Eye Surgery
LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure that takes about fifteen minutes and uses eye drop anaesthetic to numb the surface of the eye. LASIK is effective in treating astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness, and enhancements can be easily made with the highly accurate excimer laser.
Some patients with higher levels of myopia and astigmatism (-10.00 and above) may require additional minor corrections to achieve the best and most comfortable vision possible. An enhancement may then be performed, typically in approximately 6 to 15% of patients.
Many patients choose to have LASIK on both eyes simultaneously for reasons of time and convenience. However, it is important to discuss this with your consulting doctor as your situation will depend on your motivation, eye configuration, and the level of correction required for each eye. Most people can usually return to work the next day, depending on the visual demands of their job and their motivation to return.
Potential patients should have realistic expectations about their surgery and post-surgery outcomes, understanding that their vision will not be clear immediately after the procedure. For some, this may be their best possible improvement. While fast visual recovery is a characteristic of this procedure, it can take several months for some patients to achieve their ultimate improved vision with LASIK. Studies have shown that some patients' vision continued to improve up to six months post-operatively.
LASIK Success Rates
- Low myopia (0 to 600): 95% to 99%
- Moderate myopia (600 to 1000): 93% to 99%
- High myopia (>1000): 85% to 90%
While statistics can help anticipate results, it’s crucial for patients to discuss and review their expectations before making a final decision.
Eligibility for LASIK
Candidates for LASIK eye surgery should meet the following criteria:
- Have good eye health (i.e., no eye diseases such as corneal issues, significant retinal degeneration, severe dry eye, Keratoconus, or any other complicated diseases such as SLE that affect the eye’s ability to heal)
- Be 18 years of age or older with stable vision for at least one year
- May have astigmatism/myopia and experience difficulties using spectacles or contact lenses
- Are not pregnant
Defining 20/20 Vision
For many, 20/20 vision after LASIK differs from 20/20 vision with contact lenses, especially with gas permeable contact lenses. Images seen through LASIK-treated eyes are often described as not being as ‘crisp’ as those seen through glasses. This is termed ‘loss of contrast sensitivity’ in ophthalmic circles and does not affect acuity, but the visual experience changes enough that the term ‘LASIK 20/20’ has been coined. Most patients adjust to the change, but those who perform fine and detailed work should carefully consider LASIK against the potential loss of contrast sensitivity.
Note: This data reflects results from a wide range of myopia-affected patients (from -1.00 to -14.00) and astigmatism-affected patients (from 1.00 to 4.00). Your chances of achieving 20/20 vision are greatly improved, depending on your lower degree of nearsightedness/astigmatism.
