Are you tired of wearing glasses and changing contact lenses every morning and evening? Are you tired of waking up in the morning and seeing the world blurry? Then you must have heard the word 'LASIK'. Many people consider it as a magic trick to clear their vision. So, today we will talk about this LASIK surgery, its truth or not, its advantages and disadvantages, and whether it is suitable for you, very simply, as if we were talking to a friend.
Simply put, what is LASIK?
LASIK is a surgery that uses advanced laser technology to correct your vision. It is a very quick and simple procedure. This means you can go home the same day after the surgery.
Think of your eye as a good camera. The part that acts like the lens of this camera is the cornea, which is at the front of the eye. Light enters the eye through this cornea. Some people's corneas are shaped a little differently. As a result, light does not focus exactly on the retina inside the eye. Just like when a camera goes 'out of focus', vision starts to become blurry.
LASIK surgery uses a very fine laser beam to reshape the cornea of your eye. This allows light to fall precisely on the retina, resulting in clear, blur-free vision.
The name comes from that very meaning. LASIK is an acronym for "Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis." Simply put, it means "changing the shape of the cornea with the help of a laser."
What types of vision impairments can be cured with this surgery?
LASIK surgery is very effective for three main types of vision impairment. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Visual impairment | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Myopia | You can see things that are close to you (like reading a book) clearly, but things that are far away (a bus sign, the TV) appear blurry. |
| Nearsightedness (Hyperopia) | Even though you can see things that are far away clearly, things that are close up (like looking at a newspaper) are not as clear. |
| Astigmatism | In this condition, the shape of the cornea is irregular, causing vision to appear blurry and stretched when looking at anything near or far. This condition often occurs together with nearsightedness. |
Let's also learn about nearsightedness that comes with age (Presbyopia)
As we age, the lens inside our eyes loses its flexibility. This makes it difficult to see up close. This is called Presbyopia . Although LASIK cannot directly cure this condition, a technique called 'monovision' can be used to help one eye see far away and the other eye see near. This makes seeing up close much easier.
What happens before and during the surgery?
If you decide to have LASIK surgery, your eye surgeon will carefully examine you to see if you are a good candidate for it. You will be advised not to use any lotions, makeup, or perfumes for the day before the surgery, as these can cause infections if they get into your eyes.
Here's what happens on the day of surgery:
1. Eye numbing drops: First, eye drops are put in your eyes. This numbs your eyes so you don't feel any pain.
2. Keeping the eye still: Next, a small device is used to keep your eye in one place and prevent you from blinking. At this point, you may feel as if someone is pressing on your eye. Your vision will be blurred for a while.
3. Creating a thin flap of the cornea: Now comes the most important part. The surgeon will carefully create a very thin flap, like a page in a book, on the top layer of your cornea. Then, he will fold it to the side.
4. Laser treatment: You will now be asked to look at a light. As you look, the laser reshapes your cornea over a period of seconds. You may hear a 'ticking' sound during this time. Some people may also notice a burning sensation. However, it is not a burning sensation, it is just a chemical reaction that occurs when the laser reshapes the cornea.
5. Reattachment of the flap: Once the laser treatment is complete, the corneal flap that was removed on that side is reattached to its original position. It will begin to adhere immediately. No stitches will be placed.
This entire process takes less than 30 minutes.
What happens after the surgery?
Once the surgery is over, your vision will be somewhat clearer. But it may feel like you're looking through a dirty glass. You can go home the same day, but someone else will need to drive the car.
Your doctor will give you the following:
- Eye shield: This should be worn to protect your eyes and prevent you from accidentally touching them.
- Several types of eye drops: You may need to use several types of eye drops to treat dry eyes, prevent infections, and reduce swelling.
It is normal to experience some discomfort, itching, watery eyes, and sensitivity to light in the first week. No matter how much it itches, do not rub your eyes, as this can damage the cornea.
What are the benefits and side effects of LASIK?
Like any medical treatment, LASIK can have benefits as well as minor side effects.
| Advantages | Possible Side Effects |
|---|---|
| You can completely or largely eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. | Dry Eyes - This is the most common side effect. It usually goes away completely within 6-12 months. |
| There is a very high success rate (over 96%). | Seeing glare or rings (Glare/Halos) around lights at night. |
| The results are permanent (but natural changes in the eyes may occur as we age). | Sensitivity to light. |
| It takes a very short time to heal. | Small red spots on the white of the eye (these disappear on their own). |
Most of these side effects are temporary and go away within a few months. The risk of complications is less than 1%.
Can I have LASIK surgery?
LASIK is not for everyone. Several factors will determine whether you are a good fit for it.
- Age: You must be over 18 years old. In most cases, it is best to wait until your early 20s, as vision has stabilized by then.
- Stable vision: Your prescription shouldn't have changed much, at least over the past year.
- Corneal thickness: The cornea must be thick enough.
- Health conditions: This surgery is not recommended for people with conditions such as severe dry eye disease, keratoconus (a weakening of the cornea), cataracts, glaucoma, and uncontrolled diabetes.
Therefore, if you are interested in LASIK, the first thing you should do is visit an experienced eye surgeon for a complete eye exam. He or she will examine your eyes and explain how effective it is for you, what the risks are, and what your best options are.
Take-Home Message
- LASIK is a very safe and successful surgery that corrects vision defects (farsightedness/nearsightedness, astigmatism) using laser technology.
- After this surgery, you can almost completely get rid of glasses or contact lenses.
- There is no pain during the surgery, and the recovery time is very short.
- Not everyone can have LASIK. Your eye surgeon will determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure after a thorough examination.
- Temporary side effects, such as dry eyes, may occur after surgery, but serious complications are very rare.
- If you are also interested in LASIK, don't be afraid to meet with a qualified doctor and talk about it.
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