What You Need to Know About LASIK Eye Treatment

For the last 25 years, LASIK eye treatment has been the go-to eye procedure for people who are looking to improve their eyesight. But, what does it involve? Below we answer the common LASIK questions.

What is LASIK Eye Treatment?

LASIK or laser in-situ keratomileusis is an eye procedure done to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

When you have normal vision, the light entering through the cornea is precisely focused onto the retina providing a perfect vision. However, in myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, the light is bent incorrectly thereby resulting in a blurry vision. LASIK treatment is done to reshape the cornea to enable correct light focus onto the retina and improve vision.

Although glasses and contacts can correct your vision, reshaping the cornea will provide the needed refraction and eliminate the need for wearing glasses.

Are You a Candidate for LASIK Procedure?

The procedure is not for everyone and our Vaughan optometrist will have to assess your eligibility before performing the procedure.

To be a candidate you need to meet the following criteria:

• Healthy eyes. Eye conditions such as severe dry eye syndrome, infection, and eye injury can affect how you respond to treatment and the healing process.
• The cornea should have sufficient thickness. A thin or severely misshapen cornea can affect eye treatment.
• Your eye prescription should be within the set limit.
• Pupils must be the correct size not too large or small.
• Stable vision for at least one year
• It is important to be healthy without any degenerative diseases that may impair the healing process.
• Be at least 18 years’ old

What Does the Procedure Involve?

LASIK eye procedure lasts for 30 minutes and it is done in stages.

• Before the procedure

Our Vaughan optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye exam. The tests will examine your eye focus, the thickness of the cornea, and tear film. We will also check for any eye infection, dry eyes, large pupils, inflammation and high blood pressure.

During your evaluation, the optometrist will ask for information about your medical history.

It’s vital to stop wearing contact lenses at least two weeks before the treatment or as advised. Contact lenses can alter your cornea and impact the procedure.

The doctor will also discuss the procedure, advantages and risks involved.

• During the procedure 

As aforementioned, the procedure is short. First, numbing eye drops are applied to the eyelids to reduce discomfort. Using special instruments, the optometrist will hold the eyelids open and cut the flap to allow easy reshaping of the cornea. After reshaping, the flap is laid back in position and it can heal without stitches.

• After the procedure

There will be a slight discomfort, itchiness, burning sensation, watery eyes, and blurry vision. The doctor will give you medication to ease pain, and you may have to wear protective gear at night until the eye heals.

You should expect full healing within two to three months depending on the state of your vision before the treatment.

The eye doctor will schedule a follow-up after one or two days to check for any complications. It is important to come for all your follow-up visits as scheduled by the optometrist.

What Are the Expected Results?

LASIK procedure will improve your vision and you can expect to get 20/25 vision or better. It is successful as 8 out of 10 people no longer need glasses or contact lenses.

Are There Risks Involved?

Yes. LASIK eye treatment can have a few risks and complications such as:

• Dry eyes
• Double vision
• Astigmatism. Yes, the treatment is used to correct the condition. However, it may also be a complication when the tissue is unevenly removed
• Flap problems such as infection and excess tears
• Regression is when your vision slowly reverts to your original prescription
• Rarely, you may have vision loss

Take Away

It can improve your vision. But, don’t just get LASIK eye treatment in a clinic near you, rather visit a qualified eye clinic. Contact us for a discussion on your eligibility for the treatment.