Am I a good candidate for the Lasik Laser surgery?

If you are above 18 years of age, do not have unstable spectacle power, are not pregnant or nursing and are not suffering from any of the conditions mentioned below, you are a good candidate for the surgery.


Are there any contra indications for getting the Laser surgery done?

You should not undergo Lasik if you suffer from any of the following:

• uncontrolled vascular disease or with autoimmune disease
• are immune-compromised or on immunity-suppressing drugs or have a previous history of keloid formation
• Are pregnant, nursing, expecting to become pregnant within six months following the LASIK procedure or on hormone therapy for gynaecological dysfunction
• have residual, recurrent, or active eye disease(s) or abnormality except for myopia or hyperopia in either eye
• have any active or residual systemic disease(s) likely to affect wound healing capability
• had herpes infection of the eye in the past
• have unstable or uncontrolled diabetes
• have progressive (unstable spectacle power) myopia or hyperopia
• amblyopia (lazy eye); glaucoma or severe dry eye

What is meant by LASIK?

LASIK stands for LASER IN-SITU KERATOMILEUSIS. It is a new form of laser surgery that is capable of correcting a wide range of glass numbers. The procedure uses a computer-controlled excimer laser to reshape the cornea to correct your vision. The laser reshaping is done under a protective flap of tissue to promote a very rapid recovery of vision and minimize discomfort. For details, please see Lasik home page.

"I felt more of a guest than a patient." Rosetta, Ireland

What is Wavefront Laser and what are its advantages?

Light falling on the cornea [the front surface of the eye] has a smooth curvature- referred to as a "wavefront". As this smooth wavefront shape courses through the various optics of the eye, ocular aberrations (imperfections) are induced. It results in an irregular wavefront curvature reaching the retinal surface, which degrades the retinal image quality. An aberration-free eye would result in a smooth wavefront image on the retinal surface. Wavefront-guided customized LASIK, also referred to as "customized ablation" or custom LASIK performs corrections based on individual wavefront measurements.

Custom LASIK or Custom Wavefront LASIK, treatment replaces “one treatment fits all”  with a procedure that is tailored to the individual eye. While standard laser eye treatment (without Wavefront guidance) gives very high quality results for the majority of patients, many peoples' eyes are not 'standard'. Their eyes might require a specially tailored treatment.

Nature has designed the eye like an Optical System, similar to something like a telescope. When you see some object, light rays from that object pass through different layers of the eye and then create an image of that object. When light passes through different layers the rays are subject to being distorted by the imperfections found in the cornea and the lens

The distortions that are created are referred to as "aberrations." The vast majority- 80% or more--of these aberrations create common refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, which can be treated glasses and contact lenses, or by Standard Laser Correction. The remaining 20% of optical aberrations are known as "higher order aberrations”. These are not corrected by Conventional or Standard Lasik treatment. Higher-order aberrations, cause the visual glare and halos that cause night vision problems, and affect quality of vision. It is seen in everyday life as glare experienced during night driving, surrounding car headlights, streetlights etc.

To achieve a customized corneal shaping, the higher order aberrations are measured using a Wavefront analysis system called an Aberrometer .The Aberrometer System lets the surgeon see refractive aberrations in clear and accurate, rotating 3-D images. These cannot be seen by regular or standard testing .This information is then transferred to the laser system ,thus achieving Customized Treatment designed to suit your eye.

Wavefront or Custom Lasik gives a big advantage to those with large pupils and poor night time vision. The optical performance of the eye is measured at each and every place on the cornea, including the part which is used when the pupil is large. Laser treatment is then programmed to each tiny part of the corneal surface so that every area of the cornea gets the best correction. Contrast sensitivity in low lighting levels is increased and the risk of developing night time halos and glare is greatly decreased.

Current refractive procedures such as traditional or standard LASIK correct lower order aberrations such as spherical and cylindrical numbers alone. However, higher order aberrations affect the quality of vision and may not significantly affect the vision as read on the chart. It is these subtle deviations from the ideal optical system, which can be corrected by wavefront procedures, and thereby improve image quality.

During the treatment, an instrument called the microkeratome creates a corneal flap to make it a painless procedure. The computerized Excimer laser uses a beam of light to gently reshape the cornea so as to alter its curvature to the desired extent. The flap when replaced on the new corneal curvature allows images to be sharply focused on the retina. The goal is to eliminate or greatly reduce the dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

The Wavefront Analysis - As Unique As Your Fingerprint

An instrument called the Aberrometer maps the errors in the optical system of the eye [wavefront analysis], which is linked to the laser before treatment. The wavefront analysis is customized for the individual and hence offers the most ideal treatment available for the patient from all currently known vision correction procedures.


