What is LASIK?
Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis or LASIK, is an outpatient surgical procedure used to treat Myopia (near sight), Hyperopia (far sight) and Astigmatism. In LASIK, your Ophthalmic Surgeon uses a microsurgical instrument and a specialized laser beam to reshape the Cornea. Reshaping your cornea alters the focusing power of the eye, allowing you to become less dependent on glasses or contact lenses. In most people, LASIK allows you to do without them entirely.

Why should you consider LASIK?
LASIK has been a major breakthrough among vision correction techniques. With its outstanding results, LASIK has rapidly gained acceptance as a realistic alternative and enabled millions of people worldwide to enjoy a new found freedom – living their lives without the inconvenience of glasses or contact lenses.

How does LASIK work?                    
The surgeon creates an ultra thin corneal flap, using a highly specialized cutting instrument called a Microkeratome. The Excimer Laser is then used to reshape the cornea under the flap. The flap is replaced and adheres firmly and fully without the need for stitches. With the flap in place, the eye recovers quickly and vision is rapidly restored with minimal discomfort.

The cornea provides two thirds of the eye’s focusing power. Altering its shape changes the power of the eye. LASIK flattens the cornea to correct myopia or steepens the cornea for hyperopia. The reshaping process can also be used to correct astigmatism at the same time.

Our Technology
At Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, India - we have, after exhaustive research, invested in the MEL 80 Excimer LAser, manufactured by Carl Zeiss, Germany, renowned in the ophthalmic world for their innovative and cutting edge equipment.
The outstanding features of the MEL 80 are:

The smallest laser spot size of 0.7mm, which enables detailed and accurate reshaping of the cornea.

• With its firing frequency of 250 spots per second, the MEL 80 completes the treatment in record time, with unsurpassed accuracy and predictability
• Equipped with an accurate eye tracker which instantly compensates for eye movements allowing safe treatment every time
• Equipped with the WASCA Wave front Analyzer the leading diagnostic instrument of its type. With several advancements over its competitors, the WASCAA Analyzer can measure 1452 points on the eye in 13 milliseconds. Every eye is unique and the WASCA Analyzer is able to map out this individual variation in the profile of each eye. This information allows us to offer CUSTOMISED laser correction to all who are suitable.

Who is suitable for LASIK?
You may consider this procedure if you:

• Are over 20 years old and have had a stable prescription for at least 1 year
• Have healthy eyes with no diseases (e.g. Cataract,  Glaucoma)
• Are within the range of correction –  Myopia  upto -10 dioptres
•                                                           Hyperopia upto +5 dioptres
•                                                        Astigmatism upto +5 dioptres
• Are in good general health
• Are not pregnant nor planning pregnancy in the immediate future
• What to expect from LASIK?
• Vision- There is usually a very rapid recovery of vision after LASIK and most people  will see well within a day or two. You will be able to come in for treatment over the weekend and return to work a new person, without taking time off from work.
• Pain – The procedure and recovery is painless
• Restrictions – There are very few restrictions during recovery. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops have to be instilled for about a month after surgery.
• Enhancement- Most people attain the clear vision they hoped for after one treatment. In the rare event of regression or if the desired correction is not achieved by your first procedure, then your consultant may recommend an enhancement, which is an easier procedure

 
What are the risks, complications and side effects?
Like any surgery on the body, LASIK has risks and complications that should be carefully considered. Sight threatening risks are extremely rare and should not be a cause for concern. Most complications are minor and can be treated without any loss of vision. Some people experience temporary side effects after LASIK that usually disappear in time.

Department of LASIK
Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, India
Ph: 080- 2502 4201
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