Lasik FAQs
LASIK is an acronym for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is a type of operative surgery for the eyes which aims to correct common eye problems such as hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. In this procedure, a laser device is used to cut very thin flaps on the cornea. Basically, it would change the shape of the cornea in order to treat the diseases listed above, resulting to a better vision in patients.
Only qualified ophthalmologists are allowed to perform the procedure, as only a certain part of the cornea has to be touched. If not performed the right way, the operation cannot totally cure the disease and worse, the attempt wouldn't be successful at all.
LASIK surgery is a technique developed and mastered by Dr. Jose Barraquez, who is a Spanish ophthalmologist based in Columbia. His works were further enhanced and improved by other scientists, researchers, and doctors like Dr. Mani Lal Bhaumik, Svyatoslav Fyodorov, and Theo Seiler.
The LASIK surgery procedure involves the pre-operative stage, the operation proper, and the post-operative part. The eyes need to be prepared before the actual operation. People wearing contact lenses are instructed not to wear them a week to one month and a half before the actual date of surgery. They may also be prescribed to take certain antibiotics a few days before the operation so that infections are prevented.
Patients are normally mobile and awake during the operation process. However, patients are given anesthesia, eye drops, and mild sedatives moments before. The first step is the creation of flap on the corneal tissue. Then the cornea is remodeled using the laser. After which, the flap is altered or positioned optimally to correct the vision impairment of the patient.
One of the many choices of Lasik is the Intra LASIK or what is also known as Intralase. This is a type of LASIK surgery which does not use of blades during the corrective eye operation.