Femto LASIK – 8 Important Facts You Need To Know

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What is Femto LASIK? What are the costs, risks, eligibility, aftercare, side effects?

Today, laser eye surgeries are a popular option because they are efficient, result in faster healing, and have fewer post-operative complications. As technology has evolved, we now have more advanced types of LASIK surgery.

As far as eye surgeries are concerned, Femto LASIK, the more advanced LASIK surgery, is easily the most popular one. However, even though many seem familiar with the term, very few people understand what it is, how it is done, and its advantages.

Here are 8 critical facts about Femto LASIK surgery that everyone should know:

1. What does the procedure involve?

The first thing you absolutely must know about any surgery is the procedure and its steps. The Femto LASIK or Femtosecond-assisted (Femto) laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a bladeless procedure and is used to reshape the cornea of the eye to resolve vision problems.

Step 1: A circular incision of about 20-25mm is made in your cornea using a highly precise excimer laser to create a flap.

Step 2: This flap is then opened to expose the underlying tissue to a femtosecond laser which reshapes its curvature to correct the error.

Step 3: The flap is put back in place and allowed to heal for the next week without any sutures.

2. Cures all types of refractive errors

Femto LASIK surgery has a high success rate of healing Myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. SMILE surgery, a bladeless and non-invasive procedure, is also highly preferred.

3. How much does it cost?  

If you are a patient who is thinking of getting rid of their spectacles, you will want to know Femto lasik cost and if it fits your budget. The cost of Femto LASIK is higher than PRK or Photorefractive keratectomy. and in India usually ranges between 15,000 INR to 50,000 INR per eye, depending on the hospital and complexity.

4. What is the recovery period

One of the main reasons patients widely prefer Femto LASIK is that minimal risks are involved, leading to a fast recovery. After the procedure is done, you will resume all daily activities within 7-10 days.

5. Is there any post-operative care?

Since there is an incision, you will feel a little bit of discomfort after the surgery. The doctor will prescribe drops and eye shields or dark glasses that you will have to wear for a week to protect your eyes from dirt or bright light. Avoid showers, cooking, and eye makeup. Do not rub your eyes.

6. What are the side effects

The side effects of Femto LASIK include severe dry eye because of reduction in tear production, glare, halo, double vision, and light sensitivity. Most of these will most likely last only for 2-3 weeks.

7. Who is eligible to undergo Femto LASIK?

You will be a suitable candidate for Femto LASIK if:

1. You are 18 years and older.
2. If your prescription has not changed in the last year. You cannot have Femto LASIK if your glasses or contact lens prescription has changed in the past year or if you take medications that could change your vision.
3. Your corneal thickness matches the criteria. Thin corneas are at higher risk for blindness with the LASIK procedure.
4. You do not have varying sugar levels or are not a lactating mother.
5. You should have good wound healing, which means you should not have any health issues or medication that prevents healing.
6. You must avoid Femto LASIK or other LASIK surgeries if you have undergone refractory surgeries or procedures previously.

8. What are the risks?

Wherever an operation is being carried out, there are always some risks involved. Here, overcorrection, under-correction, ripping of the cornea tissue, flap dislocation, and infection are some of the potential but rare risks.

Femto LASIK procedure has been in practice for over 15 years with a success rate of over 96%, making it one of the safest operations in medicine and the best way to get rid of your lenses or specs. Make sure to consult your doctor to get advice relevant to your condition.

More reading:

Eye care tips

Vision, eye care and diabetes

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