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Laser-assisted In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)




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What is LASIK?
LASIK (LASer-assisted In-situ Keratomileusis) is presently the most commonly performed refractive surgery to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. LASIK involves two major steps: cutting flap and reshaping curvature. First, cut a corneal flap using a microkeratome or with the latest technology, Intralase laser. Second, with the flap prepared, apply laser in the stromal (middle) layer to reshape the cornea. The flap is replaced after laser treatment. No suturing is required as corneal tissue has extraordinary natural bonding qualities. The patient usually sees quite well the next day.

LASIK Outcomes

From July 1996 to December 2009

 No. of LASIK procedures performed
  67,000 eyes




97% of patients can see 20/40 or better unaided and 94% of patients have refraction within 1 dioptre. Uncorrected vision (i.e. without glasses) improves dramatically and is stabilized after 3 months. Complications occur only very infrequently.

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Am I a suitable candidate?
In general, suitable candidates:
  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Are in good general health
  • Have no health issues affecting your eyes
  • Have no active eye conditions which may affect healing
  • Have a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for the last year
To find out if LASIK is suitable for you, you should have a comprehensive eye examination by our ophthalmologist. During the examination, we will give you more specific information and answer any questions you may have. The examination will take about 3 hours because it is a very thorough examination.


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How to prepare for LASIK?
  1. Attend one of the public seminars organized by Guy Hugh Chan Refractive Surgery Centre to obtain basic information about refractive surgeries. Admissions are free. Reservation can be made by contacting 2835 8899 or online at www.hksh.com.
  2. Make an appointment with our Centre for a complete eye examination and evaluation. Book the date of operation if you are suitable for LASIK.
  3. Based on doctor's recommendation, you may receive a scanning examination with Wavefront technology.
  4. Wear eyeglasses and stop wearing contact lenses before eye examination and before LASIK:
    • Soft lenses for 3 to 7 days (For better zywave result, stop for at least 7 days)
    • Hard or gas permeable lenses for 2 to 4 weeks (Another option: Change to soft lenses for 3 weeks, then stop wearing soft lenses for 1 week)

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The Procedure
  1. Topical anaesthetic eye drops are instilled.
  2. A corneal flap is created with microkeratome or laser.
  3. The corneal flap is folded back and the refractive treatment by laser begins.
  4. After laser treatment, the flap is replaced to its original position.
  5. Eye shields will be used for protection.
    


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Risk and Complication
  1. Hazy or foggy vision in the morning for few weeks.
  2. Dry eyes and photophobia.  They will usually subside in a few weeks or up to a few months time.
  3. Indoor and night vision blur.  Halo or glare around light source may be permanent but usually subside after a few months.
  4. Near vision blur.  Reading glasses may be required for patients in presbyopic age.
  5. Increased light sensitivity, variation of vision or double vision.
  6. Over-correction, under-correction or induced astigmatism is possible, and which may require further surgery or glasses.
  7. Irregular healing of the cornea may lead to irregular astigmatism and thus, decrease in best corrected vision.
  8. Interface debris, flap movement, or epithelial in-growth may need further surgery.
  9. Corneal infection or inflammation may occur and lead to astigmatism and overcorrection, and these refractive errors may need further surgery or corrective lenses.
  10. If incidences occur and cause termination of the procedure, you may need to return on a later day to complete the planned procedure.
  11. Cornea degeneration is very rare but may lead to corneal transplant.  If rejection occurs, it may lead to blindness.
  12. Other extremely rare complications that may lead to permanent loss of vision, loss of eye, or even loss of life.

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How to take care of my eyes after LASIK?

After Procedure
  1. Refrain from driving or operating machinery.  Take caution with stairs to avoid accidents.
  2. Close your eyes and rest for 6 hours after going home.  Lie on your back while sleeping.
  3. If a bandage contact lens was placed over your operative eye, do not take it off by yourself.
  4. Do not press on the operated eye or rub the eyes.
  5. If there is discomfort in your eyes, you can take the pain-killers provided according to the instructions.
  6. Do not remove the eye shields until the next day.  And wipe off excessive tearing outside the eye shields.
Post-Operative Instructions
  1. After the treatment, please take medication or instill eye drops as instructed by your doctor.
  2. No facial, eye make-up, especially mascara, or swimming for 1 month.
  3. You can put sunglasses on when you are outdoors for 1 month to prevent foreign bodies and irritation of ultraviolet light.
  4. No steam sauna for 3 months and avoid contact sports for at least 6 months.

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Follow Up Examination
  1. Return for eye examination on the next day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery or at times your doctor deems necessary.

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