What Is A Refractive Error?
The human eye functions like a camera. Light enters the eye through the outer transparent cornea and is focused onto a single point on the retina which is at the back of the eye.
In refractive errors, however, the rays of light do not come to a sharp focus onto the retina, and instead form a blurred image.
In Myopia (short sightedness) the focus is in front of the eye.
In Hypermetropia, (far sightedness) the focus is behind the eye.
In astigmatism, (cylindrical number), the focus in the horizontal and vertical meridian are at different points.
Am I A Good Candidate For Lasik?
The basic requirement is a stable number, which happens at 18 years of age or later. To find out if you’re eligible your eye specialist will carry out some tests.
Can My Number For Reading Glasses Or Near Vision (Presbyopia) Be Treated By LASIK?
Everybody requires reading glasses at the age of 40 or so. This reading number cannot be satisfactorily corrected by LASIK, although several experimental procedures are going on in various research laboratories. Presbyopia can be taken care of by using the concept of ‘Monovision’ where one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision.
What Results Should I Expect?
The goal of LASIK is to considerably reduce the dependency on glasses and contact lenses. Statistics indicate that 6/6 vision may not occur with every procedure. In very high numbers, a regression (a residual number can develop), which can be treated in selected cases.
It is also a reasonably safe procedure, with minimal side-effects. It is a near painless procedure, with mild discomfort after the procedure which lasts for an hour or so.
You will be able to resume regular duties in about 72 hours post procedure.
Can I Get Both Eyes Corrected In The Same Sitting?
Usually, both eyes are treated, which is the standard norm worldwide. This also causes least disruption to the patient’s lifestyle. In certain cases, however, one eye is done at time.
What Is The Duration Of The Procedure?
The procedure itself takes only about 5-7 minutes per eye but you may have to stay in the hospital for about 30 to 60 minutes.
What Should I Do A Day Before The Procedure?
Use of creams, make up etc. should be avoided as these can cause infection after the procedure.
Use of perfumes, body spray, deodorants etc. should be avoided on the day of the procedure, as this can attenuate the laser beam energy, leading to inaccurate results.
Who Is The Right Doctor For LASIK?
It is very important to choose the right eye surgeon for your LASIK procedure. It’s a decision that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Here are some things that will help you pick out a good doctor:
- Your doctor should perform a complete eye check-up and not just a number check-up
- He should be willing to explain the nature and details of the procedure, and also answer all your queries.
- Be wary of doctors/eye hospitals who give a guarantee of 100 vision correction and big packages/discounts.