LASIK EYE SURGERY IN IRELIA HEALTH
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LASIK EYE SURGERY
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular and highly effective eye surgery used to treat common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The surgery reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to improve how light is focused onto the retina, thereby improving vision. LASIK is a refractive surgery designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
How LASIK Eye Surgery Works:
LASIK surgery is performed using a precise laser to reshape the cornea. The procedure generally follows these steps:
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Preparation: The patient’s eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops to ensure comfort during the procedure. A suction ring is used to keep the eye stable.
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Flap Creation: A thin flap of corneal tissue is created using either a microkeratome (a blade) or a femtosecond laser. This flap is then gently lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue.
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Reshaping the Cornea: The excimer laser is used to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue. The laser’s energy is precisely controlled to reshape the cornea so that it can focus light more accurately onto the retina.
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Flap Replacement: After the cornea is reshaped, the flap is carefully repositioned without the need for stitches. It adheres naturally to the underlying tissue as it heals.
Benefits of LASIK Surgery:
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Quick Recovery: Most patients experience improved vision within 24 to 48 hours after surgery, and many return to normal activities within a day or two.
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Minimal Pain: The procedure is virtually painless due to the numbing eye drops, and recovery typically involves minimal discomfort (such as mild dryness or irritation).
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Long-Term Results: LASIK can offer permanent improvements in vision, reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lenses. Many patients achieve 20/25 vision or better after the procedure.
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High Success Rate: LASIK has a high success rate, with approximately 96% of patients achieving satisfactory vision correction. It is one of the most researched and commonly performed surgeries in the world.
Conditions Treated by LASIK:
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Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where nearby objects are clear, but distant objects appear blurry. The cornea is too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina.
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Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where distant objects are clearer than nearby ones. The cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina.
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Astigmatism: A refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea that results in blurred or distorted vision.
Eligibility for LASIK:
Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK surgery. Good candidates for LASIK typically meet the following criteria:
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Age: Patients should be at least 18 years old, and ideally, vision should have stabilized for at least one year. In some cases, surgery may be recommended for individuals in their 20s or early 30s, but it's essential that their prescription is stable.
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Eye Health: Patients should have healthy eyes, free from conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or dry eyes. Those with certain medical conditions (e.g., autoimmune diseases, diabetes) may not be suitable candidates.
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Stable Vision: A stable refractive prescription (typically for at least one year) is necessary. Significant changes in prescription in the past year can be a sign that LASIK may not be appropriate.
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Corneal Thickness: The cornea needs to be thick enough to create the flap and remove the required amount of tissue. Thin corneas may limit eligibility.
An eye surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation, including tests to assess corneal thickness, pupil size, eye health, and refractive error, before determining if LASIK is suitable.
Recovery and Aftercare:
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Post-Surgery Care: After LASIK, patients are typically advised to rest for the remainder of the day, avoid rubbing the eyes, and use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
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Follow-up Visits: Patients will need to return for follow-up visits with their eye doctor within the first day, one week, one month, and six months after surgery to monitor healing and ensure that no complications arise.
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Activity Restrictions: Patients are usually advised to avoid swimming, hot tubs, and activities that may cause eye trauma (e.g., contact sports) for a few weeks after the surgery. They should also avoid makeup around the eyes until fully healed.
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Visual Adjustment: While many patients experience immediate improvements in vision, it may take several weeks for the full effects to be felt. Nighttime vision may continue to improve over time.
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