Lasik Surgery

A type of laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular laser eye surgery used to correct vision problems, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The goal of LASIK is to reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve how light is focused onto the retina.

How LASIK Works

Creating a Corneal Flap: The surgeon uses a microkeratome blade or femtosecond laser to create a thin, hinged flap in the cornea. This flap is then lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue.
Reshaping the Cornea: An excimer laser is used to precisely reshape the corneal tissue beneath the flap. This reshaping is customized to each patient’s vision prescription:
- For nearsightedness, the cornea is flattened.
- For farsightedness, the cornea is made steeper.
- For astigmatism, the cornea is shaped to be more spherical.
Replacing the Flap: Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is carefully repositioned over the treated area. It naturally adheres without stitches.

Benefits of LASIK

Quick Procedure: Typically takes around 10-15 minutes per eye.
Rapid Recovery: Most people experience significant vision improvement within 24 hours, with minimal downtime.
Long-Lasting Results: The vision correction is generally permanent, though age-related vision changes may still occur later in life.

LASIK Safety

Risks and Considerations

Side Effects: Common side effects include dry eyes, glare, halos around lights, and night vision difficulties, though these often improve over time.
Not for Everyone: People with thin corneas, high prescriptions, severe dry eyes, or certain eye diseases may not be suitable candidates.
Temporary Discomfort: Some patients experience mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or mild pain in the first few days.

LASIK Recovery

Short-term recovery:
The immediate recovery period is usually 6 to 12 hours, and most patients can return to their normal routine within 1–3 days. However, your vision may be blurry for a few days.
Eye protection:
Wear an eye shield or patch at night for up to two weeks. You should also wear sunglasses during the day to protect your eyes from the sun and bright lights.
Avoid rubbing your eyes:
Rubbing your eyes can dislodge the LASIK flap, so you should use eye drops instead to relieve discomfort.
Avoid certain activities:
For 1–2 weeks, avoid swimming, hot tubs, gardening, and dusty or smoky environments. You should also avoid strenuous contact sports for at least four weeks.
Post-operative appointments:
Attend regular check-ups with your eye doctor to promote healing.

LASIK Results

Vision stabilization

It can take up to three to six months for your vision to stabilize. During this time, you may experience fluctuations in your vision, glare, halos, or difficulty driving at night. Results will vary but the expectation is to have clear vision in the distance without the need for glasses and/or contact lenses.

STAR S4 IR Excimer Laser

How it works

A doctor programs information into a computer that controls the laser to remove small amounts of corneal tissue in rapid pulses.

Features

The STAR S4 has a 3D active track that follows the eye's movements to ensure accuracy. It also has Iris Registration (IR), which is a non-contact method to align the treatment to the cornea.

Uses

The STAR S4 is used in laser eye surgery procedures like LASIK (Laser Supported In Place Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy).

Overall, LASIK is a safe, effective, and widely used procedure for vision correction, though it’s important for individuals to have a comprehensive eye evaluation to determine if it’s the right option for them.