Lasik Eye Surgery - Side Effects, Age Limit, Types, Benefits

According to Bhutia et al., 2021, the incidence of refractive error is highest (9.2%) in the 14–17 age group. LASIK surgery is a transformative solution to solve the common eye issue in India. 

The treatment offers a convenient and effective way of achieving a clearer vision. Want to know more? Continue reading to understand LASIK eye surgery, including its costs, benefits, risks, and more!s

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive procedure to correct vision problems. These may include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the treatment, a precise laser is used to reshape the cornea (clear front part of the eye) to enhance eyesight.

Anatomy of the Eye

The human eye is a sensory organ responsible for vision. The anatomy involves various vital structures that capture and transmit light. It facilitates the transmission of visual stimuli to the brain:

1. Cornea: The transparent outer layer covering the front of the eye, refracting light rays and focusing them onto the retina.

2. Iris: The portion responsible for colour of the eye, regulating the size of the pupil and the amount of light entering the eye.

3. Lens: A flexible, transparent structure behind the iris, further focusing light onto the retina to form clear images.

4. Retina: The light-sensitive tissues lining the back of the eye. It contains photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) that convert light into electrical signals.

5. Optic Nerve: A group of nerve cells that travels from the retina to the brain, where it is processed to create meaningful images carrying visual information.

LASIK surgery addresses common refractive errors by reshaping the cornea. The conditions treated with this method are:

1. Nearsightedness (Myopia): LASIK can correct the curvature of the cornea to improve distance vision for individuals who struggle with seeing objects far away.

2. Farsightedness (Hyperopia): The surgery can enhance the capacity of the eye to focus on close objects by adjusting the shape of the cornea.

3. Astigmatism: It can smooth irregularities in the cornea's shape to alleviate blurry vision for both near and far objects.

Candidates for LASIK should have stable vision prescriptions for at least a year to ensure that the procedure provides lasting results. The eligibility criteria also includes:

1. The LASIK surgery age limit requires a person to be 18 years or older. 

2. Patients should have healthy corneas and not be suffering from cataracts or glaucoma.

3. Individuals should have realistic expectations regarding its outcomes. Having an in-depth discussion with your ophthalmologist regarding this is advisable.  

Prior to LASIK eye surgery, the patient undergoes an evaluation, during which their medical and surgical history is reviewed. The eye specialist examines for signs of infection, inflammation, and dry eyes.

Before Surgery 

Before and after LASIK eye surgery, the ophthalmologist evaluates the cornea of the eye. They calculate the amount of corneal tissue to be removed for optimal correction.

On the Day of Surgery

Patients are advised to refrain from using eye makeup, creams or lotions three days before the surgery. Additionally, they may recommend cleaning the eyelashes daily or more frequently to lower the chance of infection.

The LASIK eye surgery takes 30 minutes, during which the patient lies on their back in a reclining chair. An overview of the procedure is given below.

1. Eye Preparation: The surgeon administers numbing eye drops to ensure the patient's comfort throughout the procedure. The eye is cleaned and marked to guide the laser during corneal reshaping.

2. Flap Creation: Using a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea. The flap is elevated to reveal the underlying corneal tissue.

3. Corneal Reshaping: After the flap is raised, a precision excimer laser is utilised to reshape the cornea's curvature according to the patient's prescription. The laser removes tiny amounts of tissue to repair refractive defects.

4. Flap Replacement: Following the corneal restoration, the flap heals without stitches.

Immediately after LASIK surgery, individuals may experience temporary discomfort, such as a burning sensation or itching in the eye for the first 2-4 hours. The healing phase involves the following:

In Hospital Recovery

After LASIK surgery, patients are advised to keep their eyes closed for at least three hours to allow the cornea to heal. They return home the same day as no hospitalisation is required.

At-home Recovery 

After discharge from the hospital, the recovery period following LASIK surgery spans six months. Patients may experience various visual changes and discomfort as their eyes heal during this time. The expectations during this process are:

1. Patients may need to wait 1-3 days before engaging in non-contact sports activities.

2. During the initial three weeks, blurred vision, dry eyes, and visual glare are common experiences.

3. Cream or makeup can be applied to the face, away from the eyes, after 2 to 3 days post-surgery. 

4. The eyes generally take 2-3 months to heal after LASIK. However, vision stabilises and becomes clear around six months post-surgery.

First Follow-up Appointment

Patients typically have their first follow-up appointment with their eye doctor for 1 to 2 days post-surgery. They will assess the healing progress and detect any potential complications. Subsequent visits are usually advised within the first six months after surgery per the doctor's recommendations. 

Like any surgical procedure, LASIK carries inherent risks. The complication rate ranges from 0.7% to 6.6%. The LASIK surgery side effects involved are:

1. Temporary or persistent dryness of the eyes

2. Increased sensitivity to light, glare, halos, or double vision

3. Under correction or overcorrection

4. Flap dislocation or irregular flap edges

When to consult a doctor?

Patients should consult a doctor promptly if they experience severe symptoms after the surgery. These may include worsening vision, significant eye pain, redness, or light sensitivity. Any unusual or concerning changes in vision should be addressed to ensure timely intervention.

The LASIK eye surgery cost can differ due to several factors such as the technology used and the surgeon's expertise. Moreover, some insurance plans may provide partial coverage. The general overview is provided below.

Note: The costs mentioned above are subject to change. Contact HexaHealth experts for accurate information.

Factors that may affect the cost of LASIK eye surgery include:

1. Clinic Location: Generally, facilities located in metropolitan areas usually have higher expenses due to higher operating expenses.

2. Pre and Postoperative Care: The cost of eye exams, corneal mapping, and follow-up visits will be included in the bill.

3. Customisation Options: LASIK procedures can be personalised to meet patients' individual needs, including treating higher degrees of refractive error. This may incur additional expenses compared to standard procedures.

4. Amenities: Clinics with a strong reputation for quality care and modern facilities may charge more for LASIK surgery. 

LASIK surgery offers a transformative solution for vision correction with a relatively short recovery time. While the technique effectively corrects refractive errors, individuals should be aware of potential side effects like dry eyes, glare, and halos. 

For those considering LASIK eye surgery, HexaHealth provides comprehensive support. We offer access to trusted healthcare professionals and personalised consultations for the best outcomes. Contact us today!

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