LASIK—Freedom from glasses

You often think of the idea of getting rid of your glasses and contact lenses. It’s possible now with the help of LASIK.

LASIK is an acronym for ‘Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis’ and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea. More than 17 million people worldwide have had LASIK or other laser refractive surgery.

Surgery

The surgery usually takes less than 30 minutes. During the procedure, you’ll lie on your back in a reclining chair. After numbing drops are placed in your eye, your doctor uses a special instrument to hold your eyelids open. A suction ring placed on your eye just before cutting the corneal flap may cause a feeling of pressure, and your vision may dim a little.
During the procedure, you’ll be asked to focus on a point of light. Staring at this light helps you keep your eye fixed while the laser reshapes your cornea. You may detect a distinct odor as the laser removes your corneal tissue; some people describe smelling an odour similar to burnt hair.

Costs

The cost differs from place to place. On an average, LASIK would cost about Rs.20,000 to Rs30,000. The zyoptix or the customized LASIK procedure would cost anywhere between Rs.30,000 to Rs.36,000. Typically you’re able to see the day of your surgery, but your vision won’t necessarily be better right away. Expect your vision to improve over the next two to three months. Your chances for improved vision are based, in part, on how good your vision was before surgery.

Watch out

• You should be at least 20 years old before you consider laser eye surgery.
• The refractive error (prescription in glasses) should be stable.
• People with diabetes, uncontrolled rheumatic conditions, diseases of the immune system or a family history of keratoconus should be very careful in proceeding with laser eye surgery.

While not always a road to perfect vision, lasik can greatly improve your eyesight.

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