The Benefits and Risks of LASIK surgery

Laser eye surgery, also known as LASIK, or laser in situ keratomileusis, is a corrective surgery that uses a wide variety of lasers to correct the damage or defects to the cornea by reshaping it, which changes the range of its focus. This procedure has been in practice since 1993 and has helped millions of people in correcting their vision problems. The procedure is relatively simply to perform and takes little time at all.

Prior to surgery, you are instructed to stop using contact lenses for up to four weeks. Once the ophthalmologist begins preparing you for surgery, you are given a mild anesthetic, as well as eye drops designed to numb the eye that is being repaired. You will be awake during the procedure.

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A microkeratome, which is a device with a small blade and a suction ring, is placed on your eye. The blade is then used to cut through a very thin flap from the surface section of the cornea. This flap is then folded back to expose the stroma, which is a layer of tissue just under the the surface of the cornea. This area under and around the flap is then inspected to ensure that it is clear of any debris, and then it is dried off. The patient is then told to focus their vision on a single point. The laser is then started and the doctor starts to cut away and remove the corneal tissue. This procedure is performed using measurements that are taken when the initial examination is performed. After the cutting is complete, the flap of the corneal surface is then put back to heal. There are no stitches used, so an eye patch is generally used to prevent damage to the cornea and impacting on the ability of the eye to heal properly.

While it is possible to repair both eyes at the same time, it may be recommended that you only have one eye corrected . The decision is made on whether to do both eyes or not when the eye is tested to find irregularities in the cornea. One such measurement devise is used in the new Wavefront LASIK surgery. In this form of laser eye surgery, the system sends a wave of light to the retina, which then comes back to the sensor to create a 3-D map of the system that makes up the eye. The information is then used to create a mathematical formula which is then programmed into the computer that controls the laser. Wavefront LASIK has increased the success rate of LASIK surgery because it gives a more accurate measurement of the affected area.

Among some of the many wonderful benefits of laser eye surgery, you will find a boost in your self-confidence. Without glasses obscuring your face, the features will become more defined. Also, your quality of vision will be much greater, allowing you to see better in poorly lit areas, like nightclubs and restaurants. You will not be disoriented any more and will find it easier to interact with people, simply because you will be able to see them clearly again. There are also other benefits. You will also be able to enjoy leisure activities like traveling, swimming, and even sky diving. Without the need for corrective glasses and contacts, your life should be simpler.

However, there are complications, as there are with any surgery. In less then 0.5% of laser eye surgery patients, complications relating to the cutting or hinging of the corneal flap have occurred. In less then one percent of the patients, other complications have also occurred. Among these complications, in irregular astigmatism as occurred from scarring and improper healing, as well as problems with the laser. Other issues have included infections and several other vision issues, like haloed lights and blurry, or poor, night vision from decentration, as well as surgeries that were performed away from the centre of the pupil. This complication may be the result of the patients inability to focus on a single fixed point (or very occasionally may be surgeon error).

While there are several complications that can occur during and after the laser eye surgery, the occurrences are rare and can be prevented from happening. Whether the benefits for this surgery outweigh the risks is something that only you can decide after communication with doctors, family and friends.

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