MMC - Madina Medical Centre

Lasik, or Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis , is an innovative type of laser vision correction. LASIK is a surgical procedure that combines state of the art computer technology with laser precision to correct a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism using Excimer Laser Technology.

Why do people undergo LASIK?

People undergo LASIK to enhance their natural vision and reduce or eliminate their dependence on Glasses or Contact lenses. This allows them to avoid the limitations of external eyewear and achieve their visual needs for a variety of personal, professional, a vocational, social and lifestyle choices.

Who can have LASIK?

Anyone who desires to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses and can accept the risks of the procedure can consider LASIK. Most people have healthy eyes, but a screening eye examination is required to determine your suitability for LASIK. Mild to moderate myopia with or without astigmatism can be treated successfully with LASIK.

There are a number of factors that doctors must evaluate before they can determine who is an eligible candidate for LASIK. Some doctors deem certain pre-existing conditions contraindications to the procedure and will not perform surgery if you possess them. LASIK is a contraindication in patients below 18 years, any systemic history, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Yes. Because of advanced technology associated with Lasik, both eyes are most often treated at the same time.

In most cases, LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure. The whole procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes for both eyes. The actual procedure takes only 5 to 7 minutes per eye.

The treatment is performed using “eye drop” anesthesia to enhance comfort. Mild discomfort maybe experienced as the effect of the anesthesia wears off. This improves considerably within a few hours.

Most studies show that the LASIK procedure produces a minimal risk of serious complications. The overall complication rate cited in several major studies is 6%. However, most of the complications are resolved within three months and do not result in long-term interference with vision. Some patients report some discomfort after the procedure which is usually alleviated with medications. For others, vision may be blurry and fluctuate for several weeks or more.

First, a thin layer of the cornea is lifted up with an instrument called a microkeratome. Next, excimer laser pulses with an accuracy of upto ¼ of a micron are used to reshape the internal cornea. Lastly, the corneal flap is replaced in its original position and the treatment is complete.

All procedures carry some risks. It is important that to have realistic expectations and base your decision on facts and not hopes or misconceptions. The goal of LASIK is to improve quality of life through REDUCED dependence on corrective lenses. Though, LASIK can achieve 6/6 vision in 95% cases, this result cannot be guaranteed.

In 97% cases, the treatment is completely successful in eradicating dependence on visual aids. A few patients, mainly those with high prescriptions, may still require glasses or lenses for activities such as driving at night, or minute close work. In exceptional cases, minor deviations such as delayed healing and nighttime glare, can always be successfully treated, and normalcy restored.

The improved natural vision allows one to pursue the majority of activities without needing glasses or contact lenses. The level of improvement depends on the severity of refractive error and other individual and surgical factors. One may occasionally require a thin pair of spectacles under visually demanding conditions even after the surgery.

LASIK improves the uncorrected vision, i.e. the ability to see without corrective lenses. The results vary from patient to patient. Over 90 % of patients with low to moderate myopia achieve good enough vision to drive without their glasses or contact lenses, while a few achieve excellent vision. However, patients with high myopia (more than -7D) and high hyperopia (more than +4D) should have lower expectations.

You will notice an improvement in your sight within 4-6 hours though your vision may be a bit blurred. By the next morning, there is significant improvement and 48 hours down the line, your vision should be near normal, sometimes even better than before! In rare cases, it may take a few weeks for vision to adjust completely.

Usually you can resume work in 2 to 3 days but it depends on your occupation. Certain jobs that require intense clarity of vision (dentistry and surgery, for example) may be difficult to perform for one or two days. Some people may feel fatigued for a day or so following surgery.

Yes. You will, however, remain susceptible to age-related long sight and may require Reading glasses as you approach presbyopic age.

No. Most insurance companies consider Lasik an elective surgery and it is not usually a covered benefit.