What is LASIK?

LASIK means  Laser-Assisted Stromal In-situ Keratomileusis . This laser vision correction procedure, combines two proven techniques – Excimer laser photoablation and keratomileusis - for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (non-symmetrical curvature of the eye). Keratomileusis, or cutting of the cornea, has been performed for almost 40 years. It involves peeling a thin flap from the surface of the eye using only numbing eye drops. The Excimer laser is then used to reshape the eye under the protection of this flap. The flap is then returned to its place where it heals without the need for any sutures. This results in relatively rapid and painless correction of vision allowing both eyes to be corrected on the same day.

What is laser correction for Glasses/Specs Number?

It is an outpatient treatment that uses a light beam to reshape the surface of the eye (the cornea) and improve vision. The light gently pulses to remove microscopic amounts of tissue, altering the curvature of the cornea and allowing visual images to be more focused on the retina.

What are the advantages of laser correction treatment?

Laser vision correction reduces or eliminates myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism and with it, the need for glasses or contact lenses.

What is Myopia?

The normal eye is a perfect sphere, where the cornea and lens focus light to form an image on the back inside surface of the eye, known as the retina. With nearsightedness (myopia), the cornea’s curvature is too steep for the shape of the eye. The light is focused in front of the retina, causing images of distant objects to appear blurry.

What is farsightedness (Hyperopia)?

In a farsighted (hyperopia) eye, the image focuses beyond the retina. In our youth, the innate accommodating (focusing) power of the eyes often compensates for farsightedness. But as we age, our eyes become less able to accommodate. For this reason, farsightedness most commonly becomes a problem later in life. Many farsighted eyes do not need correction until the individuals reach their forties or fifties.

What is astigmatism?

The cornea of the astigmatic eye has an uneven shape Incoming light focuses at multiple points instead of one. Laser vision correction with an excimer laser is now an FDA-approved option for people with astigmatism.

How does laser application help in better vision without spectacles?


The cool beam of light gently reshapes the surface of the cornea, making it more like a normal eye. Light can then focus at the retina. It makes images on the retina clear, thereby improving vision. 

What can I expect on the day of treatment?

Laser vision correction is an outpatient procedure that takes approximately minutes to complete for most patients. Your entire visit will be complete in about an hour. Anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye and you will be positioned under the laser. A retainer is used to gently and comfortably hold your eyelids open during the procedure. You will be asked to fixate on a blinking light for a minute or less. The doctor will view your eye directly through a surgical microscope to ensure that you are fixating properly and can pause at any time. Once finished, you get up, receive instructions from the staff, and rest for a few minutes. Afterward, you will go home and relax for several hours.

How do I know if I am a candidate for laser vision correction?

Currently, the FDA has approved laser vision correction for nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness. Not every patient is a candidate. There are several factors to consider. Patients with high nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness are not good candidates. There are certain eye and medical conditions which makes a patient not suitable for LASIK surgery. To get the process started, we recommend you call for a phone consultation with our patient counselor. If you have your eye glasses or contact lens prescription available, we can tell you if you are a potential candidate for laser refractive surgery.

What will my vision be like following laser vision correction?

Laser vision correction has been shown to reduce dependent glasses and contacts. Over 95% of our patients undergoing laser vision correction achieve 20/30 vision or better. We will be happy to review the potential benefits and risks of laser vision correction with you.

How long will the procedure actually take?

You will be at the Surgery Center approximately 2-3 hours. The time in the LASIK ROOM with the surgeon is 15-20 minutes. The actual laser treatment time is approximately one minute per eye.

Is LASIK really painless?

For many patients, LASIK is indeed painless. However, some patients experience some discomfort usually less than 24 hours after the procedure. The eyes may feel scratchy, gritty or watery. These are temporary symptoms and are not a problem for most patients. Keeping the eyes closed and using the medication as instructed minimize discomfort. Discomfort during the procedure, if any, usually happens when the suction ring of the microkeratome (the flap maker) is seated on the eyes. The suction can give the eye a pressure sensation.

Why must I discontinue contact lens wear before my preoperative exam?

Contact lenses can change the shape of the cornea similar to the way a watchband can make a skin imprint on your wrist. If you have your eyes examined too soon after taking out your contacts, some of the eye tests could give inaccurate results. You should discontinue wearing soft contact lenses 2 weeks prior to surgery. Rigid gas permeable contact lens wearers should discontinue wearing lenses three weeks prior to pre-operative measurements and surgery Our doctors will advise you if they suspect your corneas have not returned to their natural shape after removing your contact lenses.

What kind of vision can I expect after surgery?

Many patients notice improved vision immediately after the procedure, although it is normal to be somewhat blurred immediately after an operation. The next day, most patients have excellent vision and do not need any glasses or contacts. Patients continue to see gradual increase in their visual acuity during the first five to seven days after the surgery.

Do the results last?

Refractive surgery is considered to be a permanent procedure. However, refractive surgery will not prevent any age-related conditions such as presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) and cataracts. In a small number of cases, eyes do change over time and develop a new prescription, but the effect of the laser on the pre-operative prescription is permanent.

