What is LASIK?
LASIK is an accurate and precise laser treatment to remove the spectacle numbers.
How does LASIK work?
LASIK is the reshaping of the front layer of the eye called the cornea using highly advanced laser. The light rays are bent in the exact manner to enable images to be focused precisely on the retina.
What are different types of laser treatments?
The laser treatment removes some microns of the cornea to reshape it. There are different ways to do this, depending on the safety profile of the patient.
What is custom LASIK?
This is an advanced form of LASIK wherein the treatment is customised to the exact shape of your eye to give you sharper vision. It is similar to your customised tailored clothes as apposed to ready off the shelf clothes that may not fit you perfectly.
Can any number be removed by laser?
Laser can remove numbers up to a safe range. If your number is higher, there are other options like lens implants.
Is LASIK safe?
LASIK is extremely safe. It is safer for most people than taking a train journey or a flight; in fact, it is much safer than travelling by road! The doctor will perform some tests and only then give you the green signal for LASIK.
But doctor, I am very afraid…
If you are the type of person who would never take a flight out of fear, then LASIK is not for you. Like any other place, accidents can occur, but these are very rare and can be corrected.
Much of the panic comes from seeing ghastly videos online of LASIK gone wrong. We may have seen movies of planes getting hijacked, but that does not stop us from taking a flight, does it?
Is it painful?
No, LASIK is completely painless. You will be aware of the water as the eye is being cleaned during the procedure as well as the eye clip which keeps the eye open. But LASIK is not painful.
Will I get an injection?
No, there is no injection at all, only eye drops.
How much time does it take?
Each eye takes less than 5 minutes.
Are both eyes done at once?
Yes, most patients around the world get both eyes treated one after the other. It is not necessary to do that, it is just more convenient this way.
Does it bleed?
No there is no loss of blood; but you may have some redness for a few days.
What precautions do I have to take after the laser?
You must be extremely careful not to touch or rub your eyes in any way.
Keep blinking, do not stare. Doing so will help the tears to spread evenly over the eye.
Put your eye drops regularly as you will be instructed to do so.
No head bath or swimming for a week.
Are there any diet restrictions?
No, you can have your regular diet. Of course, no smoking.
Can I use a pillow?
Yes, you can use a pillow. It is better to use protective eye shields for a few nights.
When can I resume work?
You can get back to your normal work within 2 to 3 days. Remember to use your eye drops and to blink well, especially in front of the computer screen.
Does the number come back?
No, the laser effect is permanent and the number does not come back. You will, however, need a reading number when you cross the age of 40, whether you undergo LASIK or not.
Will it be obvious that I have had the laser treatment done?
No, in fact even an eye doctor will not be able to tell without seeing you on advanced eye instruments.
Does LASIK cause dryness?
Yes, LASIK patients do complain of dryness for some time. You will be prescribed lubricant artificial tear drops. You will be more comfortable if you remember to blink well.
Will I get a cataract after getting LASIK done?
Cataract is the clouding of the natural lens, while the LASIK treatment is a reshaping treatment of the front layer of the eye called the cornea. You may get a cataract because of aging of your lens, but that is not related to the laser treatment.
