| LASIK stands for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis. We use 2 important instruments for LASIK. One is the Microkeratome and the second is the Excimer laser. The procedure starts with a topical anesthetic eye drop used to anesthetize the cornea. The eye area is then cleansed with an antibiotic solution and the superficial cornea is separated into two layers, leaving small attaching hinges to facilitate the repositioning (like a door of window with hinge) with a delicate instrument called the Microkeratome. The flap is then gently lifted. Minute quantities of corneal tissue are precisely removed by the computer-controlled Excimer laser, which is programmed to your prescription. For nearsightedness, the central corneal curvature is decreased. For farsightedness, the central corneal curvature is increased. The flap is put back, without suture.
We have been offering LASIK since 1998 and have been the leading Thailand provider since that time. Gradually, more and more people began choosing LASIK in preference to PRK as, although LASIK is a more complex procedure on the day of treatment, the benefits of a quick visual recovery and little or no post-operative pain are major advantages over PRK. Also, side effects that may be associated with PRK are considerably rarer with LASIK. The choice of PRK is now only available to those with the mildest short-sight or with thin cornea.
The roadmap to your freedom of seeing
Preoperative LASIK preparation & examination
There are a few steps that preoperative patients need to complete before
LASIK can be done, such as preliminary preoperative examination and an eye evaluation, which will be performed by our refractive surgery specialists .
The preoperative examination includes
1. Taking off the contact lens before the preoperative examination
For soft contact lenses, the contact lenses need to be taken off 3 days ahead of the day of consultation. For hard contact lenses , the contact lenses need to be taken off 7 days ahead of time.
The reason is that wearing contacts lenses, for a long time, could change the curvature of the cornea, therefore the refraction has changed as well. Not wearing contact lens, for a while, will cause the shape and the curvature of eye to revert back to its natural shape, enabling us to get more precise data of the cornea.
2. It will take 2-3 hours for the LASIK work up and examination for the detail data of
 the corneal curvature and the corneal thickness by Orbscan and Topography- the pupil diameter by infrared Pupillometer
- the refraction by Auto Refractometer
- manifest refraction before pupil dilatation with refractionist.
- Measure Wavefront by OPDScan
- dilate the pupil (this will be effecting your vision and light sensitivity)
- cycloplegic refraction after the pupil dilatation with refractionist.
- work up examination and discuss with our refractive surgeon
3. Due to the blurry vision that results after the dilatation of the eyes, it is recommended that the patient be accompanied by a relative or close friend. Dilation cause the eyes to become extremely light sensitive and the patient might not be able to drive a vehicle after dilating the pupil.
4. Bring a pair of sun glasses is recommended.
Steps of LASIK treatment
Preparation
- Take the contact lens off before hand (3 days for the soft lens, 7 days for the hard lens.)
- Take a blood test or bring test results with you when you come in.
- Please do not wear any perfume or body-spray that contains alcohol because the alcohol may effect the laser system.
- Please make an arrangements to be accompanied because after the surgery, the eyeshields need to be used.
The LASIK innovative technology procedure takes only 15 minute per eye and the process is:
- The procedure starts with a topical anesthetic eye drop to anesthetize the cornea, 15-20 minutes prior to the operation. During this period our refractive surgery specialist will explain each step.
- The patient will then move and lie down horizontally under the laser. The eye area is then cleansed with an antibiotic solution
- An eye speculum is put into the eye to remove any worry about blinking.
- The surgeon applies some suctions to the surface of your eye-you will feel slight sensation of pressure. Then, the superficial cornea is separated into two layers, using a delicate instrument called "microkeratome", leaving small attaching hinges to facilitate the repositioning (like a door of window with hinge).
- The flap that is created is then gently lifted. Using the excimer laser to reshape the cornea.
- For near-sightedness, the central corneal curvature is decreased.
- For farsightedness, the central corneal curvature is increased.
- For astigmatism, adjust the corneal curvature to have the light focus on the retina.
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| For near-sightedness |
For farsightedness |
For astigmatism |
You will hear the laser making a faint clicking sound.
- After laser surgery is complete, the flap will then be put back without suture and the cornea flap will heal naturally.
- Following the treatment, antibiotic drops will be placed in your eye and a special protective lens, known as, bandage contact lens, may be inserted.
- After final cleaning around your eyes, the eye shield will be covered to prevent the patient from accidental contact. This eye shield has a small hole to look through it.
- As the effect of anesthetic drops begins to wear off, it is possible that you will experience some discomfort or pain, but this is unlikely. You will be given a supply of tablets, eyedrops, and instructions and will be free to leave.
- A post operation checkup will be scheduled for the day after the surgery took place.
Post operative LASIK
To avoid complications and to ensure the rapid healing process of the eyes, please comply with the following guidelines.
First day post-operative
- If there is an excess of tears or discomfort or itching around your eyes, do not take the eye shield off. You should use soft cotton to gently clean around the eye shield
- Get rest and try to keep both eyes closed. We advise against watching television or reading, since these activities only irritate your treated eye(s). If you cannot sleep, it is suggested to take low dose sleeping pills, which will be provided.
- Allow the surgoen to remove the bandage lens after surgery - this will occur during your first aftercare visit (in the event that the bandage lens comes out before the visit, no attempt must be made to replace it yourself).
First week post-operative
- Instill the antibiotic drops and tear substitution as prescribed.
- Put on the eye shield at night to avoid accidental contact.
- Be careful of getting water or dust in your eyes and do not rub your eyes. Please wear protective goggles during contact sports or if there is any risk of debris entering the eye.
- Avoid make-up, especially at the sensitive area around the eyes.
- Wear sun glasses outside at all times to alleviate eye irritation and/or a burning sensation in the eyes.
Normally the check-up appointment times would be post operative LASIK 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 month, 6 month and 1 year . |
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