The full form for LASIK is Laser in Situ Keratomileusis, which in other words means the use of laser underneath the corneal flap of the eyes to reshape the cornea. In this procedure highly specialized laser beam or excimer laser is used to treat refractive errors and to improve vision. With such a treatment, the need for glasses or contact lenses is reduced or eliminated. Surveys show that about 92-98% of patients with eye problems who need eyelid surgery are satisfied with the results of LASIK eye surgery.
The procedure
During the procedure, a specially trained eye surgeon will create a thin hinged, precise corneal flap using microkeratome. The optometrist then pulls back the corneal flap to expose underlying tissues. Then the excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea in the desired pattern. There is a pre-specified pattern for each patient depending on their individual eyesight needs and extent of damages caused. After reshaping the cornea, the flap is repositioned without sutures.
Who is the right candidate for LASIK eye surgery?
Ask your optometrist whether you are the right candidate for LASIK eye surgery. There are several pre-requisites, a few of which are mentioned below:
- You should be above the age of 18 to be a suitable candidate for LASIK surgery. An experienced eye doctor will be able to asses various things before suggesting such a procedure.
- Before suggesting LASIK eye surgery, an eye doctor will check whether your eyes have shown frequent changes in refraction. If your eyes have demonstrated no such change for at least a year, you are a right candidate for the procedure.
- You should have realistic expectations from the surgery. You should consult with an experienced eye doctor before undergoing such a surgical procedure. S/he will examine the conditions of your eyes and your vision and will help you to get a clear idea of the improvement you can expect. Remember, results may vary from one patient to another.
- If within the last few years your eyes got infected or injured, its better not to opt for such a procedure as it might aggravate the matter and thereby might impair your vision instead of improving it.
In addition to all these, you should know that conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and a few other eye problems cannot be treated effectively with laser eye treatment.
There are loads of benefits of laser eye surgery – improved visual activity, freedom from glasses, regaining of self-confidence, and new career opportunities. If you are looking for a clinic where such a procedure is undertaken, there are a few good eye clinics in San Jose. LASIK eye surgery done correctly can improve your vision to a large extent.
