Some Frequently Asked Questions on LASIK Surgery

Dr.Vidya Chaudhry, 4 mins read

LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) today is perhaps the most well-known corrective eye procedure known to society, but all patients have numerous questions, like the cost of LASIK surgery; the best LASIK Surgeons in Delhi, what you can expect from the procedure etc. The Department of Ophthalmology at Aakash Healthcare ranks among the best hospitals for eye surgery in Delhi and India. The department is headed by some of Delhi’s best ophthalmologists (AIIMS trained) who provide great care and successful results for their patients. Our eye specialists make it a mandate to keep their patients informed about any eye treatment or procedures they’re considering, including LASIK surgery.

If you’re considering LASIK surgery and wish to know more, read on to learn the answers to some of the most common questions we receive from our patients regarding LASIK eye surgery. In case you have a question of your own that is not listed in this article, please feel free to contact Aakash Healthcare today!

We hope this list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on LASIK will help you better understand the nuances of the procedure.

What is LASIK and how does it work?

Laser in Situ Keratomileusis or simply LASIK, is a laser vision correction surgery; a laser is used by an eye surgeon to reshape the cornea for correcting vision problems related to farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism.

Some of the best LASIK surgeons in Delhi will perform this surgery at Aakash using a precision femtosecond laser or an instrument by the name of a microkeratome that will carve open a thin surface flap of your cornea in a matter of seconds, painlessly of course. Then excimer laser (already pre-programmed with the exact correction number with customized LASIK treatment) applies an instant, cool UV light that will remove a fractional amount of tissue from the inner portion of the cornea with utmost accuracy. These laser pulses will rectify and correct the curvature of the cornea, which will allow images to be focused clearly on the retina once again. The flap will be smoothly positioned back into its original position and did you know that it quickly bonds itself back in place in under five minutes? You’ll need to rest up a little and in no time you’ll be out of the operating theatre.

How do I know if I am a candidate for LASIK?

You’ll be put through a comprehensive evaluation prior to making the final decision on getting laser vision correction. All individuals are unique and each eye will need unique and comprehensive examination using the latest and most reliable technology. At the Department of Ophthalmology, you’ll go through the safest and best LASIK eye testing in Dwarka in about 2 hours to determine whether or not you can get LASIK surgery for vision correction. Please remember that not everyone will be deemed a suitable candidate for LASIK. Some basic requirements like having a stable prescription for the last two years at least, a best-corrected vision of at least 20/40, no eye diseases, a healthy cornea and you must be over the age of 18.

Can someone be too old to have LASIK?

As such, there is no “maximum age” for LASIK vision correction. What is more integral is determining whether the overall health of your eyes is good, and ensuring you don’t have any cataract or disease that is causing your vision difficulties. Before going ahead with laser vision correction, we must ensure your vision is stable. Depending on age, you might require reading glasses after treatment. Almost everyone will need reading glasses by their mid-40s; this is called presbyopia; a natural change in the lens inside of the eye which cannot be changed by refractive surgery. If you wear bifocals or readings glasses now, you’ll still need them after LASIK.

How safe is LASIK?

LASIK has been approved by government agencies across the globe as a safe and effective procedure.

Will LASIK hurt?

Not at all, LASIK treatment itself is painless. You’ll be administered anaesthetic drops to completely numb the eye and after the procedure you will feel a sensation in your eye for a few hours and very rarely, people experience a little temporary pain.

How long is LASIK?

The procedure itself takes less than 10 minutes per eye. Depending on your prescription, and the amount of correction required, the laser treatment for eyes will correct your vision in about 20-50 seconds. All in all, you’ll need to be in the hospital for an hour or so.

How accurate is LASIK?

LASIK is very accurate and our results are testament to this. With our customised topography guided treaments (also known as Contoura on some platforms), most patients see better without glasses than they did with glasses previously. Our results compare favourably with FDA-published data. We do customized treatments for all our patients. With our comprehensive evaluation of every case along with complete preoperative evaluation, we have achieved excellent results with our patients. However, you should know that even with our advanced technology and vast experience, approximately 1 in 20 patients will require need treatment again in one eye to achieve the best-uncorrected vision.

Techniques of LASIK available:

At Aakash Healthcare, we have a number of laser vision therapies available including customized PRK (Advanced Surface Ablation), microkeratome (blade) assisted customized LASIK; femtosecond assisted customized LASIK and SMILE. After your complete check-up, our doctors will guide you as to the best technique for your unique eyes.

Also Read: Diminished Vision in Younger Generations