Some Important Facts Regarding LASIK

By Shari Swanson


Even as they consider undergoing LASIK Chicago patients need to have some facts about the procedure beforehand. If they are well informed, they will be able to know whether or not it is beneficial to them. LASIK is an abbreviation for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis. It is a surgical procedure that corrects refractive abnormalities of vision. These include long-sightedness (hyperopia), short-sightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.

In this procedure, laser technology is used to reshape the cornea so as to change the angle at which incident light rays are refracted. This is achieved by removing some corneal tissue through a process called ablation. Different amounts are removed depending on the desired shape. Once this is done visual acuity is greatly improved and there is usually no need to continue putting on glasses or contact lenses.

Every patient is carefully evaluated to establish whether or not they are candidates. They need to give an exhaustive medical history and to undergo a physical examination with the greatest emphasis being placed on assessment of vision. Advanced cases of myopia and extremely thin corneas cannot benefit from this technique. They can instead use intraocular lens implants as an alternative.

The procedure is usually done in the outpatient and rarely requires admission. The patient is asked to focus on a fixed target for some time and a computer is used to adjust for the required prescription of laser. The laser then sends painless pulses of light to the cornea. The use of wavefront technology allows the surgeon to chart the specific areas that require correction. This has led to increased accuracy and as a result, better outcomes.

The next step is to create a flap from the cornea. This is done so as to expose the underlying tissue (the stroma). It is this stroma that is vaporised to achieve the desired shape. Myopic or near-sighted people need a flattened cornea whereas those that are farsighted need a steeper one. Once this has been done, the flap is repositioned and healing takes place naturally. The whole procedure lasts about thirty minutes.

There are a number of complications of LASIK Chicago patients should expect. Eye dryness four to six months following the operation is one of the commonest complaints. This is usually managed using artificial or prescription tears and in severe cases, punctal occlusion. Other possible complications include increased light sensitivity, lid irritation, double vision and infections.




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