FAQs About Lasik

“LASIK” The word is just like thunder. For no sooner is it mentioned, than a cloud burst of questions comes pouring down…What? How? When? Why? Which?... So here is a collection of frequently asked questions about LASIK that you might find useful:
 

• Will I be made unconscious?

LASIK is performed under local anaesthesia which means that you will be awake throughout the procedure. At the onset of the procedure eye drops will be put which will cause numbness.

• How long does the procedure last?

It does not take more than 10 seconds to 5 minutes for the actual surgery.

• Is the procedure very painful?

The eye may be a little itchy after the procedure, but the procedure itself is not painful thanks to the anaesthetic eye drops. Usually patients do not even require any pain medications, but you can always ask your doctor for some if you are apprehensive about the pain.

• When can I go back to work?

You can resume work the next day if your vision permits. However, doctors usually recommend that you rest your eyes.

• What are the restrictions that I would be required to follow after my surgery?

You will be required to wear a protective shield for the first two nights after the procedure.
Swimming and using a hot tub should be avoided in the first two weeks after surgery.
Using cosmetics should be avoided for a few weeks around the eyes.
Bathing, Showering, exercising, etc. is allowed right from the next day.

• Can the procedure be performed on both my eyes at once?

Yes, most of the patients preferred to get it done on both the eyes at one go.

• Will I require to follow up checks?

Yes, follow up checks are required at about 1-2 days, 2 weeks, and 3,6,12 months durations. The exact situation for your eye will be told to you by your doctor.

• Will I never need to wear glasses again?

LASIK does not ensure that you never require glasses again. As you grow older, you would require reading glasses. Also whether you require glasses after LASIK will be decided on a number of factors like your refractive error and your visual needs. Sometimes you may require undergoing enhancement procedures especially if you have a high degree of refractive error.

• How long do the effects last?

LASIK is a permanent procedure.

• What are the side effects?

Your vision may fluctuate during the initial days after the procedure.
You may also notice some glare, halo around lights or double vision especially at night.

 

 

• Are there any risks?

Like any surgical procedure, LASIK too has certain risks of complications. They are:
Infection of the cornea (is dealt with antibiotics)
Under Correction (If too little tissue is removed, requiring enhancement later)
Over Correction (If too much tissue is removed, which can be corrected with enhancement)
Displacement of flap (can be prevented with the use of protective eye shields)
Dry eyes (There is a temporary decrease in tear production which may require the use of artificial tears)

• When will my vision stabilise?

After LASIK, you may experience a fluctuation in your vision. This usually stabilizes at two weeks after the surgery. In some individuals it may fluctuate for up to 3 months after the LASIK too.

• Does LASIK help with floaters?

Floaters are due to changes in the back of the eye. LASIK does not act here and hence will not help.

• Is LASIK safe for teens?

Though LASIK is safe for teens, it is not recommended. Ophthalmologists usually advise this surgery after the age of 18 when you have stopped growing and your eyes have stopped changing. If you undergo LASIK and your eyes change, it will require you to come back and have further LASIK again after the change.
If any of your questions are still unanswered, you can get in touch with us at the Advanced Eye Hospital And Institute. Our doctors will help you make an informed decision about LASIK for your eyes.