Laser Eye Surgery
Eye surgery that helps to improve eyesight is known as vision correction or refractive surgery. There are two types, namely laser eye surgery and lens surgery.
Both surgeries can help you be less dependent on contact lenses or glasses. Research indicates that both types of surgeries are effective and safe. Refractive surgery depends on many things, including eye health, eyesight, age, lifestyle, and budget. The surgeon will study your eyes and provides you with the best option.
What is laser eye surgery?
Laser vision correction or laser eye surgery, involves a laser to reshape the cornea (the front surface) for better eyesight. It can help to correct short-sight, long-sight, and astigmatism.
Mostly, laser eye surgery is suitable for people over 18, but surgeons recommend patients wait till the age of 21. After 21, the eye changes minimally, and the benefits of the surgery tend to last long.
Laser eye surgery types
There are three primary types of laser eye surgery.
- LASIK: The surgery use two lasers, one to open the surface of the cornea and another to reshape the cornea underneath. The protective flap is smoothed back and stays back in without requiring stitches.
- SMILE: The surgery helps a surgeon to reshape the cornea via a small, self-sealing hole.
- Surface laser treatments: The surgery removes the protective flap covering the cornea to reshape the cornea; later, the thin flap grows back naturally.
The results will be similar for all the types so that the surgeon will explain the options for you to decide the type of surgery you require.
Laser eye surgery risks
One in ten people who undergo laser eye surgery requires more surgeries to get better possible results. Common side effects are:
- Mild discomfort: Artificial tears can help to improve this side effect, and the eyes usually feel comfortable again in 3–6 months.
- Visual discomfort: It comes as light glare and resolves on its own or is easily treatable.
- Red marks on eyes’ white part: These will fade within a month.
Severe vision loss is extremely rare.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022