What is Epi- Lasik?

Epi-Lasik is a new advanced Lasik Procedure. Epi-Lasik is the treatment of choice for patients with very high glass numbers and a better option for those with dry eye problems. Epi Lasik is also a better option than LASIK for those with thin corneas. Many patients who have thin corneas are now candidates for laser vision correction.

Epi-LASIK provides a more predictable outcome after wavefront-guided laser treatments according to studies. Epi LASIK is an option for those who do not want any marks on the cornea.

However, the visual recovery [time for office attendance], perhaps 3-4 days, is not as rapid as LASIK [2 days]. The minimal discomfort can last for 24 to 36 hours compared to 6 hours for LASIK.

How is the Lasik surgery done?

Lasik surgery is done as an outpatient procedure that usually takes 5-10 minutes per eye. The actual laser treatment usually takes a few seconds.

You would be first made to lie on the motorized bed. The eyes would be anesthetized with eye drops. The head would then be positioned under the laser. You would then be asked to look at a soothing green blinking light during the entire procedure.

Once the procedure is completed, a soft contact lens or shield is placed on the eye. A post procedure eye examination is performed and eye drops are prescribed. There may be mild discomfort for a few hours after the procedure.


What would be recovery time and when can I resume my activities after the Lasik eye surgery?

You would be advised to rest the whole day following the procedure and not to strain your eyes too much. For 6 to 8 hours after the procedure there would be mild irritation, redness, tears, light sensitivity and slight swelling. For the most part of the day your vision will be hazy.

It is important that you protect your eye for the day. In order to prevent inadvertent rubbing of the eye, be sure to wear eye goggles while sleeping or napping.

The next morning the functional vision is usually restored. However as the healing is happening in the line of sight, there may be some days when the vision is slightly fuzzy and other days when it is very clear. This fluctuation typically lasts about 7 to 10 days.

An improvement in vision is noticed within 4-6 hours with restoration of functional vision by the next morning. However, complete recovery may take upto 48 hours. Some people get back to work the day after treatment. It is advisable to go back to the work after two or three days. For a few days after LASIK, patients may experience blurriness of vision. This is part of the healing process and this blurriness usually clears up in a few days.


What precautions I need to take after the procedure?

You need to take a few precautions for few days after the procedure.

• You are not supposed to or touch your eyes or squeeze your eyes for a day or two after the procedure.
• Follow the eye drop doses and put in your eye drops exactly as instructed. Please wash your hands prior to instilling your eye drops, preferably by someone else.
• Wear sunglasses while outdoors for a few weeks.
• Avoid "knuckling" the eyes and swimming for a month.

Is the Lasik surgery safe?

LASIK has been performed since 1991 and its safety is established. Twenty year follow-up data are not available. Still, the likelihood of delayed problems is extremely low. LASIK is a variant of lamellar surgery, which has been performed for 50 years, and these patients have not been noted to develop late problems

Is the laser treatment permanent? Or would I require wearing glasses again in the future?

LASIK is a permanent treatment. However, patients who are 40 years and above, may require reading glasses. During your consultation your surgeon will give you can an idea of the procedure and the level of vision you can expect. Millions of patients worldwide and thousands with our doctor have had an Excimer laser refractive procedure done on them successfully.

Most of our patients go on a tour to India after getting the Laser eye surgery done. You can choose between various trips to India combined with the procedure. You can also combine it with preventive health checks and other Ayurveda treatments or cosmetic procedures except eye procedures.

• Please fill and mail us enquiry form.
• Please also mail us the power of your glasses and if you are having any problem with your eye.
• You can choose to combine the procedure with a spa treatment or Ayurveda rejuvenation package or side trip in India before the surgery.
• Your case manager will get back to you with the details and our expert surgeon’s opinion.
• The case manager would make a detailed itinerary for you, with the quote.

You would need to observe a few precautions before the procedure.

• If you are a contact lens user, please ensure that you have stopped using your soft contact lenses a week before, or semi-soft [rigid] contact lenses at least 3 weeks before the procedure date.
• Do refrain from wearing any form of eye make-up for 2 days before the procedure. If possible thoroughly clean the eyelids and lashes of remnants of eye make-up.
• Avoid wearing scented lotions, perfume, cologne, hair spray, mousse or gel on the procedure day as these may adversely affect the outcome of the procedure.