LASIK Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery in India - Procedure, Benefits and Recovery Explained

LASIK is a common type of laser eye surgery used to correct vision. This short explains the basic principles of the procedure and what it aims to achieve.

What is LASIK surgery?

LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses.

• It corrects vision. The procedure is designed to correct refractive errors. These include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
• It reshapes the cornea. A specialised laser is used to change the shape of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. This is done to improve how light is focused onto the retina.
• It is an outpatient procedure. LASIK is typically performed as a day case, meaning you do not usually need to stay in the hospital overnight.

What does the procedure involve?

The surgery itself is usually quick for each eye.

• Numbing drops are used. Your eye is numbed with anaesthetic eye drops. You remain awake during the procedure.
• A flap is created. The surgeon creates a very thin, hinged flap on the surface of your cornea. This is lifted to allow access to the underlying corneal tissue.
• The cornea is reshaped. An excimer laser, which is a cool ultraviolet light beam, removes a microscopic amount of tissue to reshape the cornea.
• The flap is replaced. The surgeon then lays the flap back into its original position, where it begins to heal naturally.

Who may be a candidate for LASIK?

A detailed eye examination is needed to determine if LASIK is right for you.

• Stable prescription. Your glasses or contact lens prescription should be stable for at least one year before the procedure.
• Good eye health. You should have healthy eyes, free from conditions like severe dry eye, glaucoma, or cataracts.
• Sufficient corneal thickness. Your cornea must be thick enough to allow the surgeon to safely create the flap and perform the reshaping.
• LASIK is not suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions, or being pregnant or breastfeeding, can make the procedure unsuitable.

Suitability for LASIK depends on your individual circumstances and eye structure. A final decision can only be made after a refractive surgeon has reviewed your case and the results of a comprehensive eye examination.