LASIK surgery is often performed to correct visual disturbances. However, just like any other surgery, this procedure also has risks. Therefore, it is important to know a few things about LASIK surgery before undergoing it.
LASIK surgery or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis is a medical procedure intended to treat several vision disorders, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
This surgery is done by using a laser beam to scrape the corneal tissue of the eye, so that vision becomes better and the patient can be free from wearing glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK Surgery Warning
To avoid things that are not desirable, you should avoid the LASIK surgery method if you:
- Have good eyesight
- Frequent physical activity or sports associated with a blow to the face
- Have large pupils or a thin cornea
- Have vision problems related to drug use or aging, such as presbyopia
- Are in pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Suffering from an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Have a weakened immune system due to immunosuppressive treatment or suffer from HIV
- Suffering from certain eye disorders, such as dry eye, inflammation of the cornea, eyelid disorders, glaucoma, cataracts, and herpes simplex
Preparation Before LASIK Surgery
Doctors will usually do the following before LASIK surgery:
- Perform a thorough eye exam to make sure the eye is in good condition for the procedure, such as measuring corneal thickness, pupil, refraction, and eye pressure
- Inquire about the patient's general medical history and the medications he is taking
- Explain in outline about the procedure during LASIK surgery, treatment after it, as well as the risks and benefits of this surgery
For patients, the following things need to be adhered to in order for LASIK surgery to run smoothly:
- Not wearing contact lenses for at least 3 weeks before eye examination and before surgery
- Bring your usual glasses
- Do not wear eye makeup or hair accessories that can interfere with the position of the head during LASIK surgery
- Clean the eyelashes every day before LASIK surgery to remove dirt and minimize the risk of infection
LASIK Surgery Procedure
Most LASIK surgeries are completed within 30 minutes. The procedure is as follows:
- The patient will be asked to lie down in a special chair.
- The patient may be given medication to relax during the procedure.
- The patient will be given local anesthetic in the form of eye drops so that he does not feel pain during surgery.
- The doctor will use a device to hold the lid open after the anesthetic is administered.
- The doctor will ask the patient to focus on a single point of light during the operation.
- The doctor will place a suction ring in the eye.
- The doctor will start making small incisions on the surface of the eyeball using a small scalpel or laser.
- From this incision, a fold will be formed on the cornea. This surgery aims to change the shape of the cornea to be repaired as needed.
- When finished, the cornea will be closed again and the fold will attach itself without the need for stitches.
After LASIK Surgery
Immediately after LASIK surgery, the patient's eyes may feel itchy, gritty, hot, and watery. To help relieve it, the doctor will give you eye drops. The patient can also resume activities postoperatively, but the doctor may suggest resting for at least 1 day.
The vision of post-LASIK patients has not returned to normal for 2–3 months. To speed up healing, the following things the patient needs to do:
- Wear eye protection while sleeping
- Don't rub your eyes harshly
- Not swimming or using a hot tub for about 2 weeks after surgery
- Do not do strenuous exercise for at least a week
- Checking eye conditions regularly to an ophthalmologist to monitor the development of postoperative vision
- Take the medicine prescribed by the doctor regularly
LASIK Surgery Risks
Some of the side effects that patients may experience after LASIK surgery are:
- Dry eyes
- Disorders of the corneal folds, caused by infection or imperfect healing of the corneal tissue
- Astigmatism, which can occur when tissue erosion is uneven
- Sensitive to light
- Visual disturbance
- Undercorrections, which can occur when the laser scrapes off too little tissue in the eye
- Overcorrections, which occurs when the laser scrapes away too much tissue in the eye
The above risks are usually temporary and will disappear within a few weeks after surgery. However, in a handful of cases, the surgery is not successful, so the patient must continue to wear glasses or contact lenses, or may even need to undergo additional surgery.
Therefore, before deciding to undergo LASIK surgery, you need to seek as much information as possible from your doctor. Also ask your doctor about the chances of success and the costs involved.
In addition, the results of LASIK surgery in each person can be different. If you still have questions or are planning to have LASIK surgery, you should consult with an ophthalmologist first to make sure that you are a good candidate for this surgery.