Contents:
- Medical Video: High myopia, very nearsighted, vision correction options - A State of Sight #24
- What is LASIK surgery?
- What is the LASIK surgery procedure?
- What must be prepared before LASIK surgery?
- What should be done after LASIK surgery?
- Other facts about LASIK surgery
- 1. LASIK does not make blindness
- 2. Not all LASIK methods are safe
- 3. Not everyone can take part in LASIK surgery
- 4. LASIK surgery is free of pain
Medical Video: High myopia, very nearsighted, vision correction options - A State of Sight #24
LASIK surgery may be familiar to those of you who have vision problems. In Indonesia, LASIK was first introduced in 1997 by the Jakarta Eye Center. Until now there are more than 30,000 lasik procedures that have been carried out in Indonesia. However, what exactly is LASIK surgery? Let's find out more about the various facts about LASIK surgery below.
What is LASIK surgery?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is an outpatient surgical procedure used to treat farsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The LASIK procedure uses a laser that is used to form the cornea to improve the way the eye focuses light rays on the retina behind the eyes.
With LASIK, the ophthalmologist creates a thin flap (opening of the layer) in the cornea, using either a knife or laser. The surgeon then folds the flap back, then accurately removes a special amount of corneal tissue under the flap using an excimer laser. This flap is then returned to its original place.
For people who are nearsighted, LASIK is used to flatten the curved cornea too sharply. However, for people who have farsightedness, LASIK is used to bend the cornea that is too flat. LASIK can also justify irregular corneas being normal for people with astigmatism.
What is the LASIK surgery procedure?
LASIK is performed when the patient is lying under a surgical device called excimer laser in the outpatient surgery room. First, the eye will be given a few drops of topical anesthesia to numb. The eyelid holder is placed between the eyelids so that the eyes are kept open and prevents the patient from blinking. A suction ring is placed on the open eye to flatten the cornea and prevent the eyes from moving. The patient may feel pressure from the eyelid restraint and suction ring, this is similar to a finger pressed firmly on the eyelid.
When the suction ring is placed in the eye, the view will dim or darken. After the cornea is flattened, flaps on the corneal tissue are created using microsurgical devices such as lasers or scalpels. Then this corneal flap is lifted and folded back. Then, the excimer laser will measure the eye before it is programmed.
The doctor will check that the laser is in the right position. After the laser cuts the corneal tissue, the doctor then places the flap back and smoothes the side. The flap will stick to the corneal tissue in 2-5 minutes without needing stitches. After the surgery is complete, the doctor will give eye drops and eye protection so that the eyes are protected from friction. Vision recovery will take 3-6 months after surgery.
What must be prepared before LASIK surgery?
To avoid the worst possibilities, you must do the following:
- Do not use soft contact lenses for 2 weeks before the initial evaluation.
- Do not use toric soft contact lenses or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses for 3 weeks before the first evaluation.
- Do not use hard lenses for 4 weeks before the first evaluation.
- Don't use various creams, lotions, make upand perfume the day before surgery.
What should be done after LASIK surgery?
After doing LASIK surgery, your condition has not fully recovered. You need 3-6 months for your eyes to see properly. The following are things that must be done postoperatively:
- Do not use make up any eye for 2 weeks.
- Not doing any exercise for 3 days.
- Not doing activities or heavy exercise for 1 month.
- Use eye protection at night for 1 month.
- You may not swim, soak in the jacuzzi, or take a hot shower for 2 months.
Don't forget to obey all the rules given by the doctor so that the eyes can recover completely.
Other facts about LASIK surgery
Many myths circulating around lasik surgery, but to find out that the myth is not true, then consider the following LASIK facts:
1. LASIK does not make blindness
Until now there have been no cases of blindness due to complications of LASIK surgery, according to reports in the United States. The risk of blindness from LASIK surgery is the same as the risk of blindness from the use of contact lenses, which means the risk of blindness is very small.
2. Not all LASIK methods are safe
Each LASIK procedure involves making a flap on the surface of the cornea. The IntraLase procedure uses a laser to make a flap, while the LASIK procedure usually uses a knife to make a flap. IntraLase has its own risks, such as sensitivity to light, although it is rare. Your LASIK surgeon will help you to determine the right procedure to do.
3. Not everyone can take part in LASIK surgery
Although many people have done LASIK surgery, many people also cannot do it. About 30% of patients who are routinely evaluated by an ophthalmologist are refused to do LASIK surgery for a variety of reasons, ranging from under 18 years of age, being pregnant or breastfeeding, having certain diseases or health conditions, or a less stable eye condition. Contact your doctor to check whether you can be a candidate for LASIK surgery.
4. LASIK surgery is free of pain
LASIK is the most popular effective procedure today which is largely due to the ease of the operation itself. Eye drops are used to anesthetize the eyes, and keep them comfortable during surgery which takes only 15 minutes for both eyes. You will feel the pressure for a while, but the laser process in the eye is free of pain. If you feel nervous before the procedure starts, the surgeon will give a mild dose of sedation to relax you.
READ ALSO:
- Is it true that LASIK procedures cause cataracts?
- 7 Causes of Dry Eyes, and How to Overcome It
- 3 Types of Nutrition that Maintain Your Eye Health
