An introduction to LASIK eye treatment that can help you to get rid of eyeglasses forever

Nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, and astigmatism are common vision problems that need some surgical procedures like refractive surgery for reducing the dependence on spectacles and contact lenses. In the United States, Lasik which is a form of laser treatment procedure is most popularamong other types of refractive surgery involving intraocular lens procedures and other laser procedures.  What kind of procedure would suit you depends on the eye surgeon who takes the final call.

What is LASIK?

Laser Assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK is a surgical procedure that follows a similar track like other eye surgeries for vision correction in that it reshapes the cornea to create a proper passage for light entry into the eye so that adequate light falls on the retina to enable proper focus and clearer vision. Despite being an invasive procedure, Portland LASIKtreatment is highly attractive for two main reasons – it takes very less time as an average procedure takes only about 15 minutes to complete the procedure for both eyes, and there are no stitches and bandages or bloodshed.  You can gain normal vision within 24 hours and could well do without glasses and contact lenses as healing is swift.

Preparing for the surgery

Your eyes must be healthy enough to undergo the surgery that the doctor will confirm after a thorough examination.  

• From the pupil size to the shape and thickness of your cornea and from refractive errors to any other eye condition the doctor will examine every aspect of eye health thoroughly.  To avoid developing dry eyes postLASIK, the doctor will evaluate the moisture level of your eyes, which if less will recommend a treatment to reduce the risks.  

• A corneal topographer which is an automated instrument helps to create a map of your cornea by measuring the curvature of the front surface of your eye. Every LASIK treatment has the facility of wavefront analysis by sending a light wave through the eye to detect aberrations and defects more accurately.

• Your medical history and medicines that you currently take should help the doctor to decide your suitability for the procedure. 

How the procedure of LASIK unfolds

The doctor will first create a numbing sensation of the eye by using anesthetic drops and may even use medicine to make you feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. After positioning your eye under the laser, the doctor uses an instrument lid speculum to keep your eyelids open. Before creating the flap, the surgeon marks the cornea by using an ink marker.  After creating the corneal flap, the surgeon adjusts the excimer laser with the help of a computer and asksyou to look at a target light for some time, while watchingyour eye through a microscope as light pulses from the laser reach the cornea. The laser light pulses produce a clicking sound while reshaping the cornea without any feeling of pain but you might feel some pressure on the eye.

It takes about 5 minutes to complete the procedure on one eye.