Eye surgery comes with the promise of improving one's vision permanently so that the need for glasses or contact lenses is no longer there. So you are no longer dependent on them.In a way, you discover new liberty and freedom.

How is it done?

It takes about five to ten minutes to complete the operation. First a mild anesthetic will be administered. Also eye drops are used to numb the eye and avoid pain during the operation. Though the operation is pain free there have been patients who have complained of discomfort. Once the eye is numb, a little device known as the microkeratome is attached to a suction ring placed on the eye.

The microkeratome has a blade which cuts a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. The doctor will next fold back the flap and expose the stroma which is basically a layer of tissue. The stroma is searched for debris and is then dried. Now the surgeon will ask you to focus on a fixed spot while he, with the aid of laser mends the corneal tissue according to results of pre-operation examination. Once through, the flap is put back to position and an eye patch is provided to allow it to heal.

Which are the conditions that are treated?

Basically eye surgery is used to cure three main types of eye conditions-myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Myopia, also know as nearsightedness is the problem of not being able to see what is far away without glasses. Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is the other way round. Astigmatism is something different where the patient has irregularities in his cornea which as a result distorts the image formed on the retina of the eye.

Who is an ideal candidate?

An ideal candidate for this surgery should be over 21 years of age. The person should not be into contact sports or any similar physical activities. The visual stability over the past year should be good and there should not be any history of previous eye diseases or eye injury. Pregnant women are also not eligible for that surgery.

What are the risks?

This eye surgery comes with its own set of risks and they should always be considered seriously before you actually sign-up for an operation. Problems that might be caused due to this surgery are double vision, glare, and halo. One's nighttime vision can also be affected, especially for certain operation procedures. Even permanent blurry vision and diminished contrast may be the effects of this operation.