What is Conventional LASIK Eye Surgery?

Currently, there has been a rising prevalence of vision problems that are caused by refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (abnormal curvature of the cornea), and presbyopia (a condition that leads to the inability of your eyes to focus nearby objects). These errors are corrected temporarily through prescription glasses and contact lenses, but certain drawbacks are associated with these optical aids. To overcome these drawbacks, laser technology has come a long way in providing permanent vision correction. 

Conventional LASIK is a laser-assisted surgery for correcting refractive errors that can permanently solve your vision problems. Read on to learn more about the advantages, procedures, and risks involved in this surgery!

What is Conventional LASIK Eye Surgery?

Conventional LASIK (Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery is a procedure that effectively improves your vision by correcting the refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) and reduces your dependency on glasses and contact lenses. The principle behind conventional LASIK eye surgery is the reshaping of your cornea. In the conventional LASIK, your eye surgeon uses a Microkeratome (a blade like a device used on the cornea) to make a thin flap of the cornea. The excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea, which provides better vision. 

What are the Advantages of Conventional LASIK Eye Surgery?

Conventional LASIK is a safe and effective vision correction procedure that brought about a revolution in refractive surgeries. Following are the advantages of this laser eye surgery that make it popular:

• Reduces dependency on glasses and contact lenses

• • • Glasses lower your self-confidence since they are unaesthetic, and there are increased chances of losing or breaking them.
    • Using contact lenses is a tedious process that may pose a risk of allergic reactions and infections.

• Permanent vision improvement

• • • The optical aids do not provide permanent vision correction.
    • Conventional LASIK results are permanent lasting for many years; however, glasses or contact lenses may be used if there are vision changes due to trauma or aging.

• Cost-effective

• • • Though this procedure seems costly, it is a one-time investment with long-term benefits.
    • As your prescription changes, you must change your glasses and contact lenses, which adds to your expenses.

• Quick procedure with immediate results

• • • It is an outpatient procedure that takes less than 30 minutes.
    • The vision is improved,, and you will likely see clearly within 1 or 2 days post-surgery.

• Minimal postoperative complications

• • This procedure has minimal side effects like redness, mild pain, burning sensation, dry eyes, etc., that can be easily managed.

How is Conventional LASIK Eye Surgery performed?

Conventional LASIK is an advanced refractive procedure that uses a microkeratome and advanced laser technology to improve vision. It is a painless, outpatient procedure which does not require hospitalization, and is completed in less than 30 minutes. The procedure involves the following steps:

• Pre-procedure 

• • • You need to undergo a series of eye tests to examine your overall eye health and to check the refractive error that needs to be corrected. These include:
      • Slit lamp examination: a complete eye assessment to check the overall health of your eyes. 
      • Vision test: to check the refractive error that you want to correct. This also evaluates the stability of your prescription over the period of one year. 
      • Corneal topography: to check the irregularities of the cornea. This also helps to program the excimer laser used during the surgery.
      • Pachymetry test: to check the thickness of the cornea to determine the flap measurement, and amount of cornea to be removed.
    • Your surgeon records your:
      • Medical history: to rule out conditions like diabetes (high blood sugar level), hypertension (increased blood pressure), and other blood disorders (like anemia).
      • Social history: to check for habits like smoking, alcohol consumption etc.
      • Medication history: use of medicines like blood thinners, steroids etc.
    • You are likely to discontinue your contact lenses 2 weeks before the surgery to avoid corneal swelling and change in the eye measurements.
    • You are advised to avoid alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours before the surgery.

• Procedure 

• • • Your eyes are completely disinfected using an antiseptic solution before the procedure to clear out contaminants.
    • You will be given anesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes. You would not feel any pain or discomfort except for mild pressure while using the instruments.
    • You may be given an oral sedative to reduce your anxiety levels. This helps to prevent sudden eye movements while using the microkeratome. 
    • Your eyes will be held in position with an eyelid holder to prevent any eye movement during the procedure.
    • Your cornea is flattened and raised using a suction ring, to allow clear access to focus the laser.
    • A microkeratome is used to create a thin corneal flap of uniform thickness. The thickness of corneal tissue to be removed is determined by the eye measurements taken during the pre-operative tests. The flap is then carefully lifted.
    • An excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea, where a calculated amount of corneal  tissue is removed based on your refractive error.
    • The corneal flap is positioned back to its original place after the cornea is successfully reshaped.
    • Protective eye shield will be placed on both your eyes. 

• Post-procedure 

• • You will be kept under observation for an hour before your surgeon allows you to go home.
  • Ask someone to drive you back home since your vision would not be too clear to drive.
  • You will be prescribed the following eye drops 
    • Antibiotics- to prevent infections
    • Anti-inflammatory- to reduce swelling and inflammation
    • Steroid- to reduce inflammation
    • Lubricating- to prevent dryness of the eyes.
  • Immediately after the procedure
    • You may experience mild pain, redness, watery eyes, burning, pricking, and itching sensation once the anesthesia wears off.
    • It is normal to have blurred and foggy vision during this duration.
  • You will be able to see clearly the next day.
  • Avoid watching TV, reading, and rubbing your eyes for 1 to 2 days.
  • Follow the below-given instructions for quick healing
    • Avoid washing your face for at least 1 week since the chemical present in the soap can cause allergic reactions.
    • Avoid cooking for 1 week because the steam can irritate your eyes.
    • Avoid eye makeup for at least 2 weeks to avoid allergic reactions caused by the products and makeup brushes.
    • Avoid strenuous exercises for 2 to 3 weeks that can strain your eyes unnecessarily.
    • Wear protective sunglasses when outdoors, since excess sun exposure can cause corneal scarring.
    • Avoid swimming and water sports for at least 3 to 4 weeks, to avoid the water getting inside your eyes.
    • Complete recovery may take around 4 to 6 weeks.

What are the Risks Involved in Conventional LASIK Eye Surgery?

Like any surgery, even Conventional LASIK eye surgery can be associated with certain risks and complications. However, they are mild and can be easily managed. These include:

• Overcorrection or under-correction, which is a common complication.
• Irregular astigmatism that causes halos, glares, ghosting or shadows around the lights.
• Your vision may worsen (regression) after LASIK, which requires an enhancement procedure.
• Epithelial ingrowth that occurs when the other layer of corneal tissues begins to grow underneath the LASIK flap.
• Infection causes symptoms like redness, itching, pain, and eye discharge.
• Corneal ectasia, which causes thinning of the cornea.
• Flap complications that include wrinkles and dislocation of the flap.
• Inflammation that occurs under the flap, which is known as Diffuse lamellar keratitis ( DLK).

Takeaway

Conventional LASIK surgery is a safe, painless, and effective vision correction procedure that uses a microkeratome to create a thin corneal flap, and an excimer laser that reshapes your cornea. This is a permanent solution which reduces your dependency on glasses and contact lenses. It has a high success rate which lasts for 15 to 20 years. Recovery takes around 4 to 6 weeks with minimal post-op complications.

Consult our team of expert eye surgeons at Medfin, for further queries, and book an appointment with us for a smooth surgical journey towards a clear vision!

Disclaimer: 

The content on this site is the copyright of Medfin and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered as a substitute for medical and surgical expertise. Results from any treatments or surgeries are subjective to an individual patient and the type of procedure/ surgery performed. Please seek professional help regarding any medical concerns. Medfin will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.