What is LASIK Eye Surgery? Who is it suitable for?

LASIK is a type of eye laser surgery performed to correct vision by changing the thickness of the cornea. The cornea is a dome-shaped transparent outer layer located in front of the colored iris and pupil. It improves vision in individuals who cannot see far or near due to myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or any other reason. The results of the LASIK procedure may vary depending on the degree of corneal impairment. While people with mild myopia and hyperopia achieve the most successful results, there are less predictable results for people with high levels of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

LASIK operation is an application that can make clear vision possible without auxiliary devices such as glasses or contact lenses. Although LASIK generally provides a good result, glasses may be needed in older ages for activities such as reading and driving at night. Dryness in your eyes and changes in vision (glare) are common and temporary side effects after LASIK surgery. Visible side effects usually resolve within a few weeks or months after the operation. “What is LASIK?” If you are looking for an answer to the question, you can read the rest of the article (1, 2).

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is a refractive eye operation in which laser is used to correct vision-related problems. LASIK corrects refractive errors that occur when the eye cannot refract light as it should. Refractive errors can cause blurred vision. With laser, the shape of the cornea, the transparent outer layer at the front of the eye, is permanently changed. With pulses from a computer-controlled laser device, part of the middle layer of the cornea is vaporized and reshaped. It is an ideal treatment option for people who do not want to correct their vision defects with glasses or contact lenses. Since it is an outpatient treatment, it does not require hospitalization and is not a long-lasting procedure. After LASIK surgery, your eyes often do not need glasses and lenses. However, assistive visual aids may still be needed for night activities or reading. At the end of the procedure, it is possible for you to see more clearly and your quality of life to increase (3, 4).

Why is LASIK Eye Surgery Performed?

The best-known and most frequently applied form of laser refractive surgery is the LASIK procedure. LASIK is a laser technique used for disorders that occur in the factors that create the image in the eye. In the eye, the image is focused and merged on the retina. You can define myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism as blurring of the image by falling in front or behind the retina. In the treatment of structural problems that cause blurring of the image, the cornea is reshaped with the help of LASIK. Eye disorders that may cause LASIK eye surgery are listed as follows:

• Myopia: Near objects are seen clearly but distant objects are seen blurry. Since the eyeball is longer than normal, light rays cannot reach the retina and distant vision becomes blurred.
• Hyperopia: It is when distant objects are seen clearly but nearby objects are blurred. Since the eyeball is shorter than normal, light rays are collected behind the retina and near vision becomes blurred.
• Astigmatism: The cornea in the eyes curves or flattens irregularly. As a result, near and far vision becomes blurred.

In the treatment, light rays are delivered to the retina through contact lenses and glasses. In addition, refraction and vision can be corrected by reshaping the cornea with LASIK (2).

Who is LASIK Eye Surgery Suitable for?

LASIK eye surgery may not be suitable for some individuals in some cases. Conditions that require LASIK treatment are generally as follows:

• Myopia: Inability to see distant objects clearly or blurry vision
• Hyperopia: Difficulty in seeing nearby objects
• Astigmatism: Seeing objects blurry from any distance due to irregularly shaped cornea

Individuals with the following conditions are not recommended to undergo LASIK surgery:

• Individuals under 18 years of age
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Individuals with conditions that cause glaucoma or extremely dry eyes
• Severe Individuals with refractive eyes, thin or irregular corneas
• Individuals with health problems such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Those who actively participate in contact sports (boxing, martial arts)
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If you can see well enough to need glasses only at certain times of the day, you may not need LASIK surgery. Additionally, visual impairments (presbyopia) that occur in the eye as we age cannot be corrected with LASIK. However, with the monovision technique, LASIK can correct one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. Especially in middle age and beyond, each eye sees objects at different distances better. With the monovision technique, the dominant eye is determined and corrected for distance vision. The other eye is deliberately left nearsighted to see closer objects. Although it may seem complicated in terms of functioning, clear vision is achieved by adapting the two eyes to each other. In this way, near vision is improved and activities such as reading can be improved (2, 4, 5, 6).

How is LASIK Eye Surgery Performed?

Before the surgery, your surgeon evaluates the measurements of your eye and your detailed general health condition. LASIK eye surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia with eye drops and takes about 10-20 minutes. After anesthesia, the laser platform is positioned over the face, leaving enough room for you to breathe during LASIK surgery. A laser is used to cut tissue from the thin outer layer of the cornea to correct the curvature of the cornea. The valve-shaped tissue (flap) is then folded back to expose the middle layer of the cornea (stroma) before reshaping the cornea.

After the eyes focus on the light, a laser is used to reshape the cornea. It is normal to smell and hear sounds during the procedure. After the shaping is completed, the flap is placed back in place. Since the position of your eye is constantly measured during the procedure, the laser will stop if you move.

There are types of Lasik operations performed with or without creating a valve. However, each technique has advantages and disadvantages (1, 2, 4).

What is the Preparation Process Before LASIK Eye Surgery?

Before LASIK surgery, your doctor usually helps you prepare for the operation.

• Since overweight or obesity increases the risk of complications in surgical procedures, it is important to maintain a healthy weight.
• Regular exercise. It is a helpful factor in maintaining weight and minimizing the risk of developing complications.
• Do not use lotion, make-up, perfume, etc. before surgery. The use of products should be avoided. Such products may come into contact with the eyes and increase the risk of infection.
• Information about regularly used medications should be shared with the surgeon.

You can ask for help from your relative to assist you in the preparation and post-operative process ( 1, 4).

What is the Recovery Process After LASIK Eye Surgery?

During the recovery period after LASIK eye surgery, your vision is relatively clear. However, you may have vision that is often described as looking through a dirty window. LASIK is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home after the procedure. Vision usually improves after a few days, but final results may take up to 6 months. Your doctor will give you some suggestions after the operation:

1. Bandage or glasses may be worn to protect the eye from touching or impacting.
2. Eye drops may be used to relieve dry eye symptoms. .
3. Antibiotic eye drops may be recommended to prevent the risk of infection.

Dry or watery eyes, mild pain, swollen eyelids and sensitivity to light may occur during the first week after surgery. Although you may want to rub your eyes due to burning and itching, your eyes should not be touched to prevent irritation. Especially during the recovery period, substances that come into direct contact with the eyes should be avoided (1, 4).

What are the Risks of LASIK Eye Surgery?

Some side effects may occur after LASIK eye surgery. Although complications are more serious than side effects, most people do not experience serious complications. Complications, especially those causing vision loss, are rare. General complications of operations may include infection, allergic reaction and bleeding. Some complications that may occur after LASIK surgery may include:

• Inflammation or swelling of the cornea
• Dooping eyelid
• Foggy vision
• Double vision vision
• Dry, burning and irritated eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Headache
• Night vision problems
• Irregular corneal shape or thinning of the cornea
• Problems reading small print
• Infectious corneal diseases that can cause pain and eye redness
• Flap problems

LASIK surgery does not pose a risk of vision loss for individuals suitable for surgery. However, in rare cases, an untreated infection can lead to vision loss (1, 2, 4).

It is important to learn whether you are a suitable candidate for LASIK surgery, the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, and how the procedure progresses. Not all individuals may be suitable candidates for LASIK. Contact your ophthalmologist to find out whether the operation is suitable for you.