Are you dealing with refractive error or want to get rid of eyeglasses or contact lenses? In this situation, laser eye surgery, like LASIK surgery, is a promising solution to improve vision. Now, you might be wondering if this surgery fits your busy schedule. How much time does this surgery take?
There is good news. Laser eye surgery typically takes around 10-15 minutes for both eyes. However, knowledge is power. Understanding the surgery in detail can help you to make an informed decision. So, let’s get started!
What is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery, also known as refractive surgery, involves using a laser to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. This reshaping helps focus light more accurately onto the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, improving vision.
Laser eye surgery helps to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Types of Laser Eye Surgery
There are several different types of laser eye surgery. Some of the common laser eye surgeries may include:
LASIK (Laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): LASIK surgery is one of the safest procedures with quick recovery and minimal discomfort that involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, using a laser or microkeratome (a bladed instrument). The flap is lifted, and another laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue to correct your vision. After making the required corrections, the flap is repositioned and allowed to heal naturally.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): PRK is an older type of laser eye surgery that involves removing the cornea surface epithelium rather than creating the flap. In this procedure, an excimer laser removes the cornea surface. After that, the underlying tissue is then reshaped. The epithelium then grows back naturally over the next few days. PRK helps to treat mild to moderate refractive errors and is a good option for people with thin corneas who are not suitable for LASIK.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): SMILE is a newer type of laser eye surgery that involves the use of femtosecond laser to create a corneal lenticule within the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision. The advantages of SMILE may include a lower risk of flap complications and potentially better vision for people with dry eyes.
The procedure of Laser Eye Surgery
The procedure of laser eye surgery may include the following steps:
Consultation: Before the surgery, your eye specialist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess your eye health, determine the refractive error, and ensure suitability for LASIK. Corneal topography is done to evaluate your corneal health and shape.
Flap Creation: On the day of the procedure, a numbing eye drop is given to eliminate eye discomfort. After that, a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome creates a thin flap on the cornea. This step takes only a few seconds per eye.
Corneal Reshaping: The excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea precisely based on your prescription. This step takes approximately one to two minutes per eye.
Flap Repositioning: After corneal reshaping, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned. This final step takes a few more minutes per eye.
After the surgery, you need to spend some time at your eye hospital in Delhi, where you will be monitored. Your doctor will provide some specific instructions and eyedrops to boost your recovery.
Laser eye surgery, whether LASIK surgery or PRK, is a transformative journey that can significantly enhance your quality of life. The procedure typically takes around 15 minutes for both eyes. But As with any surgical procedure, it’s essential for individuals considering laser eye surgery to consult with an eye specialist to understand the type of surgery and its benefits.