What to look for before Lasik surgery

Lasik may be an option for those of you who want to overcome the problems of refraction in your eyes. When glasses and contact lenses are no longer considered practical, laser assisted in situ keratomileusis technology can correct visual impairments without surgery.

Setiyo Budi Riyanto, consultant and operator of cataract surgery and refractive surgery at the Jakarta Eye Center (JEC), said some things need to be considered before proceeding to the lasik procedure.

"Patients must meet several applicable requirements," Setiyo told a press briefing in the Menteng region of Jakarta on Wednesday (8/14).

All people with refractive disorders, said Setiyo, are allowed to undergo the lasik procedure. However, patients must be at least 18 years of age, have no eye infections, or be pregnant or breastfeeding. "Pregnant and lactating women usually have hormonal changes that can affect the cornea," said Setiyo.

If the required conditions are met, the patient should remove soft contact lenses for 14 days and his or her contact lenses for 30 days. This is done so that the surface of the cornea becomes natural.

Then, the patient will undergo a pre-lasik procedure.

At this point, the patient will undergo a review ranging from the state of the cornea to the retina to detect any eye interference. "If the conditions are acceptable, the procedure can be carried out directly that day, if it has not been completed it must be postponed," added Setiyo.

The lasik procedure erodes the cornea to correct ocular refractive errors. With the latest technology, the procedure can be faster to minimize the risk of side effects. After the procedure, Setiyo continues, patients will generally feel discomfort. For 2-3 hours, the patient feels that something is happening and makes his eyes watery.

Patients are also advised not to expose their eyes to water for three days. In addition, the eyes should also avoid direct exposure to dust. Patients are advised to wear dust protection goggles during outdoor activities after undergoing the lasik procedure.

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