LASIK (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery is the most popular and successful vision correction procedure worldwide. The first LASIK procedure was performed more than 10 years ago, and in USA alone, more than 2 million LASIK surgery procedures have been performed in the last 2 years.

LASIK surgery permanently alters the shape of the cornea. It can significantly decrease the dependency on glasses or contact lenses for many patients. The procedure involves creating a thin layer of corneal tissue (corneal flap) with a microkeratome ( a high-precision microsurgical instrument).

Unlike most lasers that produce heat, an Excimer laser removes tissue without heat damage or scarring to adjacent tissue. For this reason, it is an excellent device to reshape the cornea.

After the laser treatment, the corneal flap is repositioned and bonds back into place without the need for stitches.

The removal of a thin layer of tissue causes the centre of the cornea to flatten in the case of myopia (shortsightedness), steepen in the case of hyperopia (farsightedness), or more rounded in the case of astigmatism. As a result, the focusing power of the cornea is improved. Many patients who have undergone LASIK surgery now enjoy excellent vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Wavefront guided (customised) LASIK is able to provide vision of better quality as it can address the issue of higher order aberrations more effectively. In general, more people who had wavefront guided LASIK had better night vision than in patients who had conventional LASIK. Moreover, the amount of corneal tissue removal is less in wavefront guided LASIK.

If you have high myopia, or if night vision is a major concern in your case, wavefront-guided Lasik is the best laser refractive solution available today. Your doctor will advise you if you should consider wavefront guided (customised) LASIK.

(Click here for more information on wavefront guided lasik or visit www.lasikinstitute.org for an independent opinion)

LASIK does not correct the condition known as presbyopia, (difficulty focusing up-close due to aging of the eye lens) which begins in most people around the age of 40 and may require them to wear reading glasses for close-up work. In short, you must understand that the goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependency on the need for glasses or contact lenses so that you can function well without the need for them. It is important that you understand the aim of the procedure so that you can have a realistic expectation of the LASIK outcome.

A small number of patients notice glare (starburst) and haloes around lights which may affect their ability to drive at night. Such minor disturbances can largely be avoided with proper assessment prior to operation It is extremely important therefore, that your doctor is thoroughly familiar with your eye characteristics so that you can be advised about your suitability.

LASIK can possibly cause loss of vision or loss of best-corrected vision (i.e. the best vision after surgery may be poorer than before surgery). This can be due to infection (internal or external) or irregular scarring or other causes, and usually can be successfully controlled by antibiotics, steroids, or other necessary treatment. Vision disturbance can also be due to the cornea healing irregularly, which could add astigmatism and make wearing glasses or contact lenses necessary. This may or may not be correctable by spectacles or contact lenses.

Your TLC ophthalmologist will show you examples and provide testimonies during consultation.