ABOUT LASER EYE SURGERY (LASIK)
Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a type of laser eye surgery used to correct eyesight. It can correct short-sighted and long-sighted vision, and correct vision for patients with astigmatism. The outer surface of the cornea (the epithelium) is folded back, and the cornea is reshaped by removing tissue with an excimer laser. Then the outer surface is folded back into place and attaches to the eye due to natural suction. The surgery is a popular procedure as it has high success rates, with many patients no longer required to wear glasses or contact lenses afterwards.
Recommended for
- Correcting long-sightedness, short-sightedness, and astigmatism
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Number of days in hospital: 1.
Overnight stay not required.
- Average length of stay abroad: 2 – 3 days.
Patients can usually fly soon after LASIK, but should take precautions to avoid dryness of the eye.
COMPARE LASER EYE SURGERY (LASIK) PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 2237€ |
| Thailand | 2075€ |
| Spain | 1300€ |
| Turkey | 1090€ |
| Poland | 1067€ |
| Germany | 950€ |
| Tunisia | 940€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE LASER EYE SURGERY (LASIK) ABROAD
Before the procedure, the doctor will examine the eyes to check they are healthy enough for the procedure. During the exam, the doctor will also assess if the eyes are sufficiently moist, and the curvature of the eyes will be mapped.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
The eyes will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops, and for nervous patients, some sedation may be administered. With an ink marker, the doctor marks the incision site, before creating a flap over the eye’s surface. Once the flap is created, the doctor will adjust the excimer laser to your specific prescription. The patient will be asked to look at a target or spot, while the doctor uses the laser to change the shape of the cornea.
It can be tricky for patients to keep still and look at the light, however there is usually a curved surface for the patient to rest their head. Many patients report being able to smell a faint burning smell as a result of the laser. The procedure itself is over very quickly.
Some patients find that their vision is instantly better, while others need to wait a few days or weeks to see the full effects.
Anesthesia
Local anesthetic or local anesthetic with sedation.
Procedure duration
The Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK) takes 30 to 60 minutes.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER LASER EYE SURGERY (LASIK)
Post procedure care
LASIK is virtually pain-free, and takes only 1 to 2 days to recover. The eyes may be sensitive to light at first. After the eye has healed, the patient’s vision may take up to one month to fully stabilize.
Possible discomfort
Some patients feel a temporary burning or itching sensation in the treated eye. Patients should expect that their vision will worsen in the first 24 hours after the procedure, and then improve significantly.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LASER EYE SURGERY (LASIK)
Success rates
Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after the surgery, but some people may achieve only 20/40 vision or less.
Not recommended for
- Patients under the age of 21
- Diabetes
- Pregnant patients
- Patients that are breastfeeding
- Immune system disorder
- If other eye conditions exist eg. cataracts, glaucoma, unusually thin cornea
Potential risks
- Infection
- Eyesight loss
- Correction error (too much or too little removed)
- Epithelial ingrowth (the outer surface grows into the cornea)
- Dry eyes
- Fluctuating vision
