Today, Lasik is one of the most commonly used methods in the treatment of refractive errors. This method is suitable for patients over the age of 18 who have not had any changes in the number of glasses in the last 1 year. In order to perform the Lasik treatment, the refractive defects and eye structure must be suitable for this method. For this reason, all patients are examined in detail before this treatment and the corneal layer is examined in detail. Today’s technology can treat myopia up to 12 degrees, hypermetropia and astigmatism up to 6 degrees.
Lasik is the most commonly used laser treatment method for the treatment refractive errors. This method is named ‘Lasik’. Lasik is commonly used all over the world, especially in our country. For more than 10 years, this practice has been used in a serious way and provides healing of patients. Today, in the United States, approximately 600 thousand patients receive Lasik treatment every year. In Turkey, this number is around 30 thousand, although this value is not official.
WHO CAN’T APPLY TO LASIK?
Lasik treatment cannot be applied to people in certain situations. These are listed as follows:
- Under the age of 18
- People with Keratoconus
- Patients with a structural defect in the corneal structure
- Corneal thickness below the limits
- Severe dryness in the eyes
- Diabetic patients
- People with rheumatic diseases
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- Eyes with cataract and glaucoma
HOW IS THE LASIK TREATMENT APPLIED?
Before the Lasik treatment is performed, specialist physicians perform an examination to determine whether the patient is suitable for this treatment. After this eye examination all condition are evaluated. The patient is then informed about the surgery, if appropriate, and an appointment is made. On the day of appointment, the patient is checked again and taken to the laser room. First, the transparent layer in the eye is numbed with a drop and the thin layer is removed with a laser called ‘intralase’. Although the patient feels pressure during this procedure, he does not feel any pain. However, the patient is then told to look at a red light and in this way the Lasik treatment begins. The eye-tracker system is able to follow the eye even if the patient moves his/her eyes. After these procedures are completed, the patient is given special . The patient can easily return to his / her daily life the next day.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SURGERY?
The Lasik operation is painless. However, a slight pain may be felt after the surgery. In order to reduce the pain, the doctor can give painkillers. However, burning, stinging and tearing may occur in the eye for 2 hours after the procedure. After the operation the eyes may turn red. This redness occurs to a different degree in everyone and disappears completely after about 15 days. Normal activities can be easily performed within a few days after the surgery. In addition, the full vision of the eye may take up to 6 weeks. Of course, this may be longer in some patients. Patients should use cortisone and antibiotic drops given by the doctor after the Lasik treatment. In addition, artificial tears can be used for a short time.
One of the most curious subjects of the patients is how long after they can return to work after treatment. Experts generally recommend taking a week off for recovery. This period should be used especially if the working environment is not dusty and hygienic. However, if it is a hygienic office environment, it is possible to return to work immediately after surgery.