LASIK is a surgical procedure for correcting near sightedness (myopia), far sightedness (hyperopia) and cylindrical (Astigmatic) refractive errors. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis.
Procedure of LASIK
During LASIK surgery, a flap is created in the outer layers of the cornea. The flap is hinged and lifted so the excimer laser can treat only the underlying layer of the cornea. This circular flap remains attached to the cornea by a small hinge of tissue. The hinge enables the flap to be lifted away from the central cornea. A laser can then be used to reshape the exposed mid-layer of the cornea.
The laser is used to create a flap using multiple short pulses. These pulses are so close together they create an almost complete separation of the flap from the rest of the cornea, but they do not actually lift the flap. If the flap pattern is judged to be complete and satisfactory, a delicate separation of the flap is performed with a few gentle manipulations using a surgical instrument.
While creating the flap, the eye is held firmly with a suction ring, which exerts some pressure and causes vision to black out momentarily.
The surgeon then positions the patient’s eye under the excimer laser which is programmed to remove microscopic layers of tissue from the internal part of the cornea under the flap. The cool laser beam vaporizes tissue away, one microscopic layer at a time, without burning or cutting. This tissue does not completely replace itself after it is removed. Since the excimer laser light is created at a specified wavelength that does not pass through the cornea, no other part of the eye is affected.
After the tissue has been removed, the surgeon places the flap back in its original position where it heals into place with no stitches. The cornea has amazing natural bonding qualities. Within a few minutes, the flap adheres to the underlying tissue. The edges of the flap heal over in 12 to 48 hours, with the entire flap gaining adhesive strength as it continues to heal in the following weeks and months.
For each eye, the laser application time is usually less than one minute and the whole procedure takes around 15 minutes.
For Removal of glasses following options are available:-.
- Conventional Lasik
- Femto Lasik
- No Touch Lasik
- IPCL / ICL
In Conventional Lasik or Femto Lasik (Bladeless Lasik) Mechanical Instruments or Lasers Creates the corneal Flap Which is mandatory, Contrary to this in “No Touch Lasik(Trans PRK) Corneal Flap is not required so one can avoid flap related complications. It is very safe & predictable procedure, as no flap is required so chances of complications in future negligible.
Patient fit for NO TOUCH LASIK are:
Patients who play contact sports (rugby, martial arts) or have careers that pose a greater risk of injury (police, armed Forces).
Patients who are highly anxious about LASIK Flap creation (but who also accept the new risks posed by No Touch laser eye surgery).
Patients with compromised corneal bio-mechanics (Dependent on the shape and thickness of your cornea and your current prescription).
Patients who are likely to suffer flap-related complications with LASIK (such as having small. deep set eyes).
Patients undergoing Follow-up Eye surgery to Correct Previous imperfect LASIK or Epi-LASIK Procedures.
Implantable Phakic contact Lens (IPCL / ICL) is like a soft contact lens, single piece posterior chamber phakic iol, which can be inserted into the eye through sub 2.8mm incision to correct vision of the eye.The lens is customized according to shape & size of each eye.Widest power range from +15D to -30D with cyl upto 8D.Made from Hybrid Acrylic material to ensure long term performance.The IPCL / ICL lens is implanted inside the eye, between the Iris and the natural lens. It can be inserted into the eye through sub 2.8 mm incision, to correct spherical, cylindrical or mixed errors within the eye’s optical system. Once implanted in the eye, the IPCL / ICL stays indefinitely. It can be replaced or removed from the eye, if your vision changes over a period of time.
Am I Fit For LASIK
For people with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, LASIK surgery could be the key to a life free of bulky spectacles or contact lenses. But not everybody is a suitable candidate for this type of laser eye surgery. Here are the few main questions a LASIK surgeon is likely to ask you during a consultation.
LASIK FAQ's
How old are you?
If you’re under 18, the LASIK surgeon will ask you to wait, just to make sure your vision is stabilised. If you’re in your early 40s, you need to be aware that you might still need reading glasses later on. If you’re in your 60s, you will need to be assessed for pre-existing cataracts. If you have them, cataract surgery might actually solve your vision problem, in addition to correcting any myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia that you might have.
To speak to a Patient Counselor about this procedure, please contact us.
