Laser Eye Surgery
What is laser eye surgery?
The eye is like a camera. Light is focused through the front of the eye (the cornea and lens) to form an image on the retina at the back of the eye, just like light is focused by a camera lens onto the film in a camera. If the light is not focused sharply, the image formed is blurry. This is what happens in common eye conditions like myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism.
Laser eye surgery aims to fix this by reshaping the cornea to allow light to focus clearly onto the retina. At the very least, it generally makes people less dependent on spectacles or contact lenses. It is also referred to as refractive surgery.
The surgery itself is quick and usually painless. During the procedure, people remain awake. Sometimes some people need a sedative to relax. After the procedure, medications are needed in the form of eye drops.
There are different types of laser eye surgery, namely, LASIK, SMILE, ALSA/PRK
LASIK
Also, called laser in situ keratomileusis, LASIK is a procedure that involves a two-step, two-laser vision correction process. This vision correction technique suits people who have an adequate thickness to their cornea.
SMILE
The surgeon uses the a small incision lenticule extraction method or SMILE to reshape the cornea and correct the refractive error of the eye. This procedure is better suited to people who have a high degree of short-sightedness.
ASLA/PRK
Also known as photorefractive keratectomy or PRK, advanced surface laser ablation or ASLA procedure uses excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct the disturbed refractive error.
Who is the best candidate for laser eye surgery?
Anyone who has one of the three most common vision problems, namely, myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, is usually a good candidate for laser eye surgery.
Children below the age of 18 cannot go in for laser eye surgery. Why is age a factor? Because the cornea is still in the stage of developingment for in children and teens.
The thickness of the cornea is a big factor when considering laser eye surgery. Only those who have an adequately thick cornea can opt for laser surgery. Thin corneas increase risks and surgical complications.
What is the cost of laser eye surgery?
The cost of the surgery is calculated after a thorough and detailed assessment is carried out to decide which kind of laser surgery (e.g., LASIK, ASLA, SMILE) will be best suitedable for you.
You are provided a detailed quote after a comprehensive evaluation of your eyes and general health.
FAQ's
The procedure is pain-free in the majority of cases. The most that people feel is mild pressure on their eyes. All patients are administered local anaesthetic drops and sometimes a mild sedative is also given.
Some of the minor side effects commonly seen in people include:
- Dryness in the eyes
The surgery causes tear production in the eyes to temporarily decrease which can lead to mild discomfort and affect the quality of vision. This only lasts for the first six months or so after the surgery.
- Disturbances in vision
Due to halos, double vision, and glare you may have difficulty seeing after surgery. There is usually increased light sensitivity and halos around bright lights, which may last a few days to few weeks.
- Undercorrections/overcorrections
If too little tissue gets removed from the eye during surgery an undercorrection results. This is commonly seen in people with nearsightedness. An overcorrection happens if too much tissue is removed from the eye. While it’s easy to fix an undercorrection, overcorrections are more difficult to rectify.
- Astigmatism
Uneven tissue removal during surgery can cause astigmatism. Such a condition may require additional surgery or glasses.
- Flap issues
Complications such as abnormal growth underneath the flap, excess tears, or infection can result during the healing period.
To avoid worry, it always helps to have a detailed discussion with your ophthalmologist before the procedure.
The entire procedure usually takes around 12 hours. The surgery itself only takes about 20 minutes for both eyes.
How much time you will be off work depends on the type of treatment you have opted for.
Patients with myopia (short-sightedness):
- LASIK 1-2 days
- SMILE 3-5 days
- ASLA/PRK 1-2 weeks
Patients with hyperopia may take slightly longer to fully recover.
- LASIK: as soon as next day
- SMILE: as soon as next day
- ASLA/PRK: after 3-5 days
Before deciding to fly keep in mind your post-operative checks.
Generally it is preferrable to take 1 month off sporting activities
LASIK and SMILE:
- same day or the day after surgery
- after 1 weeks and
- after 1 months
ASLA/PRK:
same day or the day after surgery
- after 3-5 days
- after 12 weeksmonth
after 2 months and
- after 6 months
Consult your surgeon for your exact post-operative care schedule.