Lasik Eye Surgery: Procedure, Treatment & Benefits

Dr. Mazen Senjab is an ophthalmology specialist with a Phd from the Faculty of Medicine in Damascus University and Moorfield’s Eye Hospital in London.

Updated On:December 19, 2023

What is Lasik Eye Treatment?

If you are tired of wearing eyeglasses all the time or think using contact lenses is not your cup of tea, Lasik eye treatment could be the solution to your problems. Wondering what it is? Read ahead to find out!

Laser eye treatment is a non-invasive technique that helps correct common vision problems in patients suffering from myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, or presbyopia (near vision difficulty). Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) uses a highly specialised, excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct your vision.

This laser eyes treatment is among the most popular and highly successful procedures for vision correction. Medcare, a leading medical institute in the UAE, has conducted numerous successful Lasik eye treatment. Depending on the severity of your condition and other factors, such as age and overall health, doctors may opt for Femto Lasik, Ultra Lasik, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), or the modern presbyond treatment.

Lasik Eye Surgery Procedure

Patients are first administered numbing drops before the procedure begins in order to minimise any pain or discomfort during the treatment. As you remain awake during the whole process, the ophthalmologist uses an instrument to hold the eyelids open, making it easier to conduct the procedure.

In the next step, a suction ring is placed on the eye before the cutting creation of the corneal flap. A special type of laser is then used to reshape the cornea (the front transparent part) of your eye. With each pulse of the beam, a tiny portion of corneal tissue is reshaped. Once the reshaping is complete, the flap is gently released back to its position, and soon begins to heal without any stitches.

Being a non-invasive technique, the Lasik process takes around 15 to 20 minutes to complete. However, your doctor might ask you to rest at the health centre before being allowed to leave. This is to ensure your cornea’s flap is positioned correctly and so you face no issues. A follow-up visit is required about 24 to 48 hours after your treatment to ensure everything is in place, and the healing is in progress.

Benefits of Lasik Treatment

Around 96% of patients have seen improvement in their overall vision post Lasik eye treatment
No pain is felt during the laser eye treatment
Quick results are achieved as the vision is corrected mostly on the same day of Lasik treatment
Being a non-invasive surgery, no bandages or stitches after the treatment are required
Lasik treatment has made it possible for people to live life carefree and more naturally, as the hassle of carrying glasses or wearing lenses is no longer required
With the new technology presbyond, getting rid of reading glasses has become a reality

Who can Undergo Laser Eye Treatment?

Barring a few, most patients can undergo laser eye treatment. If you are 18 years or above, have a common vision problem (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia), your vision is stable, have good general health, have disease-free eyes, are not pregnant, and lead an active life, then you can opt for the treatment.

Before LASIK Procedure

If you wear contact lenses, you need to completely stop wearing them for at least one week prior to the treatment consultation. This is because contact lenses tend to change the shape of your cornea and this can affect the initial process of the procedure. Moreover, if you have dry eyes, it is recommended to use lubricant eye drops for at least one week before the consultation to get accurate check up and decision.

When to get Lasik Eye Surgery?

Vision loss is inevitable as you age. However, with modern-day techniques such as LASIK, vision correction has become a reality for many. And when performed under the expert's supervision and guidance, the results surpass your expectations. So if you too are experiencing any vision-related issues, consider LASIK eye treatment but consult an ophthalmologist first.