LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, but most people refer to this process as laser eye surgery. The system works by using a computer-controlled laser to alter the shape of the cornea – this can be used to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness and irregular shaped corneas. In order to qualify for this surgery, you need to be over the age of 21 and have healthy eyes, as well as stable vision. This means that you will need to have had less than a 0.5 dioptres in your prescription in the past three years – this is the form of measurement used to determine the power of a lens. If you have age-related long-sightedness, this is related to the lens weakening rather than issues with your cornea, which means you would be unsuitable for the surgery. You also aren’t eligible if you have a condition which affects how your body heals itself, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. In preparation for your procedure, you will have a consultation with your surgeon who will discuss the process with you and you will have a test map to look at the cornea and its thickness. You’ll be asked to remove soft contact lenses at least one day before your appointment, and hard lenses at least a week before. Your lenses can affect the measurements of your eye, so it’s important that they’re removed before your appointment.
You can either have your eyes operated on at the same time, or separately – you’ll be prepped with anaesthetic drops in your eyes, and your surgeon will most likely use a clip on your eyelids to stop you blinking. Many people worry that they’ll see the procedure going on, but while you’re being treated you won’t be able to see out of your eyes – if anything, you’ll only be able to see a red or green light. The procedure involves your surgeon using a blade or a laser to cut an extremely thin flap in your cornea, which they will then open as if opening a book – they will then use a laser to reshape the cornea beneath it. This process takes about 30 seconds. They will then reposition the flap of cornea so that it can bond with the rest of the eye – this only takes a few minutes, and you won’t need any stitches. In order to reduce the risk of any infection, you’ll be given antibiotic drops. It’s normal to feel some mild pain in your eye, and it may be a little uncomfortable for a while afterwards – painkillers are the easiest way to overcome this. Your surgeon will advise that you have someone with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure and to drive you home, as your vision will be a little blurred for a while. A protective shield over your eyes is also recommended, as well as sunglasses and a hat after your surgery as your eyes will be sensitive to the sun.
All surgical procedures carry risks, and there are some associated with LASIK – the risks of these differ between each person though, so these are best discussed with your surgeon at your initial appointment. Some of the side effects attributed to this surgery include dry eyes for up to a year after the procedure, a glare from bright lights which generally doesn’t last for longer than six weeks, and drooping eyelids which tend to improve after a few weeks. Most people aren’t affected by these problems though, nor by any complications with the surgery itself. As this is a fairly new surgical process, there is a limited amount of research into the long-term effects of this surgery.
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