- What is LASIK?
- How do I know if I qualify to undergo the procedure?
- If I do not qualify for LASIK, are there other options available?
- What is the consultation process like?
- Who will perform the procedure?
- What are the qualifications required of a LASIK surgeon?
- Does my medical insurance cover the procedure?
- How long does the procedure take?
- What do I need and need to do to prepare for the procedure?
- Are there any precautions that I need to take prior to the procedure?
- Is the procedure painful?
- What are the risks involved in undergoing LASIK surgery?
- What are the side effects of the surgery?
- Are there any restrictions to note after surgery?
- How long will I take to recover?
- What type of results can I expect after surgery?
- Are the effects of LASIK surgery permanent?
- If my vision changes later in life after my first LASIK procedure, can I undergo the procedure again?
1. What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis, a procedure that involves the use of a laser to reshape the cornea of the eye so that refractive capability is improved. This allows for the correction of varying degrees of myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism.
2. How do I know if I qualify to undergo the procedure?
You would have to be 20 years of age or older, not just for purposes of consent but also to ensure that you have fully grown eyes with stable refraction. You should not have any significant illnesses nor be on any medication that could adversely affect the procedure. You would have to be generally healthy with a refractive condition that is not overly severe or outside the accepted treatment limits of LASIK. Importantly, you should have realistic expectations with a demonstrable understanding of the risks and benefits of the procedure. Pregnancy is a definite disqualifier. Eligibility is best determined through consultation with your LASIK surgeon.
3. If I do not qualify for LASIK, are there other options available?
If your condition is a refractive one, other options may be available to you. These include Epi-LASIK, intraocular lens insertion and corneal transplantation. Consult your Ophthalomologist to assess these and other options to treat your condition.
4. What is the consultation process like?
The consultation process involves an examination, information exchange and decision-making. The LASIK surgeon will perform a complete eye examination along with computerized assessments of your eye's corneal surface. Taking into account your work and lifestyle needs, the surgeon will discuss with you relevant options for refractive correction. Recommendations arising from the discussion will be based on your understanding and acceptance of the risks and benefits of the procedure. Your decision to undergo LASIK should only be taken when you are comfortable your understanding of the procedure.
5. Who will perform the procedure?
The Ophthalmologist whom you selected as your LASIK surgeon will perform the procedure. The individual will be a qualified practitioner, certified and registered with relevant medical and professional bodies. Despite the procedure being performed with the aid of computer-guided lasers, your surgeon will be in complete control throughout the process.
6. What are the qualifications required of a LASIK surgeon?
Qualifications may vary between countries and attest to varying levels of knowledge and experience of a LASIK surgeon. Some useful references include certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology, peer-reviewed LASIK certification from the American Board of Eye Surgery and certification of evaluation from the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance.
7. Does my medical insurance cover the procedure?
LASIK surgery is considered an elective procedure and not an essential one. Hence government-based medical insurance will not pay for the procedure. Your personal insurance provider or surgery clinic will be able to advise you on whether aspects of the procedure can be covered by your personal insurance.
8. How long does the procedure take?
The actual surgery for each eye takes between 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
9. What do I need and need to do to prepare for the procedure?
If you wear contact lenses, you need to stop wearing them for a predetermined period prior to undergoing LASIK surgery. Your transportation must be arranged to and from the clinic on the day of surgery so that you do not have to drive. Compliance with medication prescribed by your LASIK surgeon is crucial to preventing infection, facilitating surgery and improving healing. You need to set aside a sufficient period of rest following surgery to allow for healing. This also involves scheduling and attending regular follow-ups with your LASIK surgeon after the surgery.
10. Are there any precautions that I need to take prior to the procedure?
Protect the eye from injury as this may result in inflammation that could affect the procedure. Should you sustain any injury to the eye prior to surgery, inform your LASIK surgeon before the procedure is performed. Any infection whether to the eye or the body as a whole should also be communicated to your surgeon prior to the procedure.
11. Is the procedure painful?
No, the use of anesthetic eye drops prevents pain in the eyes although minor discomfort may be felt through the procedure. After the procedure, an itching sensation may develop but is usually not painful. However if the eye is rubbed or stretched after surgery, it may be painful.
12. What are the risks involved in undergoing LASIK surgery?
The risk of complications is inherent in any surgery and LASIK is no exception. Complications can include infection and dry eyes. These will be discussed in greater detail by your LASIK surgeon in the process of conducting informed consent.
13. What are the side effects of the surgery?
Your vision will be blur and unstable for some days after surgery. Night effects to vision may occur with the experience of halos and glare following surgery. LASIK surgery is also often a cause of dryness to the eye. Most of these effects will be experienced acutely and fade with the passing of days after surgery. In rare instances, some may persist but remain largely treatable.
14. Are there any restrictions to note after surgery?
A protective shield is required to be worn daily and even to bed to protect the eye for at least a week after surgery. Swimming and facial cosmetics are to be avoided during that period. Contact lens wear is contraindicated until vision is fully stabilized. If in doubt, consult your LASIK surgeon.
15. How long will I take to recover?
It is likely that you can return to work a day after the surgery depending on your vision recovery and nature of work. Your vision should stabilize within an average of 2 weeks after the procedure. If your refractive condition was severe prior to surgery then it may take up to 6 weeks to reach stable vision. Regular follow-up sessions with your LASIK surgeon are nevertheless required to ascertain stability of vision and should go on for at least a year.
16. What type of results can I expect after surgery?
Realistic expectations need to be developed on consultation with your LASIK surgeon. In mild refractive conditions, LASIK surgery is usually capable of granting full correction of vision and freedom from artificial vision aids. In severe refractive conditions however, correction may not be complete and artificial vision aids may still be required.
17. Are the effects of LASIK surgery permanent?
Corneal tissue is permanently removed with reshaping of the eye and these physical effects are permanent. Vision however, may still change with age due to effects on the lens, ciliary muscles and retina among others.
18. If my vision changes later in life after my first LASIK procedure, can I undergo the procedure again?
Enhancement can be performed with further LASIK surgery after the first LASIK procedure provided eligibility criteria is fulfilled including stability of vision although other options for vision correction may be more suitable by that time. A thorough discussion should be conducted with your LASIK surgeon to determine the best option available.
