Laser eye surgery refers to corrective vision surgery that aids in improving a person’s quality of vision and treating numerous eye conditions. The FDA approved laser eye surgeries in 1995 when they became commercially available for patients to opt for and are currently among the few options to correct one’s vision permanently. The surgery has evolved tremendously over the years, offering various prescription levels for different types of eyes.
For those of you looking for eye hospitals in Nagercoil and the best laser eye surgeon in Nagercoil, we at Calwin Hospitals offer the most efficient options. To learn further about the cost of laser eye surgery and what the operation entails, Vist us or reach out to our team members who will provide all the crucial details and everything you will need to know before your appointment with the best eye specialist in Nagercoil.
Who Benefits from Laser Eye Surgery?
Here are the situations where individuals can benefit from laser eye surgery:
Farsightedness
Farsightedness or hyperopia is the name given to a common vision condition where an individual cannot see the objects near them too clearly as they form blurry shapes but have a clear vision regarding distant objects.
The person’s ability to focus on objects in such situations is influenced by the degree of their farsightedness. For example, someone with mild farsightedness might still be able to see things closer to them. In contrast, someone who has severe farsightedness might only be able to see objects located quite far away. This condition is usually something that one is born with, especially if it runs in the family.
Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is where distant objects appear blurry while nearby objects can be seen clearly. This condition happens when the shape of the person’s eye causes light rays to bend inaccurately.
Myopia develops in individuals somewhere between childhood and adolescence and can be hereditary. Laser eye surgeries can correct this condition by reshaping the patient’s cornea. Basic eye exams can help in identifying nearsightedness. Before you choose laser eye surgery to treat the condition, this can be managed through contact lenses or eyeglasses.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is the name given to an eye condition when a patient’s lens or cornea is steeper in one direction when compared to the other. It is categorized as a refractive error and is believed to manifest as corneal astigmatism and lenticular astigmatism.
Lenticular astigmatism is due to an abnormally shaped lens inside the person’s eye, and corneal astigmatism is when someone’s cornea has mismatched curves. It isn’t the result of sitting too close to TV screens or reading in low light. This particular eye condition can either be present from birth or develop post a disease, surgery, or eye injury.
What To Expect from Laser Eye Surgery
If you are considering getting laser eye surgery, it’s better to prepare yourself for what you might be experiencing before, during, and after the surgery. Listed below are the details to know about:
Before The Surgery
Before you go in for the surgery, your doctor will thoroughly examine your eyes and inform you about what you can expect from the procedure and the pros and cons you should be aware of. Those who wear contact lenses will be asked to stop wearing them at least two weeks before the laser eye surgery, as it allows the cornea to regain its original shape, which is imperative for the procedure.
Before the surgery, patients are asked to avoid any makeup or skincare around the eyes. Be sure to bring someone with you on the day of the surgery, as you will need their assistance to go back home once the procedure is complete.
During The Surgery
Depending on the kind of laser eye surgery you go for, the procedure can vary slightly from one to another. You will be given numbing eye drops to prevent you from feeling any discomfort while the surgery is being performed.
A speculum will be used by your doctor to work on your eyes after cleaning them. The laser will work to reshape the surface of the cornea as the surgery is performed. During the surgery, you must keep your eyes fixed on a specific spot. However, even if you do move your eyes, the lasers contain a sensor that is meant to identify even the minutest of movements and stop accordingly.
After The Surgery
Once the surgery is complete, patients will be given a protective shield to place around their eyes like goggles. Your eyes could feel itchy right after the procedure, or you might feel as if something is stuck in them. However, it’s very important not to rub your eyes as this could interfere with the healing process. Patients must also wear the protective shield at night so they don’t accidentally rub their eyes.
Your doctor will schedule a check-up a day post your surgery, where they will check to see if your eyes are healing properly. The weeks following your surgery are crucial to the healing process, so you should avoid any sports or strenuous physical activities about a month after your surgery. Swimming should also be avoided during this period, and even if you swim, wear your goggles before you get inside the pool.
Your vision may fluctuate after the surgery and will stabilize about six months after the procedure based on the kind of surgery performed and the condition of your eyes before the surgery.
Risks And Complications of Laser Eye Surgery
Almost every medical procedure has associated risks and complications, and the same applies to laser eye surgery. The following are the risks you should be ready to face in such procedures:
- You could experience dry eyes after the surgery, making it difficult for the eyes to produce tears. You can treat this using lubricating eye drops once your doctor approves them.
- Visual changes can accompany laser eye surgeries, including halos, glares, or feeling sensitivity to light.
- Blurry or double vision is a common issue following this surgery.
- Some people also report corneal flap complications and the whites of their eyes being bloodshot or red.
- Eye pain or eye infections could occur as well for some patients.
- Individuals suffering from existing eye infections are at a higher risk of complications from laser eye surgery.
- The risks could be more significant for those with large pupils, glaucoma, keratoconus, and cataracts.
- Overcorrection or under-correction could occur during the surgery wherein too much or insufficient tissue gets removed, requiring another surgery to correct it. Overcorrection, however, is more challenging to mend.