Undertanding Lasik Surgery

Undertanding Lasik Surgery

The most popular form of laser eye surgery - Lasik surgery has become the most common vision correction procedure in the world, with over 30 million eyes having been treated already. Lasik eye surgery has become extremely popular as it reduces and can even eliminate the need for glasses. The procedures themselves are also extremely quick and safe, two words that usually do not mingle in the medical world; however, laser devices used for eye treatments need to be very fast and precise at the same in order to generate the best results.

The process explained – The usual cause of eyesight deterioration that calls for laser eye surgery is a transformation in the shape of the cornea that can make you long-sighted, short-sighted, astigmatic… Your Laser eye surgeon therefore needs to correct the shape of your cornea, and he does this very fast: the first process is to use Wavelight Excimer Laser to remove a microscopic layer of corneal tissue, called a ‘flap’. Then, in less than 20 seconds, your laser surgeon can alter the shape of your cornea to bring it back to normal thus treating your eye condition. The ‘flap’ is then lowered back down to its original position, and the treatment is complete! In this procedure, speed is accuracy as the procedure must be undertaken in a minimal amount of time so the cornea does not dry.

Advantages of Lasik – Lasik surgery has been proven to be very successful as patient’s vision usually restores within a few days, although this varies as cornea is a living tissue, just like skin. Furthermore, if there is residual near-sightedness or long-sightedness after the procedure, the flap can be easily lifted again to treat again; this procedure is called enhancement.

Lasik or Lasek? – Lasik and Lasek Laser surgery are often mixed up. They are similar processes, but that are operated in different ways to suit the exact needs of a patient. For example, many patients who take part in contact sports are advised to undertake Lasek Surgery instead of Lasik as the procedure does not involve lifting a ‘flap’ of corneal tissue.

Lasik Laser Surgery Advice – In order to secure the best possible treatment, it is important to remember that the safest laser eye surgery is usually the fastest. This speed does not involve the skill of the surgeon (which is still very important!) but the quality of the laser device used to treat your eyes. The best machine out there at the moment is the ‘Allegretto Eye-Q’, which treats in 12 seconds compared to other devices that range from 36 seconds to 1 minute 6 seconds.

By Matt Albie

Undertanding Lasik Surgery