LASIK SURGERY
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WHAT IS LASIK SURGERY?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is the most commonly performed refractive surgical procedure today. Over the past 25 years, LASIK has become a safe, reliable, and lasting alternative for those who wish to reduce or eliminate the need for contact lenses or spectacles.
In this surgery, a thin corneal flap is cut with a motorized blade or another laser (Femto-LASIK / FLASIK). The flap is lifted, and the laser ablation is done on the exposed deeper corneal tissue. The flap is then closed and heals on its own within a few days.
The effect is seen almost immediately, recovery time is minimal, side effects are minimal, risk factors are very low, and it is largely a painless procedure with excellent and consistent results.
Interestingly, LASIK surgery is the most studied and published procedure of all medical procedures.
3. MM LASIK Surgery.mp4
PROCEDURE PROCESS: LASIK SURGERY
This procedure process breakdown summarises what our patients can expect when undergoing LASIK Surgery.
1. Theatre Booking and Payment
1. Theatre Booking and Payment
Theatre Booking
After your consultation with Dr Botha, you will return to Reception to make your refractive theatre booking.
ALL procedures will be done at our practice.
An exact procedure time cannot be provided at this stage but you will be given an approximate time period for planning purposes.
The day before your procedure, we will contact you to communicate what time you will need to arrive at our practice.
Procedure Cost and Payment
Medical aids in South Africa see this procedure as aesthetic. Therefore, it is not covered by them.
For various regulatory reasons, the cost of our LASIK Evaluation and Surgery cannot be provided on our website. Please contact our practice via the WhatsApp Link below or on our landline number for information pertaining to the cost of this procedure.
The cost of your procedure needs to be settled by you beforehand.
2. What to Bring and How to Prepare
2. What to Bring and How to Prepare
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Whether your procedure involves one eye or both, it will be necessary to arrange transportation for after surgery.
NO CHANGE in eating and medication routines is necessary.
Avoid bringing excessive accessories.
Be sure to dress comfortably. The theatre gown provided to you on the day of surgery will be worn over your own clothes.
Please do not wear any mascara or eye make-up on the day of surgery.
Anaesthesia, Eating and Drinking
The procedure is done under TOPICAL ANAESTHESIA. This means that drops are used to numb the eye/s.
The procedure is very quick. As a routine doing more than topical anesthesia is excessive.
As the patient needs to be awake to fixate on a light and give certain feedback, no general anesthesia is used.
If a patient is very anxious, then tablets are given to relax the patient.
You can eat and drink as normal before your procedure.
NO PAIN is felt during the procedure.
Admission Process
Please arrive at Reception at the time provided to you the day before.
You will be given a CONSENT FORM to read and sign.
One of our skilled Ophthalmic Assistants will then begin the procedure preparation process.
Even though the procedure itself is usually quite short, the process surrounding the procedure can take some time. Preparation is also slightly different for each patient, therefore waiting times can vary. Please be patient during this process. We do the best we can to make the time in our practice as short and comfortable as possible.
3. Theatre Process
3. Theatre Process
Theatre Preparation
Numbing drops will be used to prepare the eye/s for the procedure.
If you are feeling very anxious please communicate this to one of our Ophthalmic Assistants.
Tablets can be provided to help you feel more relaxed.
Operation
Although the procedure is usually the same in its nature, variability in procedure type and techniques used will have different time factors.
You will be awake during the procedure as you will need to fixate on a light and provide certain feedback.
The procedure should be comfortable for you. NO PAIN should be present during the procedure.
You can verbalize if there is any discomfort and we will immediately react to this.
4. Post-Operative Period and What to Expect
4. Post-Operative Period and What to Expect
LASIK Post-Procedure Information
SHIELDS are placed over the eyes immediately post-operatively.
These are to be worn for 3 HOURS. They can then removed and the patient can continue as before.
Please SLEEP with the SHIELD/S for 1 night after the procedure only.
DROPS will be prescribed. A SCRIPT will be provided immediately post-operation.
Drops are to be used until finished.
You will receive a BAG with an APPOINTMENT CARD. This card gives the time of your post-operative consultation with Dr Botha the next morning.
The eyes are reviewed on Day 1 and a routine follow-up is usually done 3 months post-operatively.
Patients can, however, contact the practice at any time if there are any issues or concerns.
The only constraint post-operatively is NO EYE RUBBING.
Recovery is quick. Expect to be close to refractive target on Day 1.
The major post-operative issue is dry eyes for a few weeks to months.
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