What LASIK is and who it is for
If you are looking for a treatment that reduces your need for glasses or contact lenses, LASIK is one option. It is a quick, usually comfortable laser procedure that aims to reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear.
LASIK is one form of refractive surgery, a group of procedures that correct vision by changing how the eye focuses light. Refractive surgery typically corrects mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Related techniques are also used in cataract surgery.
Am I a candidate?
To find out whether LASIK is suitable for you, you need a consultation with our eye surgeons. Your age, corneal thickness, medical history, glasses prescription and overall eye health all determine whether you are a good candidate. The doctors also check for eye infections, inflammation, dry eyes and raised eye pressure.
Some conditions can lead to complications or poor outcomes and may rule LASIK out, including keratoconus, dry eye disease, previous eye injuries, large pupils, glaucoma and cataract. A detailed discussion of these before any decision is part of the assessment.
If you are under 18 you will usually be asked to wait, because vision can keep changing through the teenage years. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and steroid medication can also cause temporary changes in vision, so surgery is postponed until eyesight has stabilised.
The procedure
LASIK uses a laser and surgical instruments to reshape the cornea. This changes how light is focused on the retina so the eye can focus more sharply. The laser treatment itself takes no more than about 10 minutes per eye.
Anaesthetic drops are applied about 30 minutes before surgery to numb the eye. An eyelid holder keeps the eye open during the procedure, and you are asked to look at a point of light so the eye stays still.
A thin flap is created in the cornea with a fine blade or a microkeratome (an instrument with an oscillating blade) and gently lifted. The underlying cornea is then reshaped with an excimer laser to correct the refractive error. The flap is laid back in its original position, where it settles without stitches or bandages.
Key facts
- You are awake during the procedure.
- It is usually comfortable, with minimal discomfort.
- Drops are used to numb the eyes.
- Both eyes can be treated at the same visit.
- LASIK is an outpatient procedure: you walk in and walk out the same day.
After surgery and recovery
Immediately after surgery you are advised to rest, ideally with a long sleep, to support healing. Temporary discomfort is relieved with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Haziness or blurry vision is normal at first and usually clears by the next day.
Avoid strenuous activity that could affect healing. You may be given protective goggles to prevent rubbing, or darkened shields to protect the eyes from bright light. Most patients notice a clear change in their vision by the following day.
As with any medical procedure, follow your surgeon's instructions and return for the follow-up appointments so your progress can be checked. Good aftercare also helps you avoid side effects that can follow from rubbing the eyes or returning to strenuous activity too soon.
What patients report
Compared with glasses and contact lenses, LASIK can produce a noticeable change quickly: patients usually see more clearly the day after surgery. Many patients report less reliance on glasses or contact lenses for daily activities such as driving, swimming, cycling and sport. Results are long-lasting for most patients, although some still need glasses for certain tasks, and vision can change with age.
Risks and limitations
LASIK is not suitable for everyone, and the conditions listed above can increase the chance of complications or a poor outcome. Temporary discomfort and hazy vision are expected immediately after surgery, and results vary from person to person. Your surgeon will go through the risks that apply to you before you decide.
LASIK at Spanish Eye Clinic
Spanish Eye Clinic in Dubai offers current laser vision correction technology. Every patient has a comprehensive eye examination first, and we explain the options and what you can realistically expect in your case. Book a consultation to find out whether LASIK is suitable for you.