The word LASIK is an acronym for Laser- Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and is currently a popular surgical procedure that is being performed by Eye Doctors to improve vision by correcting refractory errors.

The surgery improves the vision in patients who have nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK surgery usually takes less than one minute per eye. Treatment involves reshaping the cornea - the protruding portion of surface of the eye - to improve vision.

Symptoms
LASIK Eye Surgery is the procedure of choice and can be elected to be done for a person who is dependant on glasses or contact lens for a prolonged period. It corrects the refractory errors in patients who have -

• Myopia or Near-sightedness
• Hypermetropia or Far-sightedness
• Astigmatism

In order to perform this procedure the following conditions should be satisfied.

• The patient needs to be over 18 years and healthy
• Should be no infection, glaucoma or dry eyes
• Refraction of the eye should be stable for at least a year
• Should not be on prescription drugs, like oral prednisone
• Not be pregnant or nursing
• Not suffering from degenerative or autoimmune disease

Preparation for LASIK Eye Surgery starts well before the surgery. The doctor should be told about the medical history, medications currently being taken and medications allergic to, if any.

Precautions
If using soft contact lens, the patient must revert to using glasses for at least two weeks prior to the baseline evaluation. This is to restore the normal shape of the cornea. If using hard contact lens the user should stop using them from 6 weeks prior to the surgery. Usage of creams, lotions or cosmetics on the face and eyes should be avoided a day prior to the surgery.

Before accepting LASIK eye surgery, a thorough baseline evaluation of the eye is required by the ophthalmologist. Once the patient's eyes are prepared for surgery a computer and a low wattage laser is used to scan and map the cornea. This information creates a map of the cornea and it helps the computer to determine its exact shape. The surgeon uses this information to calculate the exact amount and depth of corneal tissue to be removed during the operation to get the right shape.

An Antibiotic is used to minimize infection before the procedure is commenced. The patient is mildly sedated and is rested in a reclining chair in the room containing the LASIK Laser system.  The eyes of the patient are cleaned and local anesthetic eye drops are used. The eyes are held apart with the lid speculum.

The surgery is performed in two steps. A ring is first placed on the eye and high pressure is applied to it in order to create a suction on the cornea. A microkeratome, an instrument used for cutting, is then attached to the suction ring to produce a flap on the cornea. The doctor then folds back the flap revealing the underlying stromal tissue, which is the
mid-section of the cornea. The second step involves the use of Eximer Laser (193 nm wave-length), to vaporize the stromal tissue in an extremely controlled manner, in order not to damage the adjacent stroma. The patient's vision becomes blurred and this could lead to discomfort.

Once the stromal tissue of the cornea is remodeled, the flap is replaced in its original position and is held there through natural adhesion until healing occurs

Postoperative Care after LASIK Surgery
Should not rub the eyes after LASIK surgery as it can displace the flap of corneal tissue

Precautions

• Care should be taken to avoid rubbing the eyes if irritation occurs in order not to dislodge the corneal flap. If severe pain is experienced or if the vision does not improve, a doctor must be consulted immediately.
• Avoid using contact lens
• Undergo periodical consultations

Advantages of LASIK surgery
The LASIK Surgery is an outpatient safe procedure with minimum complications

• The LASIK technique takes less than 30 minutes to perform and is very effective
• The technical advancements incorporated in the LASIK technique eliminates the clinically significant risks leading to visual impairment after a refractive surgery
• Good results

The other Ophthalmology Procedures are:

• Canalicular Tear Repair
  
• Lamellar Keratoplasty … etc

Few Major Hospitals for LASIK Surgery are:

• Wockhardt Hospitals
  
• Apollo Hospitals
  
• Max Healthcare
  
• Piyavate Hospital
  
• Florence Nightingale Hospital
  

Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and India are the most cost effective locations that offer up to almost 80% savings in comparison to the US.

SurgeryPlanet facilitates a plethora of services to the medical treatment traveler also which includes, a hassle free and discounted travel option, a welcome hand at the airport on arrival, travel in an air-conditioned car, round the clock service & support. Your medical evaluation is pre arranged with the least of waiting time. Once your assessment is complete and found medically fit, the procedure is immediately scheduled without a waiting period. Please read through our Services and Testimonials to understand and select your best options.

• Thailand
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