To understand laser surgery, you must first understand the refractive problems. The eye has a lens that gets distorted in shape. When it is too elongated, the eye cannot see objects that are far away, and it is known as myopia.

When the lens is too flattened, the eye cannot see objects close at hand, known as hyperopia. Also, the lens may be wavy, causing distortion known as astigmatism.

What Is LASIK Surgery?

Laser-assisted in Situ, Keratomileusis is known in short as LASIK. This operation causes the lens to be reshaped and correct the refractive problem.
  • LASIK uses an Excimer laser invented by Dr Mani Bhaumik, an Indian scientist working in the USA.
  • Laser eye surgery has two different stages.
  • In the first stage, the eye surgeon creates a flap in the cornea.
There are two ways in which this can be done. The flap may be cut using a blade known as a microkeratome. In another operation, the flap is cut open by a Femto laser. This new variety performed by the best LASIK surgeon in Delhi is known as “all-laser operation.” 

The flap created by a microkeratome is done manually and may need improvement. On the other hand, using a Femto laser is much more accurate. This variety of operations is also more expensive. 

In the second stage of LASIK eye surgery, the lens is reshaped using the Excimer laser. The guidance of the laser is by a computer that precisely measures the eye before the operation.

The laser does not perform the surface ablation but the lens stroma's depth. 

Following the surgery, the patient is allowed to return home.

What Is The Operation Like

It is performed under local anesthesia, and 2-3 injections are given to numb the eye. Of course, like all operations, it is preceded by a test for elevated blood sugar, urea, and infectious diseases. 

So, how long does Lasik last? The procedure requires an operation theatre and takes about an hour.  The patient has to keep their eyes fixed on the point of a laser beam throughout the operation. This aligns the eye correctly so that the Excimer laser can enter. 

The point may sometimes become diffused when the laser reshapes the lens, but the head and vision must not be moved.

If the patient moves involuntarily, the computer will pause the operation. There is no fear of damage by the wrong ablation. 

The actual operation takes less than a second. It is the preparation and creation of a flap that takes the most time. 

In the case of myopia and hyperopia, both eyes are operated on one after the other. If it is myopia and presbyopia, the operation happens on the other eye after a few days.

Conclusion

Most patients are surprised that it is a hassle-free and utterly painless operation. For a vast majority, the eyesight returns to normal in a week. For a small minority of patients, there may be redness and swelling controlled by eye drops.