LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.
 
What is involved in the surgery?
 
It is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea using an excimer laser. A knife, called microkeratome or femtosecond laser (IntraLase) is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is lifted and excimer laser applied to corneal bed. The cap is repositioned after the laser treatment.
 
What are the advantages of LASIK?
 
Advantages of LASIK include faster visual recovery, greater accuracy and less discomfort postoperatively. Patients should be able to see normally 4 to 6 hours after surgery.
 
Who can undergo LASIK treatment?
 
Generally you must be at least 18 years - old and should not be pregnant or nursing. Eye prescription should be stable for at least 1 year. Not recommended for those with eye diseases like glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, etc.
 
How do I prepare for LASIK surgery?
 
Preliminary assessment measuring your eye prescription and thickness of the cornea at our centre, contact lens can be taken off right before th is assessment. If the prescription and thickness are within criteria, a full eye assessment , that lasts about 2 hours will be arrang ed to determine whether the patient is fit to undergo LASIK treatment. LASIK treatment will normally be done within a few week s after the full assessment. Stop wearing soft contact lens for one week or at least 2 weeks for hard contact lens before the full eye examination & LASIK surgery. Wash your hair and take a shower on the day before surgery and do not wear any makeup, perfumes or hair gel on that day.
 
How soon can my vision improve?
 
Most people can see the difference a few hours after LASIK surgery and for some people they enjoy clear vision when they wake up the next morning.
 
What are the precautions after surgery?
 
Do not rub your eyes.
Do not drive until the vision is clear and you are confident.
Take extra care when bathing and washing your hair for the first week.
No eye makeup for the first week.
No swimming for 1 month and no SAUNA for 3 months.
Strenuous contact sports such as football, boxing, karate, etc.
should not be attempted for a period of time as advised by the doctor.
 
What are the possible complications from LASIK surgery ?
 
Burning sensation, itch, discomfort, mild pain, tearing or dry eyes.
Minor light sensitivity, glare and night halos may occur.
Under-correction or over-correction may occur, and further laser surgery
may be required to correct residual prescriptions.
Infection, corneal distortion and scarring may occur though very rare.
 
Notes to patient on LASIK surgery
 

Before surgery (1-2 weeks)
Stop wearing soft contact lens one week before the full eye examination
and the surgery (at least 2 weeks if you are wearing hard contact lens or gas
permeable lens).

On the day of surgery
Wash your hair and take a shower.
Do not put any makeup on your eyes, do not apply perfume or hair products.
You might want to bring a pair of sunglasses with you to wear after surgery
as your eyes might be sensitive to direct sunlight.
Do not bring or wear any valuables.
Note : Surgery may be cancelled if there is a problem in cutting the corneal flap
(The chance is < 1%).

During surgery
There may be some noise and burning smell during the LASIK surgery.
You will not be able to see for a period of 15 seconds during the corneal flap
cutting procedure.
Listen and follow the instructions from the surgeon.
The whole surgical procedure will take about 10 minutes.

After surgery
An eye shield will be placed over your eye after surgery. Arrange a relative
or friend to accompany you home. You should not drive after surgery.
Remember to keep your appointment with the doctor or optometrist,
as follow-up care is important.
Follow the prescription when applying eye drops and a spacing of 3-5 minutes
is necessary between different eye drops.
Your vision will be a bit blurred in the first few hours; redness, sensitivity to light
and excessive tearing are all normal reactions; wear sunglasses if necessary.
Take extra care when washing hair and bathing to avoid soaps and water
from getting into the eyes.
Avoid rubbing eyes and swimming for one month; no sauna for 3 months.
Avoid driving until your vision becomes clear.
Avoid strenuous contact sports such as boxing, football, karate, etc for a period
of time as advised by the doctor.
If you experience any significant eye discomfort or suspect any eye complication,
please contact our clinic at 2648 2010 during office hours or go to the nearest
emergency clinic.
 
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