LASIK or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure intended to correct refractive errors or vision errors.

Some examples of vision errors are nearsightedness or myopia; farsightedness or hyperopia; and, astigmatism or distorted vision caused by irregularities in the cornea.

Like in any other surgery, LASIK entails some risks. Thus, before you decide to undergo this modern way of correcting vision problems, you may need to discuss in length with your doctor various issues like pre- and post-operative care, risks and possible outcome.

Your medical condition and visual requirements in your work may also be a consideration you need to discuss with your doctor. Even before that, you may need to check with your company administrator if you may be allowed to undergo LASIK eye surgery, there may be some restrictions in your company, which you need to know before discussing LASIK with your doctor.

If your doctor decides, based on your condition and other factors affecting your life, that LASIK is not for you, there are other ways to correct vision problems. So, you need not despair.

Additionally, if your health condition and employment will not allow that you undergo laser surgeries like LASIK, you may opt to wear eye glasses or contact lenses instead.

Do not allow your doctor, a friend or a family member to pressure you into undergoing LASIK surgery. It may help if you can discuss with your doctor the following:

Is LASIK good for you?
Risks of the surgery
Before, during and after the procedure

IS LASIK GOOD FOR YOU?

LASIK may be good for you if you are ready to face consequences such as complications and possible risks of the procedure. Some people opt not to undergo LASIK because of the risks involved.

You may undergo LASIK surgery if it will not jeopardize your career. Some jobs prohibit refractive procedures, thus it is a good recommendation that you check with your employer to see if you may be allowed to undergo the procedure.

LASIK is quite an expensive procedure; if you can afford it, then, by all means undergo the procedure after considering the risks involved.

LASIK may be performed if you are 18 years old and above, no doctor will perform the surgery to anyone below 18 years old.

RISK FACTORS INVOLVED IN LASIK SURGERY.

Patients may loose some lines of vision. Because of the procedure, you may develop vision problems that eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery may not be able to correct. This is a major risk, which you may need to consider.

Patient may develop severe dry eye syndrome. As a result of the surgery, the eye may not be able to produce enough tears to keep the eye moist and comfortable.

For farsighted patients, good result of the procedure may diminish as you age.

Monovision surgery may result in poorer quality vision and a decrease of depth perception. Monovision is where you use one eye to see images nearby and the other eye to see far images. This may result in poor quality vision that may be permanent.

BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE PROCEDURE

If you wear contact lenses, you may need to stop wearing them before your baseline evaluation. If you are a hard lens user, you may need to stop wearing them at least four weeks before the baseline evaluation.

Stop using creams, lotions, makeup and perfumes the day before the procedure.

During the surgery, you may need to arrange for somebody to drive you to the doctor and to bring you home after the surgery.

You may also need somebody to assist you because you will feel discomfort in the eye area such as burning or itching. Mild pain may also be present and if you want, you may ask your doctor for mild pain reliever.

24 to 48 hours after the surgery, you may need to visit your doctor. Regular check-ups may also be necessary during the first six months after the procedure.

During this period, your vision may not still be stable but it will wear off in time.

Finally, after considering the risks and the possible outcome of the procedure, you may want to think it over if LASIK surgery is what you want. Do not allow external pressure to force you into undergoing the procedure, you need to decide for yourself after considering all the factors mentioned.