Laser Vision Correction (LASIK)

Contrary to popular belief, Laser Vision Correction does NOT correct the need for reading glasses if you are over 40 years of age. In many cases, although it works best for those with near-sightedness (can't see well far away), 3-4% of those that receive the surgery end up with permanent glare problems & "starbursts," especially at night. As of today, there is still no way to predict who those 3-4% are going to be prior to performing the surgery.

These problems with Laser Surgery doesn't sound like a big deal until it's YOU! Until research does find a way to prove who will & will not be affected by these side-effects, it is a risk that should be well thought out.

Amherst Vision Center does not perform LASIK vision correction. Given that you understand the risks involved, we can refer you to one of our preferred Opthalmologists.

Is LASIK safe?

LASIK has a very low incidence of complication. The most common of these are:

• Undercorrection or Overcorrection: Undercorrection of your prescription is more common than overcorrection. Initial overcorrection is usually expected and decreases as the cornea stabilises. Both under and overcorrection can be rectified with an enhancement. An enhancement involves having further laser applied to the cornea. Incidence of significant undercorrection 1-3%. Incidence of significant overcorrection 2-3%
  
• Regression: Regression refers to the tendency of the power of your eye to move towards its original glasses prescription following the LASIK procedure. If regression does occur, an enhancement may be necessary. Usually, with LASIK the regression experienced is minimal and is allowed for when planning the procedure. Mild glasses may be prescribed for activities such as night driving if only mild regression has occurred, but in most cases an enhancement is recommended. Incidence of significant regression: 1 in 300.
  
• Decrease in best corrected visual acuity: A small number of patients experience a slight loss of visual sharpness following LASIK. Incidence for shortsightedness 1%. Incidence for longsightedness 2%
  
• LASIK flap complications: Serious flap complications are rare. Incidence 1 in 800.
  
• Glare: Sensitivity to glare may increase. Night glare is more common and may last up to 3 months. Incidence of significant glare: 1 in 1000.
  
• Dry Eye: If there is a pre-existing dry eye problem, LASIK surgery can exacerbate this for the first three months after surgery. Some people need to use lubricating eye drops for the first 3 - 6 months. Incidence 1%.
  
• Post-operative discomfort: Discomfort is rare but may include mild irritation, sensitivity to glare, watering and dry eyes. These symptoms are usually short term. Incidence 1 in 50 for discomfort, 1 in 500 for pain.
  
• Post-operative corneal haze: Healing haze is the term for the collagen protein that develops on the surface of the eye following LASIK. Almost everyone develops trace degrees of haze, usually during the first few weeks, and it rarely affects vision. incidence of serious haze: less than 1 in 2000.
  
• Infection: Antibiotic eye drops are used during the procedure and for the week following the procedure. Infection is an important issue, and fortunately, is rare. Incidence of infection 1 in 5000.

How does Laser eye surgery (LASIK) work?

The etire LASIK procedure takes about 20 minutes, and involves two surgical steps. Firstly, a specially designed instrument is used to create a shallow cut in the front surface of the eye, creating a paper-thin flap which is folded back.

The second step involves the use of a cool beam excimer laser to reshape the cornea, by removing microscopic layers of tissue, to the precise refractive level required.

After the treatment is completed, the flap is carefully re-positioned to cover the newly contoured corneal tissue. The cornea has natural bonding qualities, and almost immediately the flap adheres to the underlying tissue, eliminating the need for sutures. The result is an almost immediate healing response, with the patient's vision stabilising rapidly.

What Is LASIK?

Laser eye surgery is a procedure that has been used to correct vision over the past 15 years. Although it is a relatively common operation there are still misconceptions about who can be treated, the effectiveness of the procedure, and risk of complications. Today, LASIK is the most common form of laser eye surgery, with over 6.5 million procedures successsfully performed. Optometrist.com.au brings you a definitive guide to Laser eye surgery (LASIK).

Who can be treated by Laser Vision Correction?

Although the majority of LASIK is performed on myopic (shortsighted) eyes, people with hyperopia (longsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia can be helped with Laser eye surgery.

To be eligible for LASIK, a person will generally have to be:

• At least 20 years of age
  
• Have had stable vision for the past 12 months
  
• Not be pregnant
  
• Be free of certain diseases of the cornea and retina
  
• Be in good general health

Does it hurt?

No. Anaesthetic eye drops are used so no pain is experienced. A slight feeling of pressure may be felt during the procedure.

Occasionally mild discomfort is experienced after the procedure for up to 6 hours. Approximately 2% of patients experience more significant discomfort, which can be relieved with mild pain killers.

How quickly after LASIK will I be able to see?

Most patients will see an improvement in their natural eyesight immediately after surgery. By the next day, around 99% of all patients see well enough, independent of glasses, to drive a car. Sight then settles down during the next couple of weeks.

Will my good vision after LASIK be permanent?

With the new LASIK techniques, the results achieved are expected to last a lifetime. Experts around the world, based on the data of more than 11 years of LASIK experience believe that there will be no long term problems of significance with LASIK treatment.

It is important to realise that other eye conditions, such as presbyopia (the need for reading glasses), and cataract will still develop regardless of the LASIK.