If
you're considering LASIK surgery to restore your vision,
you've made a wise choice by researching the procedure in advance. LASIK surgery is often misunderstood. For example, many patients believe that their vision will be perfect immediately following the surgery. In reality, it can take months for a
person's final vision to set in. Other people believe that LASIK surgery is risk-free.
That's not true; it entails the same risks as other outpatient surgeries. Finally, some patients
aren't aware that there are different types of LASIK surgery available, and that they may be better suited to one method but poorly suited to another.
LASIK surgery can be classified as regular, blade-free, or custom (also known as WaveFront). The complexity of your vision problem will determine which method
you'll benefit the most from.
Regular LASIK
This version of LASIK surgery relies on the use of a tiny blade, or microkeratome. During the procedure, a suction ring is applied to the
patient's eye. The microkeratome is part of the ring's mechanism. With a simple click, the blade passes over the epithelium, or topmost layer of the eye. The tissue is into a hinged flap that is then folded back to permit access to the deeper tissues of the cornea. The doctor uses a laser to resurface these tissues before replacing the flap. No stitches are needed; the epithelium acts as its own bandage. The entire LASIK surgery procedure takes about half an hour, and the patient is awake for the duration.
IntraLase
The IntraLase procedure is very similar to regular LASIK surgery. In fact, the only difference is the means by which the flap is cut into the epithelium. While regular LASIK involves the use of a small blade, IntraLase uses heatless infrared laser energy to cut the flap. IntraLase LASIK surgery is considered to be very safe, but unusual light sensitivity has been reported in a small number of patients.
Custom LASIK Surgery
This technique is also called wavefront or wavefront-assisted custom LASIK. During custom LASIK surgery, the
patient's eye is mapped out in precise three-dimensional detail. Guided by the results, the surgeon uses a laser to make specific adjustments to the cornea based on the
patient's individual needs. Patients who undergo custom LASIK surgery are more likely to attain 20/20 vision than those who undergo the regular procedure.
The Risks of LASIK
As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with LASIK vision correction. Some common complaints include unusually dry eyes, light sensitivity, irritation, and blurred vision that persists for several months. These symptoms are treatable with eye drops and protective eyewear.
Some less common complications are over- or under-correction of the patient's vision; eye infection; irregularities in the
patient's vision that last for more than six months; and wrinkling or displacement of the epithelial flap. Follow-up surgery can be performed to alleviate most of these symptoms. Infections are treated with antibiotics.
Flap displacement is most commonly experienced shortly after LASIK surgery. Rubbing the eyes before the flap has completely healed increases the risk of displacement. Because of this, patients are usually given protective goggles to sleep in so that they
don't rub and injure their eyes while sleeping.
LASIK surgery involves a handful of risks and a host of benefits. Meet with your eye doctor to see if
you're a good candidate for the surgery. During your meeting, voice any concerns you have about the procedure or the risks involved. Then you can decide if the risks are worth the potential improvement to your vision.
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