Many people in Bengaluru consider laser eye surgery to stop depending on glasses or contact lenses, especially for work, sport or travel. LASIK is safe and effective for the right person, but not everyone is a good candidate. A careful assessment matters more than anything else.
How LASIK works
LASIK reshapes the clear front window of the eye, the cornea, with a laser. This changes how light focuses inside the eye, correcting short sight, long sight and astigmatism. The procedure takes a few minutes per eye and is done under numbing drops.
You may be a good candidate if
- You are over 18 and your glasses power has stayed stable for at least a year
- Your cornea is healthy and thick enough for the amount of correction
- You have no uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disease affecting healing
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding, as hormones can change your power
- Your expectations are realistic about what surgery can and cannot do
Who may need a different option
- Thin or irregular corneas. Conditions such as keratoconus make LASIK unsafe. Surface laser (PRK) or other treatments may be considered.
- Very high power. An implantable contact lens placed inside the eye can be a better choice.
- Significant dry eye. This usually needs treatment first, because laser surgery can make dryness worse for a while.
- Over 40s. LASIK will not fix age-related difficulty with reading, so you may still need reading glasses.
The pre-LASIK assessment
A thorough check includes your glasses power, corneal thickness and shape mapping (topography), tear film tests and a dilated retina exam. If you wear soft contact lenses, you will usually be asked to stop wearing them for a period before testing, because lenses can temporarily change the shape of the cornea.
Recovery
- Most people see well within a day, with vision settling over a few weeks
- Eyes may feel gritty or watery for the first day
- You will use eye drops for a few weeks
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming and eye make-up until your doctor says it is safe
- Dry eyes and glare around lights at night are common for a few months and usually improve
Questions to ask before you decide
- Am I a suitable candidate, and why?
- Which procedure do you recommend for my eyes?
- What results can I realistically expect?
- What are the risks for someone with my eyes?
- What follow-up is included?
Dr. Vinay Patil, our founder, has a special interest in refractive surgery. Book a LASIK suitability check or read about our glasses, contact lens and refractive surgery care.
Frequently asked questions
Is LASIK permanent?
The correction to the cornea is permanent, but your eyes can still change with age. Most people need reading glasses after 40, and cataract can develop later in life.
Does LASIK hurt?
The eyes are numbed with drops. You may feel pressure for a few seconds. Mild discomfort for a few hours afterwards is common.
How soon can I go back to work after LASIK?
Many people return to desk work within a couple of days. Your doctor will advise you based on your recovery.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace an examination by an eye doctor. If you have symptoms, please book a consultation.