Consultant Ophthalmologist at Medcare shine light on Lasik Surgery
31 July 2019
| Last updated on 4 August 2019Ever considered getting rid of your glasses and contact lenses for good? Lasik, or laser in-situ keratomileusis, may be the answer you were looking for!
Lasik eye surgery is carried out under topical anesthesia to reshape the cornea which is the clear part in front of the eye and correct the refractive error, so that the light going into your eye is properly focused on your retina. It can be used to correct myopia (short-sightedness), hypermetropia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism.
Dr. Mazen Senjab, Consultant Ophthalmologist. Medcare Eye Centre explains, “many people wish to seek a permanent solution that frees them from glasses and contact lenses. There is not one solution that is better than the other – it all depends on personal preference, but lifestyle, convenience and aesthetic concerns mean some patients wish to undergo Lasik”.
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Ophthalmologists will check to see whether patients are suitable candidates for Lasik;
They should be over 20 years, with stable refraction and vision for at least the last 6 months. Eye investigation tests will also be carried out to see whether you are a good candidate. They will also check if your prescription is suitable as the procedure can only correct from -1 to -9. A higher implant that -9 may be used, but if you have a very large number you may not be suitable for this procedure.
If your cornea is too thin for the procedure, it can cause complications so patients with unsuitable cornea thickness shouldn’t not undergo the procedure. If you have chronic dry eye syndrome, you may not want to use this operation to correct your vision as it can worsen symptoms. Lastly, post-op care is very important, especially in the first few days. It is important not to expose your eyes to dust, contaminated water or possible sources of infection.
“Recovery time is very short if your surgeon has done a proper investigation, used proper technique and is experienced. Most patients recover within a day or the first week at most” said Dr Senjab.
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After the procedure, you may feel a burning sensation and dryness for the first two hours. After this, vision will improve progressively over the next 24 to 48 hours, with minimal or no pain. Many patients achieve 20/20 vision after undergoing the procedure.
Lasik provides optimal vision quality, convenience and comfort compared with glasses or contact lense use. It may give you dry eyes, but this will improve over time. There is a slight risk of infection during the healing period, and you may need additional protection against UV light and glare by using sunglasses.
Written by Dr. Mazen Senjab
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Medcare Eye Centre