How Laser Eye Surgery Technology (LASIK) Can Help Correct Eye Defects

Almost every family can relate to one vision problem or the other. Since they are highly prevalent, there is a need for methods to correct these defects without using awkward-looking glasses. Yes, there are surgical methods of correcting these problems, and there are also many advancements on how they can become faster, safer and more comfortable.

Optimal Vision Clinic UK Dr Amir Mani discloses about the latest eye surgery technology called LASIK from this post.

The four common vision problems

• Myopia: This is when a person sees nearer objects clearly, but the distant objects appear blurry. This is because the light rays from the distant object fall in front of the retina.

• Hyperopia: here, a person sees distant objects correctly than the nearer objects since the light rays from the closer objects fall behind the retina.

• Astigmatism: people suffering from myopia and hyperopia will also have astigmatism as light focuses on other areas of the eye apart from the retina.

• Presbyopia: this occurs with age and causes people to lose their ability to read without reading glasses. With age, the muscles surrounding the lens weaken and become unable to contract and relax like before. This is the cause of the problem.

Nonsurgical ways of correcting vision problems

Glasses, contact lenses, and orthokeratology are useful for correcting vision problems.

LASIK: A Surgical method of correcting vision problems

LASIK is an abbreviation which means Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. It is a procedure that uses an excimer laser to change the shape of the cornea and enable better vision. The LASIK procedure is the most advanced form of laser vision correction techniques available.

How is LASIK done?

To begin this process, the surgeon will place a suction ring at the centre of the cornea. Then he will use the microkeratome to create a partial flap of uniform thickness in the cornea. To expose the central cornea, the surgeon will fold back the corneal flap on the hinge. With the excimer laser, he will remove some tissues from the centre of the cornea to give it a different shape. To finalise this process, he will then fold back the hinged flap into its original position.

What are the potential risks of LASIK?

Like other surgical procedures, there are some potential risks of undergoing the LASIK procedure. Some patients may completely lose their vision or develop debilitating visual symptoms after this procedure. Some people may still need to use glasses for proper sight, and some may develop severe dry eyes after the procedure. If this procedure was used to treat farsightedness, the results might become less potent over time. Apart from this, there are no data on the long-term effects of this procedure.

Is LASIK for me?

Though LASIK is a highly successful procedure, it is not for everyone, especially those with refractive instability. This means that people whose glasses or contact lenses prescription has been changed in the past year cannot have this treatment.

It is not also for people who are on medications that affect their wound-healing abilities. Those who involve in contact sports are not to use this procedure.

Those who participate in boxing, wrestling, martial arts, and other sports that involve frequent hits and blows to the face are advised against this procedure.

You can reach out to us at Optimal Vision Clinic for more details about this Laser Eye Surgery procedure and also to book an appointment with our eye experts.