heal correctly. Wrinkles in the flap and other related complications may occur. Studies indicate that flap complications occur in from 0.3% to 5.7% of LASIK procedures, according to the American Journal of Ophthalmology (April 2006).
Because LASIK is a relatively new procedure (the first laser was approved for LASIK eye surgery in 1998), long-term effectiveness and risks cannot really be determined.
Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery
Though the cost of LASIK eye surgery has decreased in recent years as more surgeons have become trained to perform laser eye surgery, be wary of advertisements claiming “LASIK under $500 per eye” or similar messages. Cheap LASIK procedures often time require additional follow-up surgeries because they are performed with less precise laser equipment.
If the cornea flap is cut with a bladed microkeratome the procedure is less expensive than if the flap is created with a laser (IntraLase).
LASIK eye surgery is generally priced between $1,000 to $2,500 per eye. According to a leading industry analyst report at AllAboutVision.com, the average price for LASIK with bladed microkeratome in 2007 was $1,694, while the average price for Waverfront LASIK with IntraLase was $2,357.
You can read more about the difference in blade vs bladeless LASIK, here at All About Vision.
During LASIK Eye Surgery
You will not feel any pain during the LASIK procedure. You eyes are anesthetized with special eye drops. You will lay down and a retainer is put in place to help keep your eye open.
Using an ink marker, the doctor will mark the cornea before the flap is created. Then, the surgeon creates the flap with either the microkeratome or laser.
Using a computer to adjust the laser to your prescription, the doctor will then use the laser to remove your corneal tissue. During this time, you will need to stare at a target light for a very short time period. The flap is then put back in place.
The doctor will then proceed with your second eye. The whole procedure should take about five minutes.
After LASIK Eye Surgery
After having LASIK eye surgery, your doctor will give you any pain medication (which is usually not necessary) or drops that you may need. After the procedure, someone else must drive you home from the doctor’s office.
It is recommended that you relax for a few hours after the surgery. You may be able to return to work the following day. Most LASIK surgeons recommend you do not exercise for a week after the surgery.
Avoid rubbing your eyes as there is a slight chance you will dislodge the flap or affect the healing of your eyes.
After LASIK, most people achieve 20/20 vision or better. However a number of patients may still need glasses or contact lenses. These patients can also opt for a follow up surgery to enhance the original procedure. Many LASIK eye surgeons currently offer one follow-up surgery as part of the cost of the original LASIK surgery.
LASIK Resources
To learn more about LASIK eye surgery, visit the following websites or contact your local eye doctor.
- FDA - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers information about LASIK surgery, including details on FDA-approval, risks, benefits and more.
- All About Vision - This comprehensive website includes information on LASIK, contact lenses, eyeglasses, eye diseases and other vision concerns.
- Doc Shop - History, evolution and details about the LASIK technique, its risks and benefits.
- Laser Eye Center - Information about one of the most popular and established LASIK surgery centers in the country.
- Ophthalmology - Resources for ophthalmology, including clinics, journals, institutes and other organizations.
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