LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to improve the eye vision. During this procedure, a thin flap is created in the cornea using a microkeratome blade. The flap is then lifted, and an excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The flap is then repositioned, and the eye is left to heal naturally.
Benefits of LASIK:
LASIK has many benefits for those who are suitable candidates for the procedure. These include:
-Improved vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses
-Quick and painless procedure
-Minimal downtime and fast recovery
-Long-lasting results
Disadvantages of LASIK
While LASIK is a safe and effective procedure, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and disadvantages, which are:
-Dry eyes
-Glare or halos around bright lights, especially at night
-Corneal flap complications, such as flap dislocation or infections
Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is not suitable for everyone, and a thorough eye examination and consultation with a qualified LASIK surgeon is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate. Generally, these are the people who are good candidates for LASIK:
-over 18 years old
-Have stable vision for at least a year
-Have healthy eyes and corneas
-Have mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
-Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
-Do not have certain medical conditions or take certain medications that may affect healing
What to expect during the procedure:
LASIK is a quick and painless procedure that typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete. During the procedure, you lay down and a numbing drop is placed in your eye. A microkeratome blade is then used to create a thin flap in your cornea, therefore gently lifting it. Afterwards, an excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue where the flap is repositioned. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort during the procedure, but it is not painful.
What to expect during the recovery:
After the procedure, you are given eye drops to help with healing and to prevent getting an infection. You may experience some dryness, burning, or itching in your eyes, and your vision may be blurry or hazy for a few days. You need to avoid strenuous activities and swimming, and also avoid rubbing your eyes. Most people are able to return to work and resume to normal activities within a few days or a week.
Is LASIK right for you?
If you're looking for freedom from glasses or contacts and want to experience the world without visual limitations, LASIK may be the right choice for you. Our experienced surgeon, Dr. Selim Güldiken, has performed numerous successful LASIK procedures, helping countless patients achieve their vision goals. At CatchLife Eye, we are committed to providing exceptional care, utilizing the latest technology and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if LASIK with CatchLife Eye can help you achieve vision without limits.
F.A.Q.
1- How soon after LASIK can I return to work?
Most patients are able to return to work within a few days after LASIK surgery. However, it's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions closely to ensure optimal healing and results.
2- Can LASIK correct presbyopia?
LASIK is not typically recommended for correcting presbyopia, which is a natural aging of the eyes that affects the ability to focus on close-up objects. However, there are other vision correction procedures that may be better suited for presbyopia, lens replacement surgery.
3- How soon after LASIK can I drive?
Patients should not drive immediately after LASIK surgery, as vision may be blurry or hazy for the first few days. Most patients are able to drive within a week after surgery, but it's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions and not drive until your vision has fully stabilized.
4- Can LASIK be performed on both eyes at the same time?
Yes, LASIK can be performed on both eyes during the same procedure. In fact, it's common for patients to have LASIK performed on both eyes at the same time to minimize recovery time.
5- Is LASIK painful?
Patients may feel some slight pressure or discomfort during the LASIK procedure, but local anesthesia is used to minimize any discomfort. Most patients report minimal discomfort after the procedure, and any discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
6- How long does it take to see the full results of LASIK?
Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision within the first few days after LASIK surgery. However, it may take several weeks to several months for the eyes to fully heal and for vision to stabilize.
7- Is it safe to wear makeup after having LASIK surgery?
To minimize the risk of infection and allow the eyes to properly heal after LASIK, we recommend that you avoid wearing makeup for at least one month after the procedure. This includes eye makeup such as mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow. Additionally, it's important to avoid using any facial creams or lotions around the eyes for the first few weeks after the procedure. Following these guidelines will help to ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of complications.
8- Is LASIK safe?
