Answers to some common questions on laser eye surgery

Posted in LASIK Surgery on February 19, 2009

Laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure that reduces a persons dependency on contact lenses or glasses. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) uses an excimer laser to change the shape of the cornea permanently. A special knife called a microkeratome is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge remains at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middle part of the cornea. A portion of the stroma is then vaporised by a computer controlled laser.

What is the right time to undergo laser eye surgery? To start with your eyes need to be examined by a specialist eye physician. To be eligible for laser eye surgery you must be over 18 years of age and must be in good general health. You must not have any eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts. Laser eye surgery corrects very broad range of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

Is laser eye surgery painful? The procedure of laser eye surgery is painless. Before the surgery begins anaesthetic drops are used to numb the eye. You may also be given a mild sedative.

What is the recovery period of laser eye surgery? It does not take a long time to recover from Laser eye surgery. The patient usually recovers within two to three days and can then go back to work.

What are the risks from laser eye surgery? Laser eye surgery is very safe. There are millions of people who have had excellent results from laser eye surgery.