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The LASIK route to better vision: Is it for you?

The LASIK route to better vision: Is it for you?

India Today28-04-2025
LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, has radically changed circumstances for eye patients by granting them clear vision and better freedom from the use of glasses. Dr Sneha Shah, ophthalmologist and aesthetic surgeon, offers a safety advisory to make the most out of this surgery.Let a doctor decide: LASIK is one of the best-known and commonest refractive surgeries designed to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. It is one of the many refractive procedures available for correcting refractive error and reducing or eliminating dependency on glasses. So, the best procedure for you can only be decided by an eye surgeon after a complete check-up. LASIK surgery is highly effective, with over 95 per cent of patients achieving 20/40 vision and sometimes even better. The results are long-lasting even though natural ageing processes, such as presbyopia, could still mean reading glasses later on in life.advertisementCritical precautions: Prior to surgery, it is important to follow the doctor's guidance for a smooth procedure. One of the precautions is to discontinue use of contact lenses for 1-2 weeks as it allows the corneas to return to their original shape. Also, share your complete medical and eye history with the doctor, including medications or conditions that could impact the healing process. Do not wear make-up on the day of surgery to reduce the risk of infection. No fragrant products, such as shampoos and creams, are to be used on the day of surgery.A straightforward procedure: LASIK surgery involves preparation with eye-numbing drops. The doctor deploys an instrument to keep the eyelids open. Then a corneal flap is created. It is a thin flap created in the cornea using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser. This flap is carefully folded back to reveal the underlying corneal tissue. This is followed by corneal remodelling, in which a calculated amount of corneal tissue is taken out with a precision laser. Lastly, there is flap positioning—the corneal flap being positioned back to its original position.advertisement
Post-surgery care: Rest your eyes and avoid participating in strenuous activities. Use the prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops and avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent displacing the corneal flap. Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect the eyes and avoid swimming or hot tubs for at least two weeks. Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.Subscribe to India Today Magazine
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