LASIK Eye Surgery for Myopia

For those navigating life with myopia or nearsightedness, everyday moments are often experienced through the barrier of glasses or contact lenses. Glasses fogging up while sipping hot coffee, the routine hunt for misplaced spectacles, and the daily inconvenience of removing contact lenses are all too familiar. Yet, what if there was a way to escape this blur and get clarity? Enter LASIK treatment for myopia, a light of hope for many looking to move past the inconvenience of nearsightedness and embrace a life without glasses and lenses.

Let’s further cover what Myopia is, how LASIK surgery for myopia works, the risks and side effects of LASIK, and much more.

How Does LASIK for Myopia Work?

During LASIK eye surgery for nearsightedness, a specialised laser is used to flatten the cornea slightly, allowing light rays to focus more directly on the retina, thereby improving distance vision. The procedure is quick, typically taking about 10 to 15 minutes for both eyes and is performed under local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort. Most patients notice an improvement in their vision almost immediately after LASIK, and this improvement can be life-changing, reducing or even eliminating their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Also Read: All About LASIK Procedure at Planet Lasik

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how LASIK eye surgery for nearsightedness takes place:

Before the LASIK Procedure

1. Consultation and Evaluation: A thorough eye examination to assess suitability, including corneal thickness, eye health, and vision stability.
2. Instructions: Patients are generally advised to stop wearing contact lenses for a few weeks before surgery to ensure the cornea is in its natural shape.
3. Preparation: Patients should avoid makeup or lotions around the eyes on the day to reduce the risk of infection.

During the LASIK procedure

1. Anaesthetic Drops: Before LASIK for nearsightedness begins, numbing drops is done to the eye to ensure comfort throughout the surgery.
2. Eye Positioning: The patient is positioned under the laser microscope, and an instrument called a lid speculum is used to keep the eyelids open.
3. Corneal Flap Creation: A precise instrument, either a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser, creates a thin flap in the cornea’s surface layer. This flap is carefully lifted and folded to expose the underlying corneal tissue.
4. Reshaping the Cornea: With the corneal tissue exposed, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea. For myopia, the laser flattens the cornea’s curve, allowing light rays to focus more directly on the retina rather than in front of it.
5. Corneal Flap Repositioning: After the cornea has been reshaped, the surgeon carefully repositions the corneal flap back into its original place. This flap adheres naturally and heals over time without the need for stitches.
6. Completion: The procedure is complete once the corneal flap is securely in place. The laser treatment only takes a few seconds to a minute per eye, depending on the correction needed.

This laser surgery for myopia effectively corrects myopia by adjusting the corneal shape for clearer, more focused vision.

After the LASIK Procedure

1. Immediate Post-Op: Patients often rest briefly in the clinic and wear protective eyewear. Vision may be blurry or hazy initially.
2. Follow-Up Visits: Check-ups to monitor healing and vision improvement are scheduled.
3. Eye Care: Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation. Avoid rubbing eyes and participating in contact sports for a week atleast.
4. Vision Stabilization: Vision typically improves within a day, with further stabilization over the following weeks to months.

Benefits and Side Effects of LASIK

Benefits of LASIK for Myopia

• Long-Term Vision Correction: Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK.
• Quick Recovery: Most individuals return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.
• Reduced Dependence on Glasses or Contacts: LASIK offers a lifestyle upgrade for those who rely on corrective eyewear.
• Minimal Discomfort: The procedure is virtually painless, thanks to numbing drops.

Side Effects and Risks

• Temporary dry eye is common after LASIK surgery for myopia.
• Some patients may experience halos or glare around lights, particularly at night.
• Rarely, under-correction or over-correction may occur, requiring enhancement procedures.

Consulting with an experienced surgeon and taking all necessary precautions, as instructed by the doctor, can mitigate these risks.

Eligibility Criteria for LASIK Eye Surgery for Myopia

Determining if you’re a good candidate for LASIK is essential before considering the procedure. LASIK for myopia can offer a permanent solution to nearsightedness. However, several key factors must be considered to ensure the best outcomes and minimise risks. Here are some criteria that typically make someone a good candidate for LASIK:

• At least 18 years old, while some doctors recommend that the patient be over 21 years old for greater stability in vision.
• A stable eye prescription for at least the last year.
• No eye diseases, corneal abnormalities, or severe dry eye syndrome.
• Enough corneal thickness is needed for reshaping.
• Good overall health without conditions that can affect healing, like autoimmune diseases.
• Understanding both the potential benefits and the limitations or risks of LASIK.

Patients with extremely high prescriptions or thin corneas may require alternative procedures.

Alternatives to LASIK for Myopia

For those who are not eligible for LASIK, other options are:

1. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Similar to LASIK but does not involve creating a corneal flap, making it a good choice for people looking for high myopia correction.
2. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A minimally invasive procedure ideal for mild to moderate myopia.
3. Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL): Lenses surgically placed inside the eye for high prescriptions.
4. Glasses or Contact Lenses: Lastly, for those seeking non-surgical options, glasses and contact lenses remain effective ways to manage nearsightedness.

Each alternative has its own set of benefits and considerations, so talking to your eye doctor can help you find the best fit for your eyes and lifestyle.

Find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK

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Frequently Asked Questions