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Lasik (Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis)

Lasik surgery is currently the best method of correction of refractive errors. It is accurate, effective and safe.

Procedure

An ultra-thin (130 to 180 micron) flap of cornea is raised and then using a computer controlled Excimer Laser (mostly Argon Fluoride, 193nm) is delivered to reshape the corneal stroma into predetermined curvature. The flap is repositioned back. This leads to correction of both myopia (long sightedness) and hypermetropia (short sightedness), and also moderate amount of astigmatism. The procedure is short and simple and being computer controlled is highly accurate.

Results

Results are generally very satisfactory and it has been reported that in carefully selected cases more than 90% achieve unaided visual acuity of 6/12 or better (that is, 6/12 6/9 6/6 6/5).

There is a subjective difference in degree of satisfaction among the patients. Some patients with a vision of 6/12 may feel very happy while other may be dissatisfied even with a vision of 6/5.

Who benefits?

Case selection is an extremely important determinant of the result of Lasik surgery. Thus, only those with the following profile benefit:

• Refractive errors 1 to 15 diopter of myopia or up to 8 diopter hypermetropia
• Astigmatism of up to 6 diopter
• Minimum age, 18 to 21 years (preferably 21 years)
• Refraction should have been stable for 2 years.

Contraindications: Keratoconus (a condition leading to thinning of the cornea), thin corneas, corneal inflammatory diseases, herpetic keratitis (an eye ulcer caused by the herpes virus infection) and autoimmune diseases.

Precautions

• Avoid swimming and splashing of water on the eyes for a month
• Avoid rubbing the eyes for a month
• Use sunglasses to avoid bright sun, dust, wind and air pollution
• Avoid excessive viewing of T.V. or computers for a week
• Use medicines regularly as advised and consult your eye doctor in case pf any problems

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