LASIK is considered a safe procedure for most people when performed by an experienced and qualified surgeon. However, like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with LASIK. These can include dry eyes, glare, halos, reduced vision, infection, and other rare complications. However, there are other laser procedures such as No Touch Laser (TransPRK) that some patients may prefer due to the perceived safety benefits. No Touch Laser is a surface ablation technique that removes the corneal epithelium without creating a corneal flap like LASIK, which some patients may find to be a safer option. It's important to discuss the risks and benefits of different procedures with your eye surgeon to determine which one is best for you.
9- How long does the recovery process take after LASIK?
The recovery time after LASIK varies depending on the individual, but most patients can expect to see significant improvement in their vision within the first few days after the procedure. However, full healing can take several weeks to several months. During this time, it's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions closely and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
10- How do I prepare for LASIK surgery?
To prepare for LASIK surgery, you should stop wearing contact lenses and avoid using eye makeup for a certain period of time before the procedure. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions to follow before your surgery.
11- Can I wear contact lenses before or after LASIK?
You should not wear contact lenses for a certain period of time before or after LASIK surgery, as they can affect the accuracy of your vision correction.
12- How does LASIK compare to other vision correction procedures, such as No Touch Laser (TransPRK) or LASEK?
LASIK is a type of laser vision correction that involves creating a corneal flap with a microkeratome blade, then using a laser to reshape the cornea underneath the flap. LASEK is a similar procedure to LASIK, but instead of creating a flap, the surgeon loosens the epithelium (the outermost layer of the cornea) with alcohol and then uses a laser to reshape the cornea. No Touch Laser (TransPRK) is a surface ablation technique that removes the corneal epithelium without creating a corneal flap like LASIK. Each procedure has its own advantages and disadvantages, and our surgeon Dr. Selim Güldiken can help determine which option is best for your individual needs.
13- Will I still need to wear glasses or contacts after LASIK?
Many patients who undergo LASIK achieve 20/20 vision or better without the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, the results may vary depending on the patient's specific eye condition, age, and other factors. Some patients may still need glasses or contacts for certain activities, such as reading or driving at night.
15- What are the most common side effects of LASIK?
The most common side effects of LASIK include dry eyes, sensitivity to light, glare, and halos around lights at night. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with medications and post-operative care. It is important to discuss any concerns with your surgeon and follow their instructions closely during the healing process.
14- Is there a minimum or maximum age limit for LASIK?
There is no specific age limit for LASIK, but patients should be at least 18 years old and have stable vision for at least one year. In addition, patients should be in good health and have no underlying medical conditions that may affect the healing process.
16- What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or side effects after LASIK surgery?
If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects after LASIK surgery, such as increased sensitivity to light, dry eyes, or temporary blurred vision, it's important to contact your surgeon right away. They will be able to evaluate your symptoms and provide guidance on how to manage them. In most cases, these symptoms will resolve on their own as you continue to heal.
17- Can LASIK be performed on patients with dry eye syndrome?
LASIK can be performed on patients with dry eye syndrome, but the surgeon will carefully evaluate the patient's condition and may recommend additional treatment or management of the dry eye before the procedure. In some cases, the procedure may not be recommended if the patient has severe or uncontrolled dry eye.
18- How does LASIK work for patients with astigmatism?
LASIK can be used to correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to create a more symmetrical shape. The laser is programmed to remove more tissue from certain areas of the cornea to create a more uniform curvature.
19- Are there any long-term effects of LASIK?
LASIK has been proven to be a safe and effective procedure with minimal long-term effects. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of complications. It's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions closely to minimize any potential risks and to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. If you have any concerns or questions about your vision after the procedure, don't hesitate to contact your surgeon for support and guidance.
20- What is the success rate of LASIK?
At CatchLife Eye, our experienced and highly skilled surgeon, Dr. Selim Güldiken, has a high success rate for LASIK procedures. According to studies by the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), LASIK has a success rate of over 90% in terms of achieving 20/20 vision or better. However, it's important to note that individual results may vary depending on factors such as age, eye health, and prescription strength. At CatchLife Eye, our priority is providing personalized care and using advanced technology to achieve Vision Without Limits for our patients, ensuring the best possible outcomes.