What is Laser Eye Surgery?

ichhori team

What is Laser Eye Surgery? Everything You Need to Know

Laser eye surgery is a popular, minimally invasive procedure designed to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. It aims to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Millions of people worldwide have benefited from these procedures, making it one of the most successful advancements in modern ophthalmology.

How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work?

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea — the clear front part of your eye — so that light entering the eye is properly focused onto the retina. Depending on the condition being treated, the cornea is either flattened or steepened using a specialized excimer or femtosecond laser.

Common Types of Laser Eye Surgery

1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

  • The most widely performed type.
  • A flap is created in the cornea, lifted, and reshaped using a laser.
  • Quick recovery and minimal discomfort.

2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

  • No flap is created; the surface layer is removed, and the cornea is reshaped.
  • Longer recovery than LASIK but suitable for thinner corneas.

3. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

  • A newer, flapless procedure.
  • A small disc of tissue is removed from within the cornea using a femtosecond laser.
  • Minimally invasive with reduced risk of dry eyes.

Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

  • Adults over 18 with stable vision for at least a year
  • People with mild to moderate refractive errors
  • Healthy eyes with no corneal diseases or severe dry eye
  • No history of keloid scarring or autoimmune disorders
  • Not pregnant or breastfeeding

Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery

  • Clear vision without glasses or contacts
  • Painless procedure with rapid results
  • Quick recovery time (especially with LASIK)
  • Long-lasting results in most cases

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Though generally safe, laser eye surgery does carry some risks:

  • Dry eyes
  • Glare or halos around lights
  • Undercorrection or overcorrection
  • Flap complications (with LASIK)
  • Infection or inflammation (rare)

Most side effects are temporary and resolve within a few weeks or months.

Recovery and Aftercare

  • Most people resume normal activities within 24–48 hours (LASIK)
  • Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes
  • No swimming or makeup for 1–2 weeks
  • Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled

Alternatives to Laser Eye Surgery

If you’re not a candidate, these options may be recommended:

  • Implantable contact lenses (ICL)
  • Refractive lens exchange (RLE)
  • Orthokeratology (corneal reshaping contact lenses)

Internal Resources for Eye Health

FAQs

Q. Is laser eye surgery painful?

No. Numbing drops are used, and most patients report only slight pressure or discomfort during the procedure.

Q. How long does the surgery take?

The actual laser treatment usually takes less than 10 minutes per eye.

Q. Will I need glasses after surgery?

Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, but some may still need reading glasses as they age (presbyopia).

Q. Is laser surgery permanent?

Yes, but age-related changes in vision may still occur over time.

Conclusion

Laser eye surgery is a transformative procedure that can dramatically improve your vision and quality of life. By understanding the various types, benefits, and potential risks, you can make an informed decision about whether it's right for you. Always consult with a qualified ophthalmologist to determine the best course of action based on your eye health and lifestyle needs.

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