People with glasses or contact lenses often think about surgery to correct their vision. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a corrective surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, the clear, round dome at the front of the eye. The procedure aims to improve the way the eye focuses light rays onto the retina, which can correct vision problems. We spoke to our expert Dr Sanjay Mishra, Senior Consultant, Mohali Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, who listed questions that you should ask your ophthalmologist when considering LASIK.
Questions To Ask Your Ophthalmologist Before Opting For LASIK
Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Here are some key points that you should consider while considering LASIK, as listed by the expert:
- You must be at least 18 years old (21 for some lasers)
- You shouldn't be nursing or pregnant since these conditions could alter the eye's measured refraction.
- You should not be taking certain prescription drugs, like Accutane or oral prednisone.
“For LASIK, it's crucial that your eyes are in good health and your prescription remains steady. If you're nearsighted, it's advisable to delay LASIK until your vision stabilises. Myopia can persistently progress in certain individuals until their mid- to late 20s”, said Dr Mishra.
Also Read: What Is The Right Age For LASIK Surgery? Expert Answers
Will Other Conditions Affect The Surgery?
Dr Mishra said, “Your general health should be good when opting for LASIK. This surgery may not be recommended for patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, herpes infections of the eye, cataracts, disorders of the cornea, and retinal disease.”
He added, “A history of 'dry eye' could matter. If you've experienced dry eye issues due to wearing contact lenses, taking specific medications, or other causes, it's important to discuss with your eye doctor how this might affect LASIK. Screening for dry eye should be conducted before undergoing LASIK or any other refractive surgery.”
What Are The Risks and Complications Associated With LASIK?
Before the procedure, your surgeon ought to discuss the potential risks and complications, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of performing surgery on one eye versus both eyes simultaneously. This process is known as obtaining 'informed consent'.
Risks
- Severe night vision problems
- You may develop debilitating visual symptoms, particularly glare, halos, and/or double vision that can seriously affect nighttime vision.
- Decrease in contrast sensitivity, 'crispness', or sharpness.
- Objects may appear fuzzy or greyish
- Even with good vision on the vision chart, you may not see as well in situations of low contrast like at night or in fog after treatment compared to before.
Dr Mishra highlighted, “As a result of surgery, your eye may not be able to produce enough tears to keep it moist and comfortable, resulting in severe dry eye syndrome. In addition to causing discomfort, occasional blurring and other visual symptoms can worsen the quality of vision caused by dry eyes. This might be a long-term condition. It can be necessary to undergo plugs, intense drop therapy, or other procedures.”
Also Read: Dry Eye After LASIK Surgery? Expert Explains How To Manage The Condition
Complications
According to the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, LASIK can present several complications, yet their infrequency means many ophthalmologists are unfamiliar with them. Acquiring comprehensive knowledge of these complications can diminish their incidence, and timely recognition coupled with proper treatment can prevent vision loss.
Dr Mishra listed some of its complications as follows:
- Corneal infection or inflammation. These problems may require additional surgery or other treatments.
- “Problems with the corneal flap after surgery. These include partial or uneven flaps, cells growing under the flap that may require surgical removal, and irregular healing leading to a deformed cornea that can only be fixed by corneal transplantation”, said Dr Mishra.
Care After LASIK surgery
“After the surgery, healing typically occurs rapidly, but it's advisable to take a few days off work. Refrain from engaging in sports for three days post-surgery, and avoid impact sports or similar activities for four weeks.” Dr Mishra listed some important tips that you should follow after the surgery as follows:
- You might experience a mild burning sensation for a few hours following the surgery. If this occurs, refrain from rubbing your eye. Your doctor can prescribe a painkiller to alleviate any discomfort.
- Your vision may be blurry on the day of the surgery, but it should notably improve by the following day when you'll have a follow-up exam.
- Any aggravating or unusual side effects should be promptly reported to your doctor.
- Refrain from driving until your vision has sufficiently improved for the safe operation of a vehicle.
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and whirlpools for two weeks following the surgery.
What Are The Surgical Alternatives to LASIK?
Dr Mishra said, “You might want to talk to your eye doctor about several surgical options other than LASIK. These operations are generally more recent and carried out infrequently than standard LASIK surgery.” Two of them are as follows:
- Relex Smile( small manual lenticule extraction)
- Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL)
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you have any issues related to the eye for necessary diagnosis and treatment.]