Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a surgical procedure that has become increasingly popular over the past 25 years. The procedure is used to treat common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is a quick and minimally invasive surgery, which involves reshaping the cornea of the eye using an excimer laser.
First, let’s take a look at the anatomy of the eye and how it works. The cornea is the clear front part of the eye that acts as a protective layer, and a lens that plays a crucial role in focusing light on the retina. The retina is the part of the eye that converts light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain, which interprets these signals as images.
If the cornea is misshapen or too curved, or too flat, it can cause vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism. LASIK works by reshaping the cornea so that it is more symmetrical, allowing the eyes to focus light more accurately and improve vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
The LASIK procedure typically lasts between 10-15 minutes and is done as an outpatient procedure in our office. The surgeon, Dr. Malitz, will first use a special instrument to create a thin flap in the cornea. The flap is lifted, exposing the underlying tissue, and then a laser is used to selectively remove small amounts of tissue to reshape the cornea. The flap is then replaced, and the eye is allowed to heal.
One of the significant advantages of LASIK over other types of vision correction procedures is that there is typically little to no pain or discomfort associated with the surgery. After the procedure, patients may experience mild discomfort, but this typically goes away within a day.
LASIK has been proven to be a highly effective treatment for vision problems. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/40 or better vision, which is the minimum vision required to obtain a driver’s license in most states. Most of our patients achieve even better vision, with many seeing 20/20 or better.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with LASIK. Some patients may experience dry eyes, glare, halos, or double vision after the surgery, but these side effects are usually mild and go away within a days, weeks or months. In rare cases, some patients may experience a loss of vision, although this is exceedingly rare in experienced hands and appropriate candidates.
LASIK is not suitable for everyone. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or immunodeficiency disorders, may not be good candidates for the surgery. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should generally wait until after they have given birth and their hormone levels have stabilized before undergoing LASIK.
In conclusion, LASIK is a popular and highly effective method to treat vision problems. It is a minimally invasive surgery that can significantly improve vision, and most patients experience little to no pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, like all surgeries, there are risks associated with the procedure, and LASIK may not be suitable for everyone. Patients who are considering LASIK should speak with their eye doctor to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure.