LASIK Facts

Surgery LASIK is the most common refraction surgical procedure which can treat a variety of eye conditions thus reducing a person’s need for glasses or contact lenses. The name also stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. It is taking eye clinics by storm due to the fact that the process is painless, extremely fast and effective. Find out more about it.

Good Things to Know

Surgery Lasik can treat nearsightedness or myopia, farsightedness or hyperopia and astigmatism which are problems associated with irregular corneal shape. The term “Lasik” itself refers to the process of reshaping the cornea by vaporizing parts of the stroma which is found at the center part in order to better focus images perceived within the eye. “In situ” is the Greek term which means “being of normal or natural state”, “Kerato” is the Greek term for cornea and “mileusis” is the Greek word for shape.

The procedure was first performed in clinical trials in the United States in 1995. However, ophthalmologists have already been reshaping the cornea for more than 50 years. The creation of protective tissue layers on the eyes have been in existence for more than 35 years. The excimer laser in PRK surgeries has been around for more than 25 years. refractive surgery has a very long history.

Surgery Lasik started officially in 1998 which combines the excimer laser’s precision with the corneal flap technique. Some of the advantages that Lasik have over PRK include greater precision, faster recovery period for patients, less required post-operative medications and eye drops, a more comfortable process and fewer complications.

People who are eligible for the surgical procedure can expect to become less dependent on glasses and corrective lenses. However, not everyone can have 20/20 vision after. Pre-operative evaluation through a series of eye exams is done to determine whether or not a person is a candidate for Lasik. Some individuals just do not the right eye structure or characteristics to go on with the operation while others have pre-existing conditions that may result to complications after. There are risks involved which are why pre-evaluation practices are required as well.

Lasik Results and Additional Info

Lasik improves visual capacity significantly. There are many who have successfully attained 20/20 vision or better while more than 90% reach at least 20/40 vision. There are no guarantees of perfect eyesight and those with high myopia should have lower expectations.

Surgery Lasik effects are permanent and do not wear off over time. However, internal structures and conditions of the eye can still change thus affecting vision later on. It is recommended to undergo the procedure only after major changes in the eye have already occurred unlike children whose visual capacity is still constantly developing. Ideally, patients should be at least 18 years old.

Eye exams before the procedure will confirm whether or not eye changes have ceased or still going on. Modification after surgery Lasik is still possible through enhancement procedures if necessary. Patients will be asked to return to the eye clinic regularly for a period of 1 year. Re-treatment is not uncommon and patients are advised to have their eyes checked regularly after the operation to determine underlying causes of possible visual changes. The price of the surgery varies depending on the condition of the patient as well as location. Average estimates would be anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000.