YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO LASER EYE SURGERY

We talk about LASIK* in this article, as it’s the most performed laser refractive surgery, accounting for approximately 95% of all procedures.

LASIK is a standard surgical procedure used to correct vision problems - specifically, those caused by refractive errors. In eyes with normal vision, the cornea bends (refracts) light precisely onto the retina at the back of the eye. A refractive error is where your cornea fails to bend light correctly, distorting your vision. It can cause blurry vision (astigmatism), nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).

LASIK* is an acronym for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.” In situ means “in place” and “keratomileusis” is the medical term for reshaping your eye’s cornea.

• Myopia (Short-Sightedness): When your eyeball is slightly longer than normal or when the cornea curves too sharply, light rays focus in front of the retina and blur distant vision. You can see objects that are close reasonably clearly, but not those that are far away.
• Hyperopia (Long-Sightedness): Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia. You can see objects far away but struggle with those up close. In this case, you have a shorter-than-average eyeball or a too-flat cornea; light focuses behind the retina instead of on it.
• Astigmatism (Blurred Vision): Astigmatism occurs when the cornea curves or flattens unevenly, blurring your focus on nearby and distant objects.

You will be awake during the surgery, which typically takes less than 30 minutes. (Note: you should not drive yourself home after the surgery.)

A laser makes a small cut, or flap, in the cornea. This flap is lifted, and the laser removes a tiny amount of tissue from the cornea. The flap is then placed back into its original position, where it will heal on its own.

Recovery time from laser eye surgery is quick. You might be able to return to most of your normal activities as early as the day after the procedure (including driving).

Other activities may take a bit longer:

• Don’t wear eye makeup for 2 weeks.
• Avoid playing non-contact sports for 3 days and contact sports for 4 weeks.
• Wear an eye shield at night for at least 4 weeks.
• No swimming for at least a month.

• If the prescription in your eyes is unstable or changing.
• Your astigmatism (blurry vision), myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness) is extreme.
• You have severe dry eyes.
• You have Cataracts.
• You have uncontrolled diabetes.
• You have a history of eye infections.
• You have Glaucoma at an advanced stage.
• You have rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease.
• You have keratoconus (cone-shaped cornea).
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines for flying after laser eye surgery, as the recovery time can vary depending on the procedure.

It is generally safe to fly once the eye has healed sufficiently and your surgeon has given you clearance. Make sure to follow any post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon while travelling.