What is LASIK surgery?

LASIK stands for laser in situ keratomileusis. LASIK surgery is the most popular form of laser eye surgery, in which an ophthalmic surgeon reshapes the cornea of the eye using an excimer laser. LASIK eye surgery alters the refractive properties of the cornea and thereby corrects or enhances eyesight.

LASIK eye treatment can correct of a full range of conditions, including myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.

Reasons to have laser eye surgery:

• Independence and confidence
• Freedom and mobility
• Discomfort of glasses or contact lenses
• Restrictions imposed by glasses or contact lenses at work or leisure activities
• The maintenance and upkeep required with glasses and contact lenses.

Individuals consider the option of refractive surgery and LASIK for a variety of very personal reasons. While LASIK does not promise perfect vision, it does hold the promise of reducing one's dependence on contact lenses or glasses, which will allow many people to more freely pursue their hobbies, sports activities or career options.

Sports Enthusiasts - from weekend warrior to professional athlete, many wish to be reduce their need for contacts or glasses for safety or performance reasons.

Mothers of Young Children - many women express concern about the safety of their children if they should lose their glasses or contact lenses -- while playing in the surf or trying to escape a burning building, for example. LASIK may even reduce the anxiety produced by simple tasks, like finding one's way through the house at night.

Frequent Travelers - for those who spend a considerable amount of time on the road, being less dependent on glasses or contacts promises numerous advantages, from safety (ability to read evacuation signs) to convenience (less to pack).

At Parkway Eye Centre, LASIK eye surgery consists of five steps:

1. Before LASIK eye surgery, clinicians measure the dimensions and properties of the untreated eye using such techniques as wavefront analysis and topographical mapping and through diagnostic instruments such as a pachymeter. From these measurements, surgeons can calculate the necessary and precise amount of LASIK eye surgery correction.
2. During LASIK eye surgery, a precision instrument called a microkeratome, creates an exceptionally thin and accurate corneal flap of corneal tissue from the surface of the eye. Surgeons do not completely remove the corneal flap but leave it anchored on one side. This technique allows surgeons to replace the corneal flap in the same position once the LASIK procedure is complete.
3. The surgeon raises the corneal flap, and an excimer laser sculpts the bed of the cornea to match to the dimensions determined before LASIK surgery.
4. The surgeon replaces the corneal flap and, within minutes, natural forces hold the corneal flap in place the LASIK eye surgery is complete.
5. In a few hours after the LASIK eye surgery, the surface of the cornea starts to grow over the cut edge of the corneal flap and to seal it in position. Healing is complete within a week or so after LASIK treatment.

What are the advantages of LASIK surgery over other laser eye surgery procedures?

Compared to PRK or LASEK, LASIK surgery healing times are significantly shorter, with LASIK patients typically returning to work and leisure activities within two or three days of their LASIK eye surgery.
Vision improvement after LASIK eye surgery is virtually instantaneous, and it is perfectly safe and routine to treat both eyes using LASIK surgery on the same day.

If you want to know more about your suitability for the LASIK operation

Contact Parkway Eye Centre to learn more about LASIK surgery and other laser eye surgery procedures.