Does insurance cover refractive surgery?

           
Most insurance companies consider refractive surgery an elective surgery, and it is not usually a covered benefit. However, it is certainly worth checking with your insurance company, and we encourage you to call them.

How much work will I miss?

Most patients return to their normal activities the day after the procedure. The doctor can give you more details on what you can expect when you come in for an evaluation.

Can both eyes be done at the same time?

Because the advanced technology associated with laser vision correction, both eyes are usually done at the same time.

What are the risks of refractive surgery?

While enjoying a very high success rate, refractive surgery is still surgery, and like all surgery there is some risk associated with LASIK. Our most important goal is your safety. Some potential complications include conditions such as dryness, complications making the surgical flap, night glare, over or under-correction, infection, and loss of best-corrected vision. Your surgeon will go over the potential risks with refractive surgery and measurement to avoid them. Be sure to have all your questions answered before having surgery.

What is the follow-up visits schedule?

Our patients are always seen the day following the procedure and then again on second post op day and after that depending on the need and convenience.

How soon can I drive after the surgery?

We will require that you have someone drive you home following your procedure. However, you may drive when you feel comfortable enough to drive safely, possibly the next day. 

What type of anesthesia is used during the surgery?

Topical numbing eye drops are used during your procedure. Sometimes an oral medication is offered to help  you relax. We do not use any needles during your surgery.

Do you offer payment options?

Our Accounts Coordinator will be happy to discuss financing information based on your personal needs. Check with your human resources department for any insurance plan so that you can have a cashless procedure done. Credit Cards are also accepted.

Will I still need glasses or contact lenses?

The goal of refractive surgery is to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. An occasional patient may need to wear a thin pair of prescription glasses for driving at night.

Who is a good candidate for LASIK?

A good candidate for LASIK must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have a stable refraction for at least a year

• Have no pre-existing corneal diseases

• Not be pregnant

• Have realistic expectations about laser vision correction

Is LASIK surgery safe?

Yes, the extremely low complication rate has been a primary reason for the popularity of LASIK worldwide.. More common but less serious problems include under or over corrections, flap-related problems, infection, dry eyes, and night vision problems.

What can I expect after laser vision correction?

After laser vision correction is performed, patients are sent home with a sleeping pill and are asked to rest with the eyes closed as much as possible until the follow-up visit the next day.                                                          

What type of laser does DR OM PARKASH  EYE INSTITUTE  use?

DR OM PARKASH EYE INSTITUTE uses latest NIDEK CX III NAVEX SYSTEM  for CUSTOMISED LASIK using wavefront technology. It has 250Hz EYE TRACKER & TED (Torsion Error Detection).

For more details log on to http://www.nidek.com/navexq_ec.html

Will I achieve 20/20 vision after LASIK surgery?

The most important things a patient must have prior to any refractive surgical procedure are realistic expectations. The goal of these procedures is to decrease one's dependence on corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses). The vast majority of our patients (approximately 98 percent) will see 20/40 or better after LASIK, but there is no guarantee of the outcome. In addition to the many variables related to the surgery itself, every eye heals differently. If the vision is not satisfactory after the initial treatment and there is a residual refractive error, this can possibly be corrected with a retreatment (enhancement). It is also important to know that the correction of distance vision is independent of near or reading vision. The inability to read without glasses (presbyopia) normally occurs after the age of 40 and this is not corrected by refractive surgery. In addition, the correction of the distance vision in many patients over age 40 may result in the need for reading glasses at an earlier age. An ophthalmologist at our laser vision correction offices in Ocala, Florida can further discuss the outcome of your LASIK surgery.

Is LASIK affordable?

The cost of the procedure is reasonable if one considers the costs associated with glasses or contact lenses over one's lifetime. We will be more than happy to discuss financing and other payment options for laser vision correction.

How long does the whole process take? Are there any follow-up visits?

The initial examination takes one to two hours. You will receive a complete eye examination, along with a number of special tests that are not routinely performed. These tests allow us to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for LASIK, or another refractive procedure. During this examination, your eyes may be dilated.

For surgery, you will be in the operating room about twenty minutes. You will need to allow about 2-3 hours at Eye Institute for surgical preparation and postoperative instructions.

Follow-up examinations are routinely performed at next day,second ,post op day  and thereafter depending on need.

How long has LASIK been performed?

The first keratomileusis procedure was done on humans in 1963. Technologies and techniques have significantly improved since then. The excimer laser has been used for over 15 years and has received USA FDA approval for photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), a procedure in which the laser is used to sculpt the surface of the eye. Eye surgeons have been creating a protective flap of tissue for over 30 years. These two techniques were first combined in 1991 to create a new form of refractive surgery - LASIK.

If I have LASIK, would I be more prone to cataracts?

Currently, there is no information to suggest that LASIK causes cataracts, but we do not have information on very long-term follow-up.

Is this procedure long term or reversible?

Some refractive surgical procedures are more easily reversed than others. LASIK permanently changes the curvature of the cornea. The result can only be modified by additional refractive surgical procedures.

What are the risks of possible complications of refractive surgery?

