pelf-ism is contagious

Remember the LASIK review I did not too long ago? Well, a few days after the article was published, I received an email from Sandeep Jain from The Eye Digest, who requested for my assistance to help disseminate evidence-based information about laser vision correction by listing an article on my website for the benefit of my visitors.

But since the article is very informative, I have decided to do more than just “listing the link on my site.” I have decided to write a short review about the article, for the benefit of those of you who are thinking of undergoing laser vision correction. See, I’m such a gem *smiles*

Now, first things first.. Before you jump into the bandwagon or whatever wagon you call it, you need to know some essential facts about laser vision corrective surgery, right? You don’t “just do it”, right? Several effective options for laser refractive surgery are available:

• Lamellar (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis - LASIK)
• Surface (photorefractive keratectomy [PRK], laser epithelial keratomileusis [LASEK], and Epi-LASIK) ablation.

Please read the detailed explanation on the options here.

But do bear in mind that LASIK will almost certainly reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses, HOWEVER, there is no certainty and there can be no guarantee that you will be able to achieve perfect vision without glasses.

Now, if you’re worried about the complications from the surgery..

Serious complications from refractive surgery are rare, as evidenced by the low rate of loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. However, before undergoing any refractive procedure, you should carefully weigh the risks and benefits based on your own personal value system, and try to avoid being influenced by friends that have had the procedure or doctors encouraging you to do so. Remember that, even though rare, complications do occur.

• Some patients lose vision.
• Some patients develop debilitating visual symptoms.
• You may be under treated or over treated.
• Some patients may develop severe dry eye syndrome.
• Results are generally not as good in patients with very large refractive errors of any type.
• For some farsighted patients, results may diminish with age.
• Long-term data is not available because LASIK is a relatively new technology.

But how do you know whether you’re a suitable candidate for refractive surgery? You are probably NOT a good candidate if:

• You are not a risk taker.
• It will jeopardize your career.
• Cost is an issue.
• You required a change in your contact lens or glasses prescription in the past year. This is called refractive instability. Patients who are (a) in their early 20s or younger, (b) whose hormones are fluctuating due to disease such as diabetes, (c) pregnant or breastfeeding, or (d) taking medications that may cause fluctuations in vision, are more likely to have refractive instability and should discuss the possible additional risks with their doctor.
• You have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound healing. Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure.
• You actively participate in contact sports.
• You are NOT an adult. Currently, no lasers are approved for LASIK on persons under the age of 18.

Other risk factors include:

• blepharitis
• large pupils
• thin corneas
• previous refractive surgery (e.g., RK, PRK, LASIK)
• dry eyes

Part II: What to expect before, during and after the surgery?