Refractive Lasik Surgery: Book Free Appointment

Refractive LASIK surgery offers an effective solution, enhancing visual clarity by reshaping the cornea. If you're troubled by vision issues, contact Pristyn Care today to consult with our team of top-notch ophthalmologists. Fill in the form or contact the number mentioned on the page fpr refractive LASIK surgery by expert eye surgeons.

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What is Refractive Lasik Surgery?

Refractive LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery is a globally recognised procedure designed to correct common vision problems including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. An ophthalmologist performs this operation on an out-patient department (OPD) basis, implying that hospitalisation post-surgery isn’t necessary.

Refractive LASIK surgery proves to be highly successful and safe in restoring visual clarity. It ensures a rapid recovery with most patients witnessing improved vision within a day or two after the surgery.

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Types of Refractive Lasik Surgery

Refractive error correction surgeries have evolved with various techniques developed to cater to different vision issues. Here are some of the common and advanced types of refractive LASIK surgeries:

LASIK: As described above, it is a popular choice for addressing various refractive errors by creating a corneal flap and reshaping the cornea with a laser.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Similar to LASIK but without creating a flap, this method directly reshapes the corneal surface after removing its outer layer. Doctors recommend PRK for patients having thinner corneas or facing potential flap complications.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A recent technique that involves a small incision in the cornea to extract a lenticule. Being less invasive than LASIK, SMILE may lead to fewer flap-related complications.
RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange): Also known as clear lens extraction, it is mainly used for treating presbyopia or high refractive errors by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one.
Monovision LASIK: This technique adjusts one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision, which is suitable for presbyopia patients wanting to minimize their dependency on reading glasses.

Each refractive surgery has its unique indications, benefits, and potential risks. Hence, a detailed consultation with an ophthalmologist is critical to deciding the most suitable treatment for individual vision needs and eye health.

Diagnosis Before Refractive Lasik Surgery

Determining whether or not you are a suitable candidate for Refractive Lasik surgery involves your doctor checking your medical history, symptoms and conducting an eye examination. This process includes a few crucial tests such as:

Visual Acuity Test: Here, you are required to read letters on a vision chart to analyse how clear your sight is at varying distances. Each eye is tested separately to note any visual impairments.
Refraction Test: In this test, the optometrist presents different lens options using equipment called a phoropter. This experiment identifies which lenses offer the clearest vision for you.
Eye Health Examination: A few additional tests are performed to assess the overall wellbeing of your eyes. These tests also check for conditions like dry eye, which might affect eligibility for surgery.

Procedure for Refractive Lasik Surgery

Refractive LASIK surgery is a popular method to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Here’s a general overview of the common steps involved in the procedure:

Initial Consultation and Eye Examination – Before the surgery, you’ll undergo a comprehensive eye exam. This includes measuring corneal thickness, pupil size, and refractive error. The doctor will also check for any eye conditions or diseases to ensure you’re a good candidate for LASIK.

Numbing the Eye – On the day of the surgery, numbing eye drops are applied to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. The surgeon may also give you a mild sedative to help you relax.

Creating the Corneal Flap – A thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea using a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. This flap is lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue.

Reshaping the Cornea – An excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea by removing precise amounts of tissue. This allows light to focus correctly on the retina, improving vision. The laser is guided by a computer based on the measurements taken during your eye exam.

Repositioning the Flap – After the cornea is reshaped, the surgeon carefully repositions the corneal flap. The flap adheres naturally without the need for stitches.

Post-Procedure Care – You’ll rest for a short period after the surgery. The doctor will check your eyes to ensure everything looks good. You’ll be prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation and to keep your eyes moist.

The steps, however, differ from one approach to another, a brief of which are discussed below:

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) – In PRK, the corneal surface layer (epithelium) is removed rather than creating a flap. The underlying cornea is then reshaped, and the epithelium regenerates over time.
Monovision LASIK -In Monovision LASIK, one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision, helping reduce the need for reading glasses in patients with presbyopia.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) – SMILE involves creating a small incision in the cornea and removing a lenticule (small disc of tissue) to reshape the cornea, without creating a large flap.
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) – Similar to PRK, LASEK involves lifting the thin epithelial layer, reshaping the cornea, and then replacing the epithelial layer.

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Who is the Right Candidate for Refractive Lasik Surgery?

While every patient’s scenario is unique, certain criteria determine if a person is a suitable candidate for refractive Lasik treatment. These include:

Visual Symptoms: Refractive Lasik surgery is considered appropriate when problems in vision significantly impact a person’s everyday life. If the visual impairment cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, surgery may be suggested.
Impact on Daily Life: If vision problems are interfering with an individual’s ability to perform crucial activities for daily life, such as driving, reading, or working, Refractive Lasik surgery may be considered.