Complications that could threaten your vision are EXTREMELY rare. Infection is the most serious possible complication.  To help avoid infection, we do ask that you avoid swimming and exposure to contaminated water such as hot tubs for one week after surgery. Like all surgical procedures, complications are always a possibility. Most complications are minor and do not threaten vision. These include undercorrection, overcorrection, and visual aberrations (glare, halos, starbursts, shadow images, double vision, etc.). The incidence of these problems is about ½ of 1%.

Who is LASIK useful for?

LASIK can be used to correct nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia) LASIK is capable of correcting myopia up to about –14 diopters and hyperopia up to about +5 diopters. It corrects astigmatism up to about 5 diopters.But, actual posision will depewnd on your corneal thickness,mesopic pupil size and other pre op measurements.

Will there be any pain?

LASIK is virtually painless. Topical anaesthesia (drops that are placed in the eye) is used during the procedure. For the first 24 hours, there may be dryness or a sensation that there is a grain of sand in your eye. After 24 hours, there should be no discomfort.

How can Custom LASIK reduce my dependence on glasses or contact lenses?

A person does not necessarily have to dislike glasses or have a problem with contact lenses to consider Laser refractive surgery. Once the surgery is completed there is a 99% chance that you’ll have no need to wear long distance glasses. Custom LASIK removes minute layers off the cornea of the eye to make for perfect or very near perfect vision. If you have a need to wear reading glasses you will continue to need these.

Does Laser vision correction help my recreational pursuits?

Anyone who participates in athletics and particularly in water sports knows the difficulties and sometimes the impossibilities of glasses or contact lens use and knows the difficulties associated with protective eyewear that is recommended in many sports. Once your eye has settled down after surgery (a matter of a few days) you can participate in any sport or recreation as would anyone not having a need to wear glasses or contacts.

Can Laser vision correction help for occupational reasons?

In many occupations requiring physical work, glasses use can be difficult, especially under safety goggles. Contact lens use may be difficult due to airborne debris creating ocular irritation. Custom LASIK surgery means you can participate in your chosen occupation as would anyone not having a need to wear glasses or contacts

Can I really say goodbye to Contact Lens Intolerance?

Many people develop ocular irritation related to contact lens materials, solutions, and protein build up on the lens surface. Some people may be unable to wear the lens for the entire day due to dryness or increasing discomfort as the day goes on. With Laser surgery you’ll be saying goodbye to contacts forever*.

Does having my eye Lasered really enhance my personal appearance?

Many people prefer their appearance without glasses, and in some cases this may have impact upon their career choice and success. Other people realise that their eyes may become red or irritated appearing with contact lens use, and that they have to frequently manipulate their eyes or eyelids when they wear contact lenses.

Can Laser help my personal safety?

Having to hunt for glasses or insert contact lenses during an emergency situation may be impossible and impractical. In those situations, a person has to rely on his own natural vision. The use of extended wear contact lenses may offer a solution to this problem, but these lenses also have a much higher rate of complication and infection. Travel and especially overseas travel can leave you in a foreign country with lost or broken glasses or contacts. Once your eye has been lasered you’ll always know that you’ll have the vision you need all the time, anytime and anywhere.

CAN I HAVE 20/20 VISION (6/6) AFTER LASIK?

 The modern techniques, equipment and training available at Eye Institute indicate a 99% chance that eye imperfections normally corrected by the wearing of glasses and contacts will be corrected with Custom LASIK to provide normal or nearly normal vision. In a very few cases there may be a need to revisit for additional treatments. Your refractive error, occupation, leisure activities, age and personal expectations all help to determine whether you are a good candidate for vision correction surgery. You must have realistic expectations and understand that vision correction procedures are not always perfect. For most patients, refractive surgery offers about a 99% or greater chance of gaining normal or near-normal vision. However, it is impossible to guarantee 20/20 vision with every vision correction procedure, and it may be necessary to wear a thin pair of glasses at certain times.

WHEN CAN I USE EYE MAKE UP?

Eyes make up to be avoided for 3 weeks after LASIK.

WHEN CAN I RESUME SWIMMING?

Swimming to be avoided for 3 weeks after LASIK.

WHEN CAN I RESUME SPORTING ACTIVITIES?

Sports to be avoided for 3 weeks after LASIK.

Do I need to avoid Sun light or any other light?

No, Protective glasses are given only to avoid any dust particles when you are outdoor for three weeks after Lasik.

Can I touch my eyes after Lasik Surgery?

You have to avoid touching especially vigorous rubbing of eyes for 3 weeks.

After Lasik, when can I take bath?

You can take bath the next day but you have to avoid water or soap on and around eyes for 3 weeks.

What is C- Lasik  (Custom Lasik)?

In C-Lasik or Customized Lasik, laser treatment is customized on the basis of wavefront analysis of individual eye so that aberrations (Optical defects) of eye are corrected in addition to refractive error correction.

This gives better quality vision and better contrast sensitivity as compared to Non customized Lasik.   

Do I need medication after Lasik surgery?

Usually we prescribe antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and lubricant drops for about one week. Then, we advise to use lubricant drops for 3 months Post Lasik to avoid dryness of eyes.