2. Lasik – procedure
• Definition
• LASIK (Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is
the high tech outpatient surgical technique for
permanent corrections of refractive errors -
myopia, astigmatism and hypermetropia.
3. • Procedure
• Utilising the accuracy and precision of the
computer controlled excimer laser, LASIK
changes the shape of the cornea and corrects
refractive errors.
4. The counsellor should be able
• To explain how LASIK gives normal high quality vision
with a fast recovery time.
• To educate the willing people who come for refractive
treatment through transparent counselling.
• To identify the deserving persons, who seek advanced
technology for treatment by social marketing.
• To clear confusions and contradictory messages in the
minds of the patients.
• To help people to have realistic expectations and not
get carried away by exaggerated advertisements done
elsewhere.
5. Advantages of lasik
• - Improves the cosmetics.
• - Freedom from the time-consuming, day-to-day hassle
of glasses or contact lens.
• - Freedom to play sports without the inconvenience of
glasses or contact lens.
• - Some institutions stipulate “minimum vision
requirements” like police services, navy,
drivers,railways etc.
• Some studies require good eye sight like engineering,
computer science, microbiology etc.
• Those opting for these services can benefit from Lasik..
6. Who can benefit from Lasik?
• The ideal candidate for LASIK is anybody
between 20 to below 40 years of age without
any other eye disease.
• In addition to having a healthy cornea,
patients must not have had a significant
change in their glass prescription in the last 6
to12 months and they should have realistic
expectation.
7. Who cannot benefit from LASIK?
• People with certain eye conditions like steep
cornea,opaque cornea, diabetic retinopathy,
glaucoma,cataract and systemic conditions
like pregnancy, and hypertension.
• These people may not be good candidates for
Lasik.
8. Pre-operative counselling instruction
• Discontinue wearing soft contact lenses one
week prior to the laser procedure.
• Do not wear rigid gas permeable or hard
contact lenses once you have scheduled your
laser surgery.
• Wear your eyeglasses on the day of your
surgery.
• You will be going home in protective shields.
9. • your appointment and do not wear any make-
up or scented facial lotion on the day of your
laser vision correction procedure.
• Do not wear earrings or facial jewelry.
• Arrange for a friend or relative to drive you
home on the day of your procedure and your
first postoperative visit.
• Duration of the procedure is approximately
60-90 minutes.
10. Role of counsellors
• To educate the patient about the surgery, its
benefits, side- effects and the types.
• To clear the doubts and misconceptions of the
patient about the procedure
• To give a realistic picture of the postoperative
vision, so that he if not carried away by the
aggressive marketing.
• To explain unsuitable patients, the reasons why
they are not suitable for lasik.
11. Preoperative evaluations before
doing lasik
• Refraction: A detailed subjective refraction is
• performed to determine the precise
refractive error.
• Keratometry: it is a test performed to measure
the corneal curvature and is especially useful
for patients with astigmatism.
• Pachymetry: it is a test used to measure
thickness of the cornea,
12. • A complete eye examination is performed.
• If the retina is found to be having any
degenerative changes, the same is treated first
using a barrage laser and after a month, lasik
laser is performed.
14. Postoperative care
• Read and watch TV in moderation for the first
• few days.
• Shower and baths are fine, but try to keep
your eyes closed and avoid getting water
directly in the eye for two weeks.
• When drying off, never directly rub or wipe
your eye.
• No swimming, hot tubs for at least 2 weeks.
15. • Avoid dirty and dusty environment for 2
weeks.
• Do not wear a contact lens in the eye which is
operated on, unless instructed by your doctor.
16. Follow up
• First post operative day.
• After one month follow up from the date of
surgery
• After one year follow up from the date of
surgery.
17. Genetic counselling
• Corneal dystrophies and keratoconus occur in
some families
• So other family members and siblings should
be screened for the disease and appropriate
genetic history obtained.
• Blood samples may be required to confirm
the problem and its chances of transmission.
18. Key points to remember
• Cornea is clear front portion of the eye.
• Corneal diseases are common causes of
defective vision and discomfort to patient.
