The Benefits Of LASIKThe Most Popular Eye Surgery Technique In The World

LASIK is an acronym for Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis’ or Laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. We all know that LASIK is one of the most popular eye surgery techniques worldover, in which the surface of the cornea is reshaped using a laser beam to correct certain refractive disorders in the human eye.

With the advancement of technology, LASIK is now being used in treating different eye problems, but most commonly it is used to correct near-sightedness. In case of treating near-sightedness, a laser beam is used to cut a flap in the cornea to flatten it out. As a result of flattening and reshaping, a better focusing of incoming light on the back of the retina is ensured and as a result the problem of near-sightedness is solved.

However, with the help of LASIK we not only can treat near-sightedness, but we can also treat far-sightedness and even astigmatism. In case of near-sightedness the cornea is made flatter to treat it, whereas the cornea is made steeper to treat far-sightedness and/or more spherical to correct astigmatism, depending upon the individual case. After LASIK surgery, the person feels much more comfortable and relaxed, as there is no need to wear those heavy and sometimes annoying eyeglasses that are oftentimes susceptible to damage and drop accidentally.

Literally, there are countless benefits of LASIK over other vision corrective techniques, but before discussing its benefits let’s have a brief idea about who can go for this treatment, at what age, at what condition, and why?

Well, medically any body above the age of 17-18 years (because by this age their vision gets stable) can undergo this LASIK procedure. However, please note that to opt for this procedure there are many other factors that need to be considered before the selection of a patient. Generally, apart from the doctor’s own judgment and experience, a thorough work-up is done at different levels to ensure the applicability and effectiveness of this procedure.

As generally seen, despite of its numerous benefits, cosmesis is the main reason for people to opt for this procedure. Nowadays, people love to look younger and smarter than they actually are; and for it they can pay anything. But, the main target population for LASIK is any person who would like to get rid of glasses or contact lenses. Additionally, many people may require opting for this procedure because of vocational benefits & other lifestyle benefits, while a few others may be forced to opt for this procedure as their profession demands it, such as professionals in various sports like swimming, cricket, squash, badminton, skiing, tennis and other outdoor activities.

No doubt, LASIK is one of the most common (and, perhaps the most preferred and effective) types of laser eye treatments these days due to a large number of benefits. However, earlier another effective technique was used to solve the same problem. It was known as hotorefractive keratectomy or PRK, but now LASIK is generally preferred over PRK, as it is more effective, requires less time for full recovery, and the patient experiences less pain overall.

Let’s see some common benefits of LASIK as compared to other techniques. Some of the common benefits of LASIK surgery are:

Less time consuming due to the nature of surgery.

Quick visual recovery (in most cases within a week and even precautions stop after 1 month).

Very low infection rate (as epithelium is intact).

Very low risk of scarring.

High degree of predictability (success rates are quite promising. Note: According to a 2005 survey, 92.2% of patients reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their surgery).

No patching of the eye is required.

Relatively quick procedure (10-20 minutes in most cases).

Minimal discomfort/less painful.

Preservation of all corneal layers due to the nature of surgery

In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, the most common benefit of LASIK that makes it more popular is that it is a less time consuming process. Normally LASIK surgery process takes a very little time (about 10 to 20 minutes). As a result, in most cases, a patient resumes on his routine work in 24 to 48 hours and virtually there are no restrictions to do their daily chores.

So, if you are looking for LASIK surgery for sight correction then you are on the right track, as it will not let you hang on bed for months. Moreover, LASIK surgery is less painful, because in LASIK procedure it is not necessary to remove corneal surface tissue, which cause less pain in the surgery. After the surgery the healing occurs at very fast rate. So you got better vision in few days not in weeks or months.

In addition to that after going through a LASIK surgery you can reap different life style benefitsyou will be able to view things naturally without wearing those heavy glasses or irritating contact lances. Until you tell somebody, nobody will come to know that you have undergone LASIK surgery. Now, you are as normal as other human beings, so you can confidently pursue different careers and professions that don’t allow you to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.