Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery is a procedure used to improve eyesight. It is the most common type of refractive surgery and thus changes the shape of the cornea. It is used to treat conditions like astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
In LASIK eye surgery, the doctor uses a laser to remove tissue from the patient’s cornea. The procedure can be performed on one or both eyes.
Before the procedure, the doctor will thoroughly examine the patient’s eyes and look for problems like infections, oversized pupils, dry eye or abnormally high pressure. She will measure the cornea and note its shape, thickness and any abnormalities. She will decide which part of the cornea needs reshaping.
The surgery itself usually only takes around 30 minutes. The patient will lie in a recliner, and the surgeon will use a special device to keep the patient’s eyes open.
The surgeon will then use a special laser to cut a hinged flap around the size of a contact lens from the front of the eye. She will fold the flap back so she can reach the cornea. The doctor then uses a laser to reshape the patient’s cornea. When she is finished, she will put the flap back into place.
What is the Recovery Like?
The patient will have blurred vision and irritated eyes immediately after the surgery. They will be given eye drops or pain medication to relieve this. The surgeon might have the patient wear eye shields at night until their eyes heal. The patient should follow all of the surgeon’s post-op instructions regarding aftercare.
How Well Does LASIK Eye Surgery Work?
Eight out of ten patients who have undergone LASIK experience enough improvement in their vision that they rarely or never have to wear contact lenses or glasses. Many patients gain 20/25 vision or better after undergoing LASIK eye surgery. People with a minor case of nearsightedness tend to get the best results. People with astigmatism, farsightedness or severe nearsightedness may have less predictable results; however, results vary from patient to patient.
What are Blade and Bladeless LASIK Eye Surgery?
In blade LASIK eye surgery, a blade called a microkeratome is used to cut the hinged flap off the front of the eye. In bladeless LASIK eye surgery, the doctor uses a cutting laser to do the same thing. Bladeless LASIK is sometimes also called “all-laser” LASIK.
At Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita, Dr. Patel’s LASIK procedures are completely blade-free. This makes for an overall safer procedure and a speedier recovery. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation to learn more.