New Laser EyeSee Clearer with your new Eyes

By now you have heard all about Laser Lasik Eye Surgery. But you probably have many questions. This is the place to get your questions answered. Please consult with an  opthamologist and an optometrist to ensure you get the best possible recommendation for your particular situation. In the coming days, we will have many new articles on everything related to this amazing and very popular eye surgery. So check back often.

LASIK is a type of refractive laser eye surgery performed by ophthalmologists for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The procedure is generally preferred to photorefractive keratectomy because it requires less time for the patient’s recovery, and the patient feels less pain. LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure. You may hear people calling it “LASIX,” but the name is actually short for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.” Many patients choose LASIK as an alternative to wearing corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.

How long has Laser Eye Surgery Been Around

The LASIK technique was made possible by the Colombian-based Spanish ophthalmologist Jose Barraquer, who, around 1950 in his clinic in Bogotá, Colombia, Stephan Schaller assisted. Barraquer also provided the knowledge about how much of the cornea had to be left unaltered to provide stable long-term results.

What is Involved In Preparing For the Surgery

There are several necessary preparations in the preoperative period. The operation itself is made by creating a thin flap on the eye, folding it to enable remodeling of the tissue underneath with laser. The flap is repositioned and the eye is left to heal in the postoperative period.

Patients are usually given a course of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. These are continued in the weeks following surgery. Patients are usually told to sleep much more and are also given a darkened pair of shields to protect their eyes from bright lights and protective goggles to prevent rubbing of the eyes when asleep and to reduce dry eyes. They also have to moisturize the eyes with preservative free tears and follow directions for prescription drops. Patients should be adequately informed by their surgeons of the importance of proper post-operative care to minimize the risk of post-surgical complications.

What Post Surgery Complications Are Possible

The incidence of refractive surgery patients having unresolved complications six months after surgery has been estimated from 3% to 6%.The risk for a patient of suffering from disturbing visual side effects such as halos, double vision, (ghosting), loss of contrast sensitivity (foggy vision) and glare after LASIK depends on the degree of ametropia before the laser eye surgery and other risk factors.

Lasik and other forms of laser refractive surgery change the dynamics of the cornea. These changes make it difficult for your optometrist and ophthalmologist to accurately measure your intraocular pressure, essential in glaucoma screening and treatment

What is the Satisfaction Percentage

The surveys determining patient satisfaction with LASIK have found most patients satisfied, with satisfaction range being 92–98 percent.