Benefits of Refractive Lasik Surgery

Refractive Lasik surgery offers a range of benefits, inlcuding:

Permanent Vision Correction: By reshaping the cornea, refractive Lasik treatment leads to enduring results that minimise or eradicate the requirement for glasses or contact lenses.
Quick and Painless Procedure: The operation usually takes about 15 minutes per eye and most patients report minimal discomfort, thanks to the numbing eye drops used during the surgery.
Rapid Recovery: Post-surgery, many patients notice an immediate improvement in vision, with complete stabilisation occurring within a few days.
High Success Rate: Research indicates that over 90% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or even better post-surgery. This high success rate contributes to a high level of satisfaction among those who undergo the procedure.
Reduced Dependence on Corrective Lenses: By reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses, LASIK improves daily living and enhances overall quality of life.

Preparing for Refractive Lasik Surgery

Before undergoing Refractive Lasik surgery, it’s important to take several key steps to ensure you’re well-prepared:

Comprehensive Eye Exam: Arrange an appointment for a thorough eye examination to assess your suitability for LASIK. This includes measuring your vision, corneal thickness, and overall eye health.
Medical History Review: Review your medical history and any medications you are taking with your eye care provider as certain conditions may affect your eligibility for LASIK.
Stop Wearing Contact Lenses: If you use contact lenses, you may be required to stop wearing them for a certain period before the examination and surgery. This allows your cornea to return to its natural shape.
Arrange Transportation: As you might experience temporary blurred vision post-procedure, you should arrange for someone else to take you home.

Recovery Tips and Precautions to follow after Refractive Lasik Surgery

Upon completion of the Refractive Lasik surgery, the recovery process begins. Here are some tips for a smooth healing process:

Rest Your Eyes: Take time to rest your eyes and avoid engaging in strenuous activities for a few days post-surgery.
Use Prescribed Eye Drops: Follow your surgeon’s instructions concerning eye drops to prevent dryness and promote healing.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes, especially in the initial weeks post-surgery to prevent complications.
Limit Screen Time: Minimise exposure to screens (computers, phones, TVs) during the initial recovery phase to lessen eye strain.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Ensure you attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your eye care provider to monitor your healing and address any concerns.

Potential Risks or Complications Associated with Refractive Lasik surgery

While LASIK is generally safe, there are potential complications that can occur:

Dry Eyes: Temporary dryness is common post-LASIK, manageable with artificial tears or prescribed eye drops.
Visual Disturbances: Patients may experience glare, halos, or double vision in low-light conditions, but these symptoms usually resolve as the eyes heal.
Under or Over-Correction: In some instances, the initial surgery may not fully correct the vision, necessitating a follow-up enhancement procedure. Over-correction is less common but can occur in hyperopic patients.
Regression: Some patients may have their refractive errors gradually return over time, which may require additional treatment.
Rare Complications: Although extremely rare, complications like vision loss or significant changes in vision clarity can occur, highlighting the importance of choosing an experienced surgeon.

Is Refractive Lasik Surgery covered under Insurance?

Insurance coverage for Refractive Lasik surgery has become a key point of consideration for many. While traditionally considered an elective procedure outside the insurance ambit, recent policy changes have seen a shift. Specific circumstances now allow for insurance coverage of Refractive Lasik surgery.

Inclusions:

If the refractive power exceeds 7.5 diopters
When the surgery is recommended due to refractive errors stemming from an injury or another surgical procedure
If the surgery becomes necessary due to high refractive errors

Exclusions:

However, bear in mind that certain aspects are commonly excluded from insurance policies. These include:

The cost of the LASIK procedure itself, if deemed cosmetic
Enhancements or additional surgeries required if the initial procedure does not yield desired results
Costs associated with complications that arise post-surgery

Patients are strongly advised to consult their specific insurance provider for a clear understanding of coverage details and terms related to Refractive Lasik surgery.

FAQs

How does Refractive Lasik surgery improve vision?

Refractive Lasik treatment involves modifying the cornea’s curvature with a laser to adjust the way light enters your eye. This procedure can improve vision by correcting refractive errors, such as myopia (short-sightedness), hypermetropia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism.

Will the results of my Refractive Lasik surgery be permanent?

The improvements in vision should be permanent after the eye has healed completely, typically within three to six months of the operation. However, age-related vision diseases like presbyopia and cataracts are not prevented by this surgery.

What is the success rate of Refractive Lasik surgery?

Refractive Lasik surgery has a high success rate, with most patients achieving 20/40 vision or better. However, the success rate may vary depending on various factors like the degree of refractive error and overall health of the eye.

Will I feel any pain during refractive Lasik treatment?

Refractive Lasik treatment is primarily employed for correcting myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism. It is not typically used for presbyopia treatment. However, your doctor might discuss options like monovision LASIK or other surgical procedures suitable for treating presbyopia.

Is it normal to experience dry eyes after Refractive Lasik surgery?

Yes, it’s quite common to have dry eyes after the surgery. Your doctor might suggest using lubricating eye drops to alleviate this issue. Normally, the dryness subsides within a few weeks to months.

Can refractive errors return after Refractive Lasik surgery?

While rare, there can be a slight regression in some cases leading to the return of refractive errors. However, additional treatments or enhancement procedures can often address these issues effectively.