LASIK (Correct Refractive Vision Problems with Laser)

· Those who want a quick and effective laser eye procedure in Mexicali, Mexico.
· Those with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.
· Those who want to reduce usage of glasses or contact lenses.
· Those who want to have clearer and improved vision.
· Those who want to get a painless and stitches-free vision correction procedure.

LASIK, (Laser-assisted In-situ Keratomileusis) is the most common laser eye procedure to correct refractive vision problems. You may be considering LASIK if you are currently wearing glasses or contact lenses. In the LASIK procedure, a special type of cutting laser is used to change the shape of the clear tissue at your cornea to improve vision. By reshaping the cornea, the refraction can correct vision, reducing your needs for glasses or contact lenses dramatically. It is a common procedure performed globally and carries minimal complications.

LASIK surgery involves incision across the cornea of the eye and raising a flap of tissue to reshape the cornea. Once the cornea is reshaped, vision can be corrected. LASIK is a good option for any of these vision problems:

· Nearsightedness (myopia): A condition where the eyeball is slighly longer, or the cornea has sharper curves causing light rays to focus in front of the retina and blur distant vision. In myopia, patients can see objects that are near, but can’t see far objects clearly.

· Farsightedness (hyperopia): A condition where the eyeball is shorter than normal, or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina. This makes near objects seem blurry.

· Astigmatism: A condition where the cornea curves or flattens unevenly and disrupts focus of near and distant vision.

1. You will lie on your back comfortably on a reclining chair. Before starting the procedure, you will be given medicine to help you relax.
2. Numbing drops will be placed on the eyes.
3. An instrument will be used to hold the eyelids open.
4. A suction ring will be placed on your eye, and the vision may dim a little.
5. A small hinged flap on the front of the eye will be cut and folded to enable access to the part of the cornea to be reshaped.
6. Parts of the cornea will be reshaped with a programmed laser. With each pulse of the laser beam, a tiny amount of corneal tissue is removed.
7. After reshaping the cornea, the flap will be laid back into place. This usually recovers on its own and no stitches are needed.

<Advantages>
· Quick and safe procedure
· Quick recovery
· Effective procedure with proven results
· Greatly reduces dependency on glasses and contact lenses
· Improves vision and life quality

<Limitations>
· Can cause temporary dryness of the eyes. For the first 6 months after treatment, eye drops may be needed.
· Increased sensitivity to light can occur for a few days to a few weeks. Usage of dark sunglasses to protect the eyes is recommended.

The procedure may not be recommended for you are/have:
· Pregnant or breastfeeding
· Eye injuries or eye diseases
· Inflammation of the cornea
· Autoimmune disorders
· Weakened immune system caused by immunosuppressive medications
· Persistent dry eyes

· Dry eyes
· Glare, halos and double vision that can last for a few days
· Undercorrections or overcorrections
· Regression (Vision slowly changes back toward the original prescription, rare)
· Vision loss or worse vision (Rare)

· Do not drive until your vision is clear enough to drive safely.
· Avoid bright lights and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes until the doctor cleared you to not wear them.
· Avoid straining the eyes with activities such as reading, watching the screen and rubbing the eyes.
· You may begin to exercise around a week after the procedure, but do avoid contact sports to avoid injury to the eyes.
· Refrain from using eye makeups or creams for at least 1 to 2 weeks after procedure.
· Avoid swimming for 2 weeks to prevent eye infection.
· Attend follow-ups as set by the doctor if there is any.

Q1: How long will it take until I can continue my daily life routine?
A1: You can proceed with your life routine within 24 hrs after LASIK surgery, but please practice good aftercare as outlined by the doctor.

Q2: If I had LASIK surgery before and my vision has changed later after that, can I get a retreatment?
A2: Retreatment is a possible solution to vision changes, but if it is required, it can only be done at least 3 months after the initial LASIK. It’s also important to be aware that other treatment options also exist. To know deeper about what is best for you according to your condition, please consult with your doctor.

Q3: Do I still need to wear glasses after LASIK?
A3: LASIK will greatly reduce the needs for glasses, but will not eliminate its necessity completely. Some patients may need to wear reading glasses especially if they are above 40, as aging of the eyes will occur eventually.

Q4: Does LASIK hurt?
A4: Since topical anesthetic to numb the eyes will be given, patients
Patients are given a topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye, so they experience no pain during the procedure.

Q5: How long will it take before I can see well again?
A5: Most patients get good vision on the same day after surgery and will feel normal within 24 hrs. The vision can continue to improve for 2 to 3 months before patients can get their best vision.

Q6: Since the recovery is quick, can I return to work immediately?
A6: Largely depends on your job. Those who require good vision like drivers or surgeons may need to rest until they are cleared by the attending doctor. Most patients can return to work the next day, assuming their vision is adequate for their job.

[Clinic Name] Hospital de la Familia
[Location] Mexicali, Mexico
[Nearest Stations / Attractions] The hospital is about 17 mins drive from Mexicali International Airport and 10 mins drive from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali
[Clinic Opening Time] Daily (24 hrs)