Lasik Surgery - Half An Hour And The World Looks Different

Lasik Surgery - Half An Hour And The World Looks Different

Lasik surgery is gaining popularity these days as it is a relatively painless procedure and it also reduces the dependence on glasses and contact lenses. It will not be a surprise if in a few years time we do not see people wearing glasses for eye problems.

High energy laser is used to correct the position of corneal stroma, thereby correcting the vision permanently. Lasik vision institutes are basically centers where a team of experienced and expert ophthalmologists conduct Lasik surgeries for people with eye problems.

Lasik vision institutes advertise in different media like newspapers, television, yellow pages and web sites. The cost of setting up a world class Lasik vision institute can be anywhere between 3-4 crores. But a patient is advised to take in factors like reputation of the Lasik vision institute, association of the Lasik surgeon with academic centers and his experience in handling latest procedures and technology.

However, Lasik is not conducted until the patient crosses teens as the eyes keep changing. Also, there are some risks and post operative complications involved in the procedure. So, these Lasik vision institutes counsel the patient on his eye condition, explains the procedure of Lasik, the benefits and risks involved in the surgery so that the patient can take an informed decision.

There are some pre-operative measures suggested for Lasik surgery. The patient is advised not to wear contact lenses at least fifteen days prior to the surgery as it may alter the shape of the cornea. The procedure takes hardly 30 minutes during which the patient is normally awake and mobile. Anaesthesia is given in the form of eye drops to alleviate the pain.

Lasik vision correction is preferred to PRK, photo refractive keratectomy, as the later takes more time to heal and thereby is more painful. A metal blade called microkeratome is used to create the flap of cornea thereby revealing the stroma. Then, excimer laser is used to vaporize the tissue in a controlled manner thereby remodeling the corneal stroma.

A Lasik surgery may cost anywhere between 25,000-3,50,000. A course of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops is usually prescribed after the operation. Dark goggles are given to prevent direct exposure to bright light.

However, the Lasik vision correction also has some risks or complications. One of the most common post Lasik complications is Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage, which can be corrected by drugs. Some of the other complications reported frequently are: Sensitivity to light, dry eyes, wrinkles in flap, double vision, debris under flap, erosion of epithelium. But around 92-98% of patients are satisfied with Lasik.

By Arvind Singh

Lasik Surgery - Half An Hour And The World Looks Different