The lasik way to see world in a better light

IN SIGHT

LASIK surgery is now the latest and by far the best option for correcting eyesight problems, reckons Dr Balakrishna Shetty 

Have you always dreamt of waking up and being able to see clearly, without having to grab for your glasses? Well, the good news is that there is a solution and it could change your life dramatically: LASIK surgery. 

What is LASIK?

LASIK stands for Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis. It is a surgery used to correct the vision in people who are farsighted, nearsighted, or have astigmatism. The LASIK surgery gently reshapes the corneal bed (clear front part of the eye) with the help of laser beams.

Types of LASIK surgery

Customised LASIK procedure: This is a procedure which measures and corrects the irregularities in the optical system of the eye. Customised LASIK is an advanced procedure. In fact, when compared to the standard LASIK procedure, patients who opted for Customised had significantly better vision.

Intralase method: This is the ‘blade-free LASIK experience.’ In this method, a 100% blade free approach is adopted to create your corneal flap. Traditionally, doctors used an instrument called microkeratome, a hand-held blade which would move across the eye cutting the corneal flap.

However, in the latest intralase method, your doctor can create a corneal flap without the blade ever touching your eye and it takes only about 15 to 30 seconds. Once the LASIK is complete, the same method is used to lock the flap back. The intralase method also delivers excellent results and patients who have undergone this surgery report of better quality vision, especially their ability to see well in low light – like during dusk or at night.

Benefits of LASIK

* It is a painless procedure.*  Your vision is corrected almost immediately or at the most a day after the surgery.*  Stitches or bandages are not needed after the surgery.*  Your self-confidence will improve.*  The procedure takes only a few minutes and you will be discharged from the hospital in two or three hours.*  You are much safer with instant clear vision.If you are above 18 years of age and your eye glasses/lens power has been stable for 12 months, you maybe eligible for the surgery.

Myths and facts

* Myth: LASIK is still a new technology and does not yield long-term resultsFact: Research has shown that LASIK is an effective way to treat common refractive errors, with over 20 years of proven results. During that time, over 35 million procedures have been performed.*  Myth: Patients who have undergone LASIK still have trouble with their night vision.Fact: In the past, night time vision complaints (glare and halos) were a common side-effect following LASIK surgery. However, the latest advances in custom wavefront technology, have minimized the risks of developing these side-effects.*  Myth: LASIK surgery is not suitable for people who’ve crossed forty years of ageFact: Over 99% of patients are between 18-50 years of age. * Myth: LASIK is too expensive.Fact: LASIK is an investment that can actually save you money. When you factor in what you are already spending on glasses, contacts, and solution every year. LASIK is therefore an affordable solution in the long-run. * Myth: LASIK is too riskyFact: LASIK is widely regarded as one of the safest elective procedure in modern medicine. It also yields some of the highest levels of patient satisfaction of any procedure, according to results of a worldwide study.

Find the right surgeon

* Make sure you do a bit of research about the surgeon and hospital before you opt for a LASIK surgery. * The surgeon should be experienced with a good reputation and access to latest technology. *  Also, your surgeon needs to be available after surgery.

So, let’s face it – glasses are not always convenient. It can slow you down at night or while playing sports. Though contact lenses are an option, imagine how much you spend every year on lens and solution, not to mention the associated risks of infection. Would it not be great if you could see clearly without any of these hassles? If your answer to this question is yes, then go ahead and see if you’re eligible for the LASIK surgery.

(The writer is an eye specialist)