From Radial Scalpels to LASIK: The Evolution of Eye Surgery

The subject of eye surgery can be a little uncomfortable for some, especially since the thought of cutting open the organ of sight is enough to make people cringe. Yet the positive and lasting benefits of such a medical procedure generally far outweigh the risks involved. Medical science has indeed gone a long way, with high-precision lasers taking the place of knives.

In the past, eye surgery was typically performed with a microkeratome, which is a diamond knife that rotates carefully around the retina and allows surgeons to slice off a part of the corneal flap. Once a portion of the corneal flap has been cut and exposed, surgeons can then make incisions on the inner cornea. While countless patients have benefited from traditional eye surgery, the incisions made using a microkeratome can be irregularly shaped and may later affect vision.

During the 1980s, researchers discovered a way to make accurate eye incisions using a safe and focused laser apparatus. This technique doesn't result in excessive thermal damage and allows for more precise cuts. The procedure, dubbed Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis, corrects the refractive power of the eyes and treats such problems as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). Some who have undergone a LASIK treatment reportedly don't need to wear glasses.

Do's and Dont's: How to Prepare for Laser Eye Surgery

The idea of using lasers for eye surgery is not at all new since the technology has already been adopted to treat muscle pain, bone disorders, and even dental problems. Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis or LASIK uses “cold” lasers that do not inflict damage on human tissue, much less on the eyes. However, even a harmless procedure such as this one requires some careful preparation on the part of the patient.

Well before the initial eye examination, patients must avoid wearing contact lenses that alter the shape of the cornea. The purpose of LASIK is, after all, to reshape the cornea, so rendering it in a semi-corrected state beforehand can lead to less desirable surgical results. To ensure that your cornea is in its natural shape on the day of the surgery, you'll need to avoid wearing contact lenses for 2 to 4 weeks, and switch to corrective glasses for the interim.

As with any medical procedure, the FDA advises against applying perfumes, lotions, and make-up on the day of the surgery. This should reduce the risk of debris and particulates accumulating in your eyes. Aside from observing the necessary precautions, you must also be forthcoming about any other health problems. For instance, if you have extremely sensitive skin, then this procedure may not be for you.

LASIK Eye Surgery See the World Without Glasses

Have you seen people who squint their eyes or read books held too close to their faces? You'll notice the same kind of people struggling to make sense of restaurant menus or even maps. You'll also find them crossing busy streets in spite of incoming vehicles that lie outside their peripheral vision range.

Quite a lot of people who suffer these cumbersome vision problems obviously know that something's wrong with their eyesight. Yet they somehow don't see the need to visit an eye doctor so they can steer clear of embarrassing or even downright dangerous situations. Some even obstinately refuse to wear corrective lenses for reasons of vanity, thus exposing themselves to severe eyestrain, headaches, and increased accident risks.

Meanwhile, not everyone may prefer to wear contact lenses. After all, contact lenses can take some getting used to in terms of proper wear and care. Fortunately, people who wish to explore the possibility of less reliance on corrective eyewear may opt for laser eye surgery.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, also known as LASIK, modifies the corneal curvature of the eyes to treat conditions like myopia (nearsightedness), presbyopia (the inability to focus on nearby objects), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (blurred vision). Within three to four months, patients can expect their vision to stabilize and their distance vision to improve. Indeed, LASIK promises to be an effective alternative to wearing corrective prescription eyewear.