What is LASIK Eye Surgery Used For?LASIK is a popular choice for those dealing with common vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. But what exactly is LASIK? How can it help you see the world more clearly?Well, if you are tired of fumbling for your glasses first thing in the morning or struggling with the discomfort of contact lenses, if you dream of waking up with clear vision, LASIK eye surgery might be the solution you’ve been looking for. 1Saragoussi JJ, Djadi-Prat J, Lebuisson DA, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302 This revolutionary procedure has helped millions of people around the world reduce or eliminate their dependence on corrective eyewear, offering a life-changing improvement in vision.2LASIK world literature review: quality of life and patient satisfaction, (2009), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19344821/If you’re considering laser eye surgery in Adelaide, the best place to start is to check out this free online suitability test. Understanding the answers to these questions and other important details can help you make an informed decision about whether this procedure is right for you. If you’re considering whether you’re a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery, you might also want to check out our article on “How old do you have to be to get laser eye surgery?”Imagine being able to read, drive, and enjoy your favourite activities without the hassle of glasses or contacts. Keep reading to discover how LASIK eye surgery can transform your vision and your life. 3Durrie, D.S. (2012) Evaluating the speed of visual recovery following thin-flap LASIKWhat is LASIK Eye Surgery Used For?LASIK eye surgery is primarily used to correct refractive errors in vision. These are common eye problems that occur when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. The main refractive errors LASIK can treat are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, a common vision condition that causes blurred or distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.By reshaping the cornea, LASIK allows the eye to focus light properly onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. For many people, this means being able to see clearly from the moment they wake up, during sports and other activities, and in everyday life without relying on corrective lenses. 4Saragoussi JJ, Djadi-Prat J, Lebuisson DA, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302Common Conditions Treated by LASIKLASIK is a versatile procedure that can address several common vision problems. These conditions, known as refractive errors, affect millions of people worldwide. 5Blum et al. Five-year results of Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx SMILE) https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192 Let’s take a closer look at each of these conditions and how LASIK can help correct them.6https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/refractive-errorsMyopia (Nearsightedness)Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a condition where you can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. This happens because the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.LASIK can effectively treat myopia by flattening the cornea. This change in shape allows light to focus properly on the retina, improving distance vision. The procedure can correct mild to moderate myopia very effectively, and in many cases, even high myopia can be treated. 7Durrie, D.S. (2012) Evaluating the speed of visual recovery following thin-flap LASIKDuring the LASIK procedure for myopia, the excimer laser removes tissue from the centre of the cornea. This flattening effect changes the way light enters the eye, redirecting the focal point from in front of the retina to directly on it.The amount of correction needed determines how much tissue is removed. For mild myopia, only a small amount of tissue is removed. More severe cases require more significant reshaping.Most people with myopia are good candidates for LASIK. However, those with very high prescriptions or thin corneas might not be suitable. An eye care professional can determine if LASIK is appropriate based on a thorough eye exam and medical history.It’s important to note that while LASIK can dramatically improve distance vision for people with myopia, it doesn’t prevent the natural age-related changes that can affect near vision later in life. Some people might still need reading glasses as they age, even after LASIK.Hyperopia (Farsightedness)Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a condition where distant objects are usually seen clearly, but nearby objects may appear blurry. This occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.LASIK can correct hyperopia by steepening the cornea. This change allows light to focus correctly on the retina, improving near vision. 8Probst, The Optimization of LASIK, International Ophthalmology Clinics 48(1):p 9-16, Winter 2008. The procedure can effectively treat mild to moderate hyperopia, although severe cases might be more challenging.For hyperopia treatment, the excimer laser removes tissue from the outer edge of the cornea. This creates a steeper central cornea, which helps redirect the focal point from behind the retina to directly on it.The degree of hyperopia determines the amount of corneal reshaping needed. Mild cases require minimal tissue removal, while more severe cases need more significant reshaping.Hyperopic patients often make good candidates for LASIK. However, those with very high prescriptions or other eye conditions might not be suitable. A comprehensive eye exam will be needed to determine if this surgery is right for you.It’s worth noting that LASIK for hyperopia can sometimes be more challenging than for myopia. The results might not be as predictable, and there can be a higher risk of regression (gradual return of the refractive error). Despite these challenges, many people with hyperopia achieve excellent results with LASIK.AstigmatismAstigmatism is a common refractive error where the eye is irregularly shaped, often described as more football-shaped than round. This causes light to focus on multiple points in the eye rather than on a single point on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances.LASIK can effectively treat most cases of astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to a more spherical shape. This allows light to focus properly on a single point on the retina, resulting in clearer vision.During the LASIK procedure for astigmatism, the excimer laser removes tissue in a specific pattern to smooth out the irregular areas of the cornea. The exact pattern of tissue removal depends on the individual’s unique corneal shape and degree of astigmatism.The procedure can correct both regular astigmatism, where the cornea is curved more in one direction than the other, and irregular astigmatism, where the cornea has multiple irregular curves.Many people with astigmatism are good candidates for LASIK. The procedure can often correct astigmatism along with myopia or hyperopia in the same treatment. However, very high degrees of astigmatism or certain corneal conditions might make some patients unsuitable for the procedure.It’s important to note that while LASIK can significantly improve vision for people with astigmatism, some degree of astigmatism might remain after the procedure. In most cases, this residual astigmatism is minor and doesn’t significantly affect vision.Can LASIK Treat Presbyopia?Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects the eye’s ability to focus on close objects. It typically begins to develop around age 40 and continues to progress until about age 65. Unlike other refractive errors, presbyopia is caused by the hardening of the eye’s natural lens, not the shape of the cornea.Traditional LASIK surgery doesn’t directly treat presbyopia because it reshapes the cornea rather than addressing the lens. However, there are LASIK-related procedures that can help manage presbyopia symptoms.One approach is monovision LASIK. In this procedure, one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision. The brain learns to use the appropriate eye depending on the visual task. While this can be effective for many people, it doesn’t work for everyone and can take some time to adjust to.Another option is multifocal LASIK, also known as PresbyMAX. This advanced technique creates multiple focus points on the cornea, similar to multifocal contact lenses. It allows for clear vision at different distances. However, this procedure is not yet widely available and is still considered experimental in many countries.For people over 40 who are considering LASIK, you’ll need to discuss presbyopia with your eye care professional. They might recommend alternatives like lens replacement surgery (refractive lens exchange) for those who prioritise both distance and near vision correction. 9PMC, E. (2015) Laser Blended Vision for presbyopia: Results after 3 years, Europe PMC. Available at: https://europepmc.org/article/med/25910743 (Accessed: 27 February 2024). It’s worth noting that even if you’ve had LASIK in the past, you can still develop presbyopia as you age. In these cases, reading glasses or further vision correction procedures might be needed.Benefits of LASIK Eye SurgeryLASIK eye surgery offers a range of benefits that have made it one of the most popular elective procedures worldwide. For many people, the advantages of LASIK extend far beyond simply improving vision. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits that make LASIK such an attractive option for vision correction.Improved Vision Without Corrective LensesThe most obvious benefit of LASIK is the potential for clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. 10Probst, The Optimization of LASIK, International Ophthalmology Clinics 48(1):p 9-16, Winter 2008. Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after the procedure. This means being able to see clearly from the moment you wake up, during sports and other physical activities, and in everyday situations without reaching for glasses or putting in contact lenses.11https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2372832For those who’ve relied on corrective lenses for years, this newfound visual freedom can be life-changing. It eliminates the hassles of dealing with foggy glasses, lost contact lenses, or the discomfort of wearing contacts for long periods. 12Saragoussi JJ, Djadi-Prat J, Lebuisson DA, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIKLASIK can correct a wide range of prescriptions. Whether you’re mildly nearsighted or have a strong prescription for farsightedness and astigmatism, LASIK can often provide significant improvement.Quick Results and RecoveryOne of the most appealing aspects of LASIK is the speed of both the procedure and recovery. The surgery itself typically takes only about 15 minutes per eye. Many patients notice an improvement in their vision immediately after the procedure, with vision continuing to improve over the next few days.13Probst, The Optimization of LASIK, International Ophthalmology Clinics 48(1):p 9-16, Winter 2008. https://journals.lww.com/internat-ophthalmology/citation/2008/04810/the_optimization_of_lasik.5.aspx Most people can return to their normal activities within 24 to 48 hours after surgery. 14Durrie, D.S. (2012) Evaluating the speed of visual recovery following thin-flap LASIK with …, Accessed: 12 December 2023 https://journals.healio.com/doi/abs/10.3928/1081597X-20120815-06This quick recovery time means minimal disruption to your daily life. You can often return to work the next day, although it’s best to avoid strenuous activities for about a week.The rapid results and recovery of LASIK stand in stark contrast to the ongoing maintenance required with glasses and contact lenses. There’s no need for regular lens changes or ongoing purchases of contact lenses and solutions.Long-lasting ResultsLASIK provides long-term vision correction for most patients. 15Saragoussi JJ, Djadi-Prat J, Lebuisson DA, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIKWhile your eyes can still change over time, especially as you age, the majority of LASIK patients enjoy improved vision for many years after the procedure.For many people, LASIK eliminates or greatly reduces their dependence on corrective lenses for a decade or more. Some patients never need glasses again, except perhaps for reading as they enter their 40s and 50s due to the natural ageing process of the eye (presbyopia).This long-term effectiveness makes LASIK a cost-effective option in the long run. When you consider the ongoing expenses of glasses, contact lenses, and related supplies over many years, LASIK can actually save money over time.Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?While LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for many, it’s not suitable for everyone. Several factors determine whether someone is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Understanding these criteria can help you decide if LASIK might be right for you.Age and Eye StabilityLASIK is typically recommended for adults over 18 years old. This is because vision tends to stabilise in adulthood. Your eye prescription should be stable for at least a year before considering LASIK. Significant changes in your prescription over short periods might indicate that your eyes are still changing, making LASIK less predictable.Most LASIK patients are between 20 and 40 years old. After 40, age-related changes in the eye, particularly presbyopia, can affect LASIK outcomes. However, older adults can still be good candidates if they have realistic expectations about the procedure’s limitations in addressing age-related vision changes.Eye Health and Overall HealthGood candidates for LASIK have healthy eyes free from diseases or conditions that could affect healing or surgical outcomes. This includes conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, severe dry eye syndrome, or certain corneal diseases.Your overall health is also important. Certain autoimmune diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, and medications that can affect wound healing might make LASIK unsuitable. Pregnant or nursing women are usually advised to wait before having LASIK due to hormonal changes that can affect eye shape and healing.Corneal Thickness and ShapeThe thickness and shape of your cornea play a crucial role in determining whether LASIK is a suitable surgery. LASIK involves removing corneal tissue, so your corneas need to be thick enough to safely accommodate this removal.Certain corneal conditions, like keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea), can make LASIK unsafe. Your eye doctor will carefully measure and map your cornea to ensure it’s suitable for the procedure.Realistic ExpectationsGood candidates for LASIK have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes. While LASIK can dramatically improve vision for many people, it’s not a guarantee of perfect vision. Some patients might still need glasses for certain activities, particularly as they age.The LASIK Procedure: Step-by-StepUnderstanding what happens during LASIK can help alleviate concerns and prepare you for the procedure. Let’s walk through the typical steps of a LASIK surgery.Before the procedure begins, numbing eye drops are applied to ensure comfort. 16Probst, The Optimization of LASIK, International Ophthalmology Clinics 48(1):p 9-16, Winter 2008. https://journals.lww.com/internat-ophthalmology/citation/2008/04810/the_optimization_of_lasik.5.aspx You might also be given a mild sedative to help you relax. The area around your eye is cleaned, and an eyelid holder is placed to prevent blinking.The first step of the actual procedure is creating the corneal flap. This is done using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. The surgeon carefully creates a thin, hinged flap in the outer layer of the cornea.Once the flap is created, the surgeon gently lifts and folds it back to expose the inner layers of the cornea. You might feel some pressure during this step, but it shouldn’t be painful.Next, the excimer laser is positioned over your eye. You’ll be asked to look at a target light to keep your eye still. The laser, guided by a computer programmed with your eye’s unique measurements, then reshapes your cornea.The actual laser treatment typically lasts less than a minute per eye.17https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/OPTH.S299752You might hear a clicking sound as the laser operates, and you may notice a slight odour as the laser removes corneal tissue.After the laser reshaping is complete, the surgeon carefully repositions the corneal flap. This flap acts as a natural bandage and quickly begins to heal in place without the need for stitches.The entire procedure usually takes about 15 minutes per eye. 18Probst, The Optimization of LASIK, International Ophthalmology Clinics 48(1):p 9-16, Winter 2008. https://journals.lww.com/internat-ophthalmology/citation/2008/04810/the_optimization_of_lasik.5.aspx Many people have both eyes treated on the same day.Recovery and Aftercare Following LASIKRecovery from LASIK is typically quick and comfortable for most patients. Immediately after the procedure, your eyes might feel slightly irritated or gritty. You may experience some blurry vision, but many people notice an improvement in their vision within a few hours. 19Probst, The Optimization of LASIK, International Ophthalmology Clinics 48(1):p 9-16, Winter 2008. https://journals.lww.com/internat-ophthalmology/citation/2008/04810/the_optimization_of_lasik.5.aspx You’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure. It’s important to rest your eyes for the remainder of the day. Most surgeons recommend taking a nap or keeping your eyes closed for several hours post-surgery.You’ll be given eye drops to use, typically including antibiotic drops to prevent infection and anti-inflammatory drops to reduce swelling. You must follow your surgeon’s instructions on how and when to use these drops.For the first week or so, you’ll need to avoid rubbing your eyes and protect them from water, soap, and shampoo when bathing. You should also avoid wearing eye makeup and participating in contact sports.Most people can return to work and normal activities within a day or two, but you should avoid swimming and hot tubs for at least two weeks. 20Probst, The Optimization of LASIK, International Ophthalmology Clinics 48(1):p 9-16, Winter 2008. https://journals.lww.com/internat-ophthalmology/citation/2008/04810/the_optimization_of_lasik.5.aspx Your doctor will likely recommend wearing sunglasses outdoors for the first few weeks to protect your eyes from bright light and debris.You’ll have several follow-up appointments with your eye doctor to monitor your healing and vision improvement. These typically occur the day after surgery, then at regular intervals over the next six months.LASIK eye surgery has revolutionised vision correction, offering millions of people the opportunity to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. This advanced laser procedure can effectively treat common refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to improve focus.The benefits of LASIK are numerous, from the convenience of clear vision without corrective lenses to the quick recovery time and long-lasting results. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. Good candidates typically have stable vision, healthy eyes, and realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes.As with any medical procedure, you must consult with an experienced eye care professional to determine if LASIK is right for you. They can assess your individual situation, explain the potential benefits and risks, and help you make an informed decision about your vision correction options.Are you considering laser eye surgery in Adelaide? Then check out our free online suitability test. You can also call us on 08 7082 2066 or book an appointment here. Take the first step towards clearer vision and a life free from the limitations of glasses or contact lenses.