Lasik eye surgery is still relatively new and while thousands of people have enjoyed the benefits from this type of surgery, it still remains a mystery to many. Questions such as how do I qualify? Is it safe; and what techniques are employed are often asked.
This article will provide a brief overview of what Lasik eye surgery technique is and what you need to do to qualify for it. It's not just a matter of presenting yourself to a surgeon and saying..."I want Lasik" While Lasik is an extremely safe procedure, it is surgery nevertheless and your surgeon will need to determine several things about you and your eyes before accepting you as patient.
The Qualification Process
First of all, you will need to consult your doctor. Discuss with him/her your situation and the problems you are experiencing and an analysis will be made of your situation. Remember, not everyone will be suitable for Lasik eye surgery. some of the reasons you may be rejected include:
- being under the age of 18.
- being pregnant
- eyes must be in a healthy condition
At a young age, peoples eyes are still in the evolving stage and any complications which may exist could improve over time. Young people are encouraged to give it a little extra time before considering Lasik eye surgery treatment.
With pregnancy, Lasik Laser Eye Surgery is discouraged because of the refraction or bending of light due to hormonal changes. Surgery response may be a little skewed for pregnant woman and this also applies to women during the nursing stage.
If you have been having ongoing problems with your eyes and they are not in a healthy or stable condition then lasik laser eye surgery may not be an option for you. Your doctor will determine this and be extremely forthright about it. Rejection in this instance is usually a precautionary measure.
Lasik Eye Surgery Techniques
Lasik eye surgery is a relatively safe and painless procedure. Lasik Laser Eye surgery techniques are such that the procedure is quick and is usually performed within 10-20 minutes. Local anaesthethic is used.
It involves a laser cut flap on the eye cornea and lifting it and is then followed by a laser re-shaping of the tissue underneath it. When completed the flap is then replaced. No stitching is required and the healing process begins. Protection is placed over the eye so the cornea isn't subject to outside damage.
The healing process is usually very quick, in fact, in some cases, people have been able to resume work duties the following day however, most patients are advised to take a few days off. Side effects aren't immediately noticeable although some mild irritation may be felt in the form of slight burning or itching. Depending on the level of discomfort, medication may be prescribed.
Lasik eye surgery techniques are amazingly effective and once you qualify, the decision will be yours on whether to have the surgery. The success rate is extremely high and the benefits certainly outweigh the negatives. Ultimately, it will be your decision on whether it is worth the slight risk involved.
LASIK eye surgery is a two-step procedure:
Step 1: Flap creation
After numbing eye drops are applied to decrease the sensitivity of the cornea, a surgical instrument is attached to the eye with suction and creates a thin flap of corneal tissue.
In most LASIK surgeries, this instrument is a mechanical microkeratome, which contains a surgical blade. But the corneal flap can also be created with a laser.
When the corneal flap is created with a laser, there's less risk of flap-related complications. Until recently, only one company — IntraLase Corp. (Irvine, CA) — manufactured an FDA-approved laser for creating corneal flaps in LASIK surgery. For that reason, all-laser LASIK in the U.S. is sometimes called "IntraLasik."
Whether the corneal flap is created with a microkeratome or a laser, one end of the flap is left attached to the eye. The flap is folded back on this "hinge," exposing the underlying cornea for reshaping with an excimer laser.
Step 2: Laser re-shaping
Once the underlying cornea is exposed, the LASIK surgeon positions the treatment laser (called an excimer laser) close to the eye and begins the corneal re-shaping process.
The excimer laser delivers a computer-programmed number of pulses of high-energy ultraviolet (UV) light. These energy pulses vaporize (or ablate) microscopic amounts of cornea tissue to reshape the front of the eye, enabling the cornea to focus light more accurately.
After the excimer laser treatment (which usually takes less than a minute), the surgeon repositions the corneal flap and gently presses it into place over the treatment area. The flap bonds to the underlying cornea relatively quickly, with no need for stitches. However, you should avoid rubbing your eyes for a week or two after LASIK.
You will also be given medicated eye drops to use for several days after surgery to decrease swelling and the risk of infection.
