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Lasik Surgery

Overview

What is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It's a type of refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea, the clear front part of the eye and is designed to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The cornea bends light to help focus it on the retina and when its shape is imperfect, light does not focus correctly, resulting in blurry vision.

The procedure uses a specialised laser aimed at precisely removing microscopic amounts of corneal tissue, correcting the way light enters the eye. For many, this means vision becomes clear enough for most daily activities without the need for corrective lenses. It's one of the most commonly performed elective procedures worldwide and for good reason as when candidates are suitable, the results are life changing.

Types of LASIK and Refractive Procedures

"LASIK" is often used as a catch-all term, with several techniques falling under the refractive surgery umbrella. The right one depends on prescriptions, corneal thickness, age and lifestyle.

LASIK or FemtoLASIK is the most common form and is when a femtosecond laser creates a thin, hinged flap in the outer layer of the cornea. The flap is then lifted and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue. The flap is then replaced, acting as a natural bandage. Using a laser for the flap, rather than a blade, offers greater precision. PRK also known as TransPRK is another procedure that instead of creating a flap, the laser reshapes the very surface of the cornea. The outer layer, called the epithelium, regenerates naturally over a few days. TransPRK is an advanced, no-touch version where a single laser does the entire procedure. It's often a better option for those with thinner corneas or certain surface irregularities.

Similar to cataract surgery, the eye's natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens in Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). For patients over 50 or those with very high prescriptions not suitable for laser reshaping, this is often considered. Phakic IOLs are implantable contact lenses that can be placed inside the eye without removing the natural lens, for very high degrees of nearsightedness.

LASIK is not dictated by disease and is an elective procedure chosen by the patient. The decision is personal, but good candidates often share certain characteristics.

A consultation is worthwhile if patients feel limited by glasses or contact lenses in work, sports or daily life. Having a stable prescription that has not changed significantly in the last year would also make patients a good candidate. Patients who are over 21, when the eyes are typically done growing and those in good general health, with no uncontrolled autoimmune diseases or conditions that affect healing can also consider surgery.

Hormonal fluctuations can affect corneal shape and healing and patients should not be pregnant or breastfeeding, as. People seeking the best Lasik eye surgery in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE often share a common goal and that is to wake up and see clearly without reaching for glasses.

Not everyone is a suitable candidate and a thorough pre-operative assessment is the only way to find out. This detailed evaluation, sometimes taking over an hour, goes far beyond a simple sight test. A comprehensive eye examination is performed starting with a refraction and visual acuity test to measure exact prescription and current vision.

A corneal topography is used to create a detailed map of the cornea's surface, to detect irregularities like keratoconus. To measure the thickness of the cornea, pachymetry is a critical factor in determining how much tissue can be safely reshaped. Measuring pupil diameter in dim lighting is also part of testing as is tear film assessments which check for dry eye and can affect healing and outcomes. General eye health checks cover things like examining the retina, optic nerve and checking for conditions like cataracts or glaucoma.

Only after this detailed assessment can an ophthalmologist determine if patients are a candidate and, if so, which procedure is safest and most likely to deliver the desired outcome.

  • Myopia (Nearsightedness)
  • Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
  • Astigmatism
  • Presbyopia

For those considering Lasik surgery across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain, the process at NMC is designed to be thorough, transparent and reassuring. Comprehensive diagnostic assessments work as described above. The ophthalmologist will discuss which technique, be it FemtoLASIK, TransPRK or another option, is most appropriate for their eyes and visual goals, if a patient is a suitable candidate.

Typically lasting 10-15 minutes per eye, the procedure itself is quick. There is no pain as anaesthetic drops numb the eye. Patients are awake during the procedure and they may also be asked to focus on a light while the laser tracks their eye position with precision.

Generally, recovery is swift and many people notice a significant improvement in vision within 24 hours, though it can take a few weeks to stabilise completely. A course of eye drops and a few follow-up visits to monitor healing is what post-operative care looks like. Whether seeking the best Lasik surgery in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, patients at NMC benefit from advanced diagnostic technology and a focus on safety and candidacy above all else.

Anyone considering laser eye surgery has questions and often a few nerves too. The team at NMC understands that. The ophthalmologists have trained internationally and spent years working in refractive surgery and optometrists and nurses supporting them know what patients worry about because they have guided hundreds through the same decision.

The ophthalmologist takes time to explain what corneal topographies and what it means for the overall procedure. Realistic outcomes, potential risks and any limitations are always discussed. Consultants are transparent surgery is not the right path. The aim is that anyone who chooses to proceed is fully informed and confident in their decision.

The approach remains consistent. Thorough assessments, clear communication and a focus on the long-term health of the eyes are consistent across the NMC network across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain.

FAQs

Find the Answer to Your Medical Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The procedure uses numbing drops and is painless. A mild gritty sensation or dryness for a few hours or days afterwards is experienced by some patients which settles as the eye heals.
Most people, within a day or two, return to work and normal activities. Vision may fluctuate during the first few weeks slightly but typically stabilises within one to three months.
The overall goal is to reduce dependence on glasses significantly although many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. The outcome depends on the starting prescription and individual healing. Some may still need glasses for certain tasks like driving at night or prolonged reading.
Age itself is not a barrier. However, patients over 50 may be better suited to a lens exchange procedure if presbyopia is also a factor. The pre-assessment will determine the safest and most effective option.
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