Refractive surgery - LASIK

Refractive surgery - LASIK

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LASIK?

LASIK is an acronym for Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis. Its concept is based on the use of a pulsed light laser (Excimer) that acts on the corneal structure and can correct any existing refractive error, such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. It is the type of refractive surgery of choice for those who wish to stop using spectacles or contact lenses, in order to obtain greater freedom and independence in daily life.

What is the process of LASIK refractive surgery like?

In this type of surgery, a few anaesthetic drops are placed and a small corneal flap (as if it were a lid), very thin, is created and lifted, which is called a flap. Nowadays, the flap is cut using a femtosecond laser, which provides a more precise and complication-free cut. Previously, it was performed by a mechanical process, which was inaccurate and sometimes had serious complications. Therefore, nowadays, we speak of Femto-LASIK. After lifting the flap, the excimer laser is placed in the cut area, which will shape the cornea in order to correct the refractive error, be it myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. At the end, the flap is repositioned, naturally adhering to the cornea. This way, we achieve a painless surgery with great precision, which means a great result.

How do I know if I am a candidate for refractive surgery?

To be a candidate for refractive surgery, certain parameters must be met, of which we list the following: 

• At least 18 years of age;
• Refractive stability, i.e. that the refraction has not changed in the last year;
• Favourable anatomical conditions, i.e. sufficient corneal thickness (varies according to the dioptres to be corrected) and corneal curvature and irregularities so that the laser can be applied safely. 
• Absence of ocular pathologies such as keratoconus and other corneal dystrophies.

Can I operate on both eyes on the same day?

Yes! With rare exceptions, surgery is always performed on both eyes on the same day.

How will I be able to keep my eyes open during surgery?

During refractive surgery a blepharostat is placed, which is a device used in surgeries to pull the eyelids apart, which does not allow you to close your eyes.

Is LASIK refractive surgery painful?

No! Before the surgery, anaesthetic drops are applied, which will make sure that you will not feel any pain. It is normal that there is a feeling of pressure when we touch your eye at some stages of the surgical process.

Will I be seeing well straight after the surgery?

In the first few hours after refractive surgery, your vision may not be totally clear (but better than you saw before without your glasses), and it is common for it to be cloudy and slightly blurred, however, it is expected that the next day there will be a positive evolution, where your vision will probably be quite satisfactory and close to 100%.

Is recovery from refractive surgery painful?

The recovery from LASIK surgery is not painful. During the first days, you may experience dry eyes and some sensitivity to light, which will cause some discomfort, but this symptom is relieved with the use of moisturising drops.

How long after the surgery can I go back to my daily activities?

After LASIK surgery, it is normal to feel a foreign body sensation, blurred or blurred vision. However, in the vast majority of cases, patients recover their vision to resume their daily lives the following day. However, it is recommended to avoid working for the first 2 days, so that you can fully recover, and not to do sports of great physical impact during the first 2 weeks. Wet environments like swimming pools, or very dry ones like in an aeroplane or air-conditioned rooms, should be avoided during the first month.

In the first week, it is possible that activities of greater visual effort will cause some discomfort, such as the computer, tablet and mobile phone.

Can I drive after the surgery? 

On the day of the surgery, you are not advised to drive.

After that, you can do so from the moment your vision is clear enough to promote safe and comfortable driving. The use of non graduated sunglasses can be an added value. 

Can my vision regress after LASIK? 

In most cases, there is no significant regression of vision. However, LASIK surgery only corrects your current graduation, and if this changes in the following years, you may experience changes in your vision. To avoid this regression, it is recommended that the surgery be performed at a stage of life when the refraction is stable. 

I am satisfied with my LC, why should I have LASIK surgery?

LASIK surgery guarantees independence from spectacles and contact lenses, being a more practical, long-lasting and non-limiting solution to your daily tasks. The use of contact lenses is conditioned by the number of hours of the day and their long-term use may cause alterations to the corneal surface. On a financial level, there will also be advantages in having surgery, since the accumulative cost associated to the use of glasses and contact lenses is higher.

Will I need glasses for near vision after LASIK?

In the long term, you may need glasses for near vision due to the appearance of presbyopia (physiological difficulty in focusing near). Traditional LASIK only corrects the ametropias that preceded the onset of presbyopia (myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism). Thus, from the age of 40, it is normal for the first alterations in near vision to appear, which can be corrected with auxiliary spectacles for this distance only.

How much does LASIK cost?

The cost of the surgery varies according to the surgical technique used, whether the patient has health insurance or not, and whether the health insurance allows you to include this expense in your insurance coverage. 

 It is always recommended to have a consultation and evaluation exams first to assess the value of the surgery. Depending on the proposed technique, the value of the surgery will be presented.

In either case there will always be a huge financial benefit over buying frames and lenses over the course of a lifetime.

I have private health insurance, can I get a co-payment?

Yes, depending on your health insurance, you can have the total cost of the surgery covered or a lower cost.

Is there an alternative to LASIK?

Yes, for people who, due to the parameters described above, do not have the necessary conditions to undergo LASIK refractive surgery, there are other options. The most common alternatives are PRK or placing intraocular phakic lenses. 

Intraocular lenses are an excellent solution for cases of higher refraction (from 8 dioptres and upwards) or for cases in which the cornea thickness is not sufficient to correct the refraction value safely.

What are intraocular phakic lenses?

A phakic lens, is an intraocular lens (IOL) that is added to our visual system without having to remove the lens. The lens is placed in the posterior chamber of the eye (i.e. behind the iris) in front of the lens.