LASIK is a laser surgery procedure used to treat eye disorders such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. LASIK stands for “Laser In Situ Keratomileusis”. It is a treatment that corrects vision problems by changing the shape of the cornea in front of the eye. LASIK surgery can be an alternative to the use of glasses or contact lenses. The procedure is usually successful in low-grade disorders. Eligible candidates for LASIK treatment must be over 18 years of age and the eye disorder must not have progressed in the last six months. This treatment may not be feasible in some eyes as the cornea must have a certain thickness. LASIK surgery must be planned carefully. Because there may be deviations in the thickness of the cornea and the corneal thickness must be maintained at safe levels. This treatment method has variations such as I-LASIK, LASEK etc. . These variations are the derivatives of LASIK. The recovery period for the procedure is usually short and the risk of complications is very low.
LASIK surgery usually involves the following steps:
- Preparation: Your ophthalmologist examines your eyes to determine your suitability for the surgery. He/she evaluates the structural features of your eyes to make a correct decision.
- Surgery: The surgical procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. A microkeratome or femtosecond laser is used to remove the top layer of the cornea (epithelium, which is the outer layer of the eye), or create a flap. The corneal tissue is reshaped with the laser after that. This allows laser light to focus into the eye more accurately and corrects visual disturbances.
- Recovery: The surgical procedure usually results in a quick recovery. Your doctor will give you instructions to protect your eyes. You can usually return to normal activities within a few days.
LASIK surgery can be an effective and safe option for many people. However, it may not be the right choice for all patients. Suitability for surgery depends on your ophthalmologist’s assessment and your personal health status.
The content of our website has been created for informational purposes. It does not constitute a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. An ophthalmologist should be consulted for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
