Lasik Surgery - Common Medical Tourism Procedures

Definition:

Lasik surgery is an eye surgery performed to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. By using a highly specialized laser the cornea is reshaped, which ultimately improves vision and reduces or eliminates the need for corrective eyewear. The surgery is performed only on patients aged 18years or above.

Why it is needed:

Lasik surgery is advised in conditions that include:

• Myopia, nearsightedness, or short-sightedness
• Hyperopia, long-sightedness, or farsightedness
• Astigmatism

Facts and Figures:

• Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris of Greece developed the technique of Lasik, in 1991.
• According to statistics, approximately 9 million Lasik surgeries have been performed in the United States since late 1995.
• According to reports from The American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2009, more than 700,000 Lasik procedures are performed each year.
• Eyeglasses are the most preferred treatment for refractive error as 150milion Americans wear prescription eyeglasses to improve their vision (AAO 2009 Eye Health Statistics at a Glance report).

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages:

• Lasik accurately corrects most levels of myopia (nearsightedness) hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
• Short duration of the procedure as it can be completed within 10 to 15 minutes and is generally a painless procedure.
• Results are achieved mostly in a single treatment.
• The surgery has greatly increased visual outcomes and has improved the quality of life of many people.

Disadvantages:

• In some cases, due to poor results of Lasik patients may have a vision problem, with glare and halos.
• Dryness of eyes
• Patients above the age of 45 may require glasses for reading

Risks and Complications:

• Corneal infection and scarring
• Misshapen cornea
• Inability to wear contact lenses
• Decreased distance vision at high altitudes
• Decrease in contrast sensitivity
• Vision loss

Pre-operative and Post-operative care:

Pre-operative preparation:

• Patients wearing soft contact lenses need to stop using them 5 to 21 days before surgery.
• Full eye examination by ophthalmologist.
• Inform the surgeon regarding previous eye surgery or any treatment related to eye disease and have him/her prescribe a list of medicines to be taken before surgery as well as advice on medicines that need to be discontinued.
• Inform doctor about any allergies as well as smoking and alcohol consumption patterns. Quit smoking.
• Put eye drops regularly as per prescription.
• Arrangements for leave from work, help at home, help with driving and post surgery care.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.
• Medical tourists are advised to select a comfortable and handicapped equipped hotel room, for recovery after discharge.

Post-operative care:

• After the surgery an eye patch or shield is placed to protect and prevent rubbing and touching of the operated eye.
• Patient needs to wear dark glasses while outdoors in the sun.
• There may be burning, itching at the eye and sometimes blurry vision, immediately after the surgery.

Do's, Don'ts and Precautions:

• Do sleep more.
• Make regular follow-up visits to the ophthalmologist.
• Use the eye drops to prevent any infection as prescribed by surgeon.
• Do not drive until vision is completely back to normal.
• Don’t engage in contact sports for at least 2 weeks.
• Avoid swimming and hot tubs for 2weeks.
• Avoid eye makeup and eye creams for 2 weeks.