[Ctd] Dr William Boothe - Five Things about LASIK eye surgery

[paul.kholer paul.kholer]

 LASIK eye surgery has helped millions globally to see better without using
glasses or contact lenses. It is the most popular refractive surgical
procedure because there is little or no pain and restored vision occur the
next day. LASIK is an acronym for laser assisted in- situ keratomileusis.

Five things you should know before committing to LASIK eye surgery are
listed below. 1. What is LASIK? It is a refractory surgery procedure for
correcting near and far sightedness. During the procedure a thin flap is
created either by a cutting instrument called microkeratome or by the newer
IntraLase laser. The surgeon lifts the flap, then removes (ablates) the
required corneal tissue with an excimer laser to reshape the cornea.

The flap is then replaced over the area where the tissue was ablated. This
flap acts as bandage over the treated cornea. The doctor performing the
procedure uses a computer to calculate and adjust the laser for the
particular refractive problem.

2. What to do before LASIK eye surgery? If you are seriously considering
this procedure, the most important thing to do is find a reputable and
experienced eye surgeon. A good surgeon reduces the risks of complications.
The eye specialist will examine you to determine your visual defect, and the
level of laser ablation necessary.

If you have dry eye disease, treatment will be necessary before the
procedure.A map of the cornea will be created by a corneal topographer, and
you may have a wave front analysis that precisely maps out the area of
visual refractive defect. Your doctor will assess your general health and
medication and decide whether you qualify on health grounds for LASIK eye
surgery.

If you are not offered a patient information booklet, ask for one. Before
LASIK treatment you should know what to expect after the procedure. You are
more likely to be satisfied if before treatment, you know the outcome and
fully understand the risks and complications.

3. What happens during LASIK treatment? This treatment is short and you are
awake throughout. The surgeon may give you a mild sedative tablet before the
procedure. Even though you will walk out of the treatment centre, you should
be accompanied, to make sure you get home safely. The surgeon will put
anaesthetic drops into your eye, and while you lie down, he or she will
align the laser directly over your eye.

Your eye will be kept open and pressurised by a retainer with a suction
ring. The surgeon will mark out the area of the cornea. The flap is then
created either by a microkeratome or IntraLase laser. The flap is then
lifted. You will then be asked to focus on a light source while the excimer
laser delivers pulses of high beam light on to the cornea.

The laser will produce a consistent clicking sound during treatment. You may
note an acrid smell during treatment. The time taken depends on the extent
of your refractory problem. The flap is then replaced. You will then rest
for a while.

4. What are the complications? In the past, following LASIK eye surgery,
there were as much as 5 complain of dry eyes after LASIK eye
surgery.Mostdisappear after 6 months. Artificial tears will help.
There may be under
correction or over correction. Eye infection or irritation is uncommon but
will require treatment.

5. What to expect? During the assessment stage, make sure you know what you
should expect following surgery. You should expect 20/20 vision or better
but 20/40 or better is good enough to drive without glasses or contact
lenses. A study by US Military on 16,000 army personnel following LASIK eye
surgery, between 2000 and 2003 showed that 86 achieved 20/40 vision or
better. If the predicted outcome does not meet your expectation, then you
have to make an informed decision based on the expected results, risks and
cost.
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