LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) surgery is one of the most popular and effective procedures for correcting refractive vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Millions of people around the world have opted for LASIK to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. In this article, we will provide a clear, simple explanation of LASIK surgery in Turkey , and why it is a popular option for vision correction.

What is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK is a type of eye surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. This reshaping allows light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, improving vision.

The procedure is primarily used to correct three common refractive vision problems:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia): A condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close objects can be seen clearly.
• Farsightedness (Hyperopia): A condition where close objects appear blurry, while distant objects can be seen clearly.
• Astigmatism: A condition where the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing blurry or distorted vision at all distances.

LASIK surgery works by changing the shape of the cornea to focus light more directly onto the retina, improving the clarity of vision.

How Does LASIK Surgery Work?

The LASIK procedure itself is quick, typically taking about 15 to 30 minutes per eye. The process involves a few key steps:

Preparation: Before the surgery, the patient’s eyes are numbed with special eye drops, so they do not feel pain during the procedure.

Flap Creation: The surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea using either a microkeratome (a surgical tool) or a femtosecond laser. This flap is gently lifted to reveal the underlying corneal tissue.

Laser Reshaping: The surgeon then uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. The laser precisely removes small amounts of tissue to correct the vision problem. For nearsightedness, the cornea is flattened, and for farsightedness, it is steepened. If the patient has astigmatism, the cornea is made more symmetrical.

Repositioning the Flap: After the cornea is reshaped, the flap is carefully repositioned without the need for stitches. It naturally adheres to the eye without any additional help.

Recovery: After the procedure, patients can expect quick recovery times. Most people notice improved vision within hours or by the next day. Some may experience mild discomfort, but this usually goes away quickly.

Benefits of LASIK Surgery

There are several reasons why LASIK surgery has become one of the most popular vision correction procedures in the world. Some of the key benefits include:

Quick Results: One of the biggest advantages of LASIK surgery is the speed at which results are noticed. Many patients experience improved vision within hours, and the majority see significant improvement by the following day.

Minimal Discomfort: LASIK surgery is known for its minimal discomfort. Thanks to numbing eye drops, patients feel little to no pain during the procedure. After the surgery, mild irritation or dryness may occur, but this is usually temporary.

Reduced Dependence on Glasses or Contacts: LASIK provides a permanent solution to refractive vision problems for many people, meaning they no longer need glasses or contact lenses. This can be particularly beneficial for those who lead active lifestyles or have difficulty with contact lenses.

Quick Recovery: Recovery from LASIK surgery is fast, with most patients returning to normal activities within a day or two. Unlike other types of eye surgery, LASIK does not require stitches, and the corneal flap heals naturally in a short amount of time.

Long-Term Results: LASIK is a long-term solution for refractive vision issues. Most people experience stable, clear vision for many years after the surgery. While some may require minor touch-up procedures over time, LASIK results are generally very durable. Similarly, plastic surgery in Turkey is also known for delivering lasting results, making the country a popular choice for various medical procedures.

Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?

While LASIK surgery can benefit many people, it is not suitable for everyone. Good candidates for LASIK surgery should meet certain criteria:

• Age: Patients must be at least 18 years old, as their vision is more likely to have stabilized by this age.
• Stable Prescription: Candidates should have a stable prescription for at least a year before undergoing LASIK surgery. Significant changes in vision could indicate that LASIK may not be effective.
• Healthy Eyes: Patients should have healthy eyes, with no history of certain eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or severe dry eye.
• General Health: Good overall health is important, as certain conditions (e.g., autoimmune diseases) may affect the healing process.

An eye care professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if LASIK is right for a specific individual.

Risks and Considerations

While LASIK is generally safe and effective, there are some risks and considerations that patients should be aware of:

Dry Eyes: Some patients experience dry eyes after LASIK surgery, though this typically improves over time.

Night Vision Issues: A small number of patients report seeing halos, glare, or starbursts around lights, especially at night.

Under or Over-Correction: In some cases, the laser may not correct the vision problem perfectly, leading to a need for additional treatment.

It is important for patients to discuss potential risks with their doctor and have realistic expectations about the procedure.

Conclusion

LASIK surgery has revolutionized the way many people address refractive vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure’s ability to offer quick results, minimal discomfort, and long-term improvements in vision makes it one of the most popular options for those looking to reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

If you are considering LASIK, it’s important to consult with an experienced eye surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate and to discuss the risks and benefits. With the right information and careful consideration, LASIK surgery can be a life-changing procedure that significantly improves your quality of vision and daily life.