LASIK eye surgery has helped millions globally to see clearly without using glasses or contact lenses. It is the most popular refractive surgical procedure because there is little or no pain and corrected vision occur the following day. LASIK is an acronym for laser assisted in- situ keratomileusis.

Five things you should know before committing to LASIK eye surgery are listed below.

1. Lasik. What is it? It is a refractory surgical procedure used for correcting short and long sightedness. During the procedure a thin flap is created either by a cutting device called microkeratome or by the newer IntraLase laser. The surgeon raises the flap, then removes the required corneal tissue with an excimer laser to reshape the cornea.The flap is then replaced over the area where the tissue was ablated. This flap acts as bandage over the treated cornea. The doctor carrying out the procedure uses a computer to calculate and prepare the laser for the particular refractive problem of the patient.

2. What to do before LASIK eye surgery? If you are seriously considering this surgical procedure,the most important thing to do is find a reputable and experienced eye surgeon. A good surgeon minimises the risks of complications. The eye surgeon will examine you to determine your visual defect, and the amount of laser ablation needed. If you have dry eye disease, treatment will be necessary before the procedure. A map of the cornea will be created by a corneal topographer, and you may have a wave front analysis that maps out exactly the area of visual refractive defect. Your doctor will assess your general health and medication and decide whether you are fit on health grounds for LASIK eye surgery. If you are not offered a patient information booklet, ask for one. Before LASIK treatment you should know what to expect after the procedure. You are more likely to be satisfied if before treatment, you know the outcome and clearly understand the potential risks and complications.

3. What happens during LASIK surgery? This treatment is quick and you are awake throughout. The surgeon may give you a mild sedative tablet before the procedure. Even though you will walk out of the treatment centre, you should be accompanied, to make sure you get home safely. The surgeon will put anaesthetic drops into your eye, and while you lie down, he or she will align the laser directly over your eye.
Your eye will remain open and pressurised by a retainer with a suction ring. The surgeon will mark out the area of the cornea. The flap is then created either by a microkeratome or IntraLase laser. The flap is then lifted. The surgeon will ask you to focus on a light source while the excimer laser delivers pulses of high beam light on to the cornea.
You will hear a consistent clicking sound during treatment. You may note an acrid smell during treatment. The time taken depends on the extent of your refractory problem. The flap is then replaced. You will be told to rest for a while.

4. What are the complications? Not so long ago, following LASIK eye surgery, there were as much as 5% of people that experienced one or other significant problem. Today the adverse effects are much less and the commonest ones are haze, halos and glare. Problems often results from the hinged flap particularly if it does not stick to surface properly, or it is cut too thin or thick. This can cause irregular astigmatism, keratoconus or diffuse lamellar keratosis (DLK). In astigmatism, you may have double vision or ghost images. In DLK, debri produce inflammation under the flap. Urgent treatment will reduce potential permanent visual loss. In keratoconus, the surface bulges. This can happen if the flap is too thick. Up to 50% complain of dry eyes after LASIK eye surgery. Most disappear after 6 months. Artificial tears will help. There may be under correction or over correction. Eye infection or irritation is uncommon but if present, will require treatment.

5. What to expect following LASIK eye surgery?During the assessment stage, make sure youknow what you should expect following and after surgery. You should expect 20/20 vision or better but remember that 20/40 or better is good enough to drive without spectacles or contact lenses. A study by US Military on 16,000 army personnel after LASIK eye surgery, between 2000 and 2003 showed that 86% had 20/20 or better vision and 98% achieved 20/40 vision or better. If the predicted outcome does not meet your expectation, then you have to make an informed decision based on the expected results, risks and cost.