Hesitating between LASIK or continuing to use contact lenses? LASIK could free you from any corrective eyewear but not everyone is a suitable candidate for this procedure. Which option is best to correct certain visual acuity issues such as farsightedness and astigmatism? Do you know how to care for your contact lenses and avoid eye infections?

Dr Eugene Tay, Head and Senior Consultant from the Department of Refractive Surgery at Singapore National Eye Centre, gives detailed answers to your questions.

Question by rsim

Hi Dr, Is LASIK a pernament cure to correct eye visual problem?

Answered by Dr Eugene Tay, Head & Senior Consultant, Refractive Surgery Service, Singapore National Eye Centre

Generally speaking, Lasik is a permanent cure for refractive errors such as myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia. However, in some but not all cases, there may be regression where some of the original refractive error ‘returns’ due to various factors. In this case, enhancement surgery to correct this regression may be required and may be possible depending on the residual corneal thickness.

Question by pocoyosky

Dr Tay, What is the criteria to know if we are suitable for LASIK or not?

Answered by Dr Eugene Tay, Head & Senior Consultant, Refractive Surgery Service, Singapore National Eye Centre

The suitability of a person for Lasik can only be determined after a thorough pre-operative assessment.

Question by esim

Dr Tay, I have dry eye issue,and eye sight degree of 400+, am I suitable for LASIK?

Answered by Dr Eugene Tay, Head & Senior Consultant, Refractive Surgery Service, Singapore National Eye Centre

The suitability of a person for Lasik can only be determined after a thorough pre-operative assessment where the issue of ‘dry eye’ can be investigated further. Often, there may be another condition such as Blepharitis which mimics the symptoms of ‘dry eye’ and this can be treated before Lasik. The issue of whether your ‘degree’ is treatable is dependent on your corneal shape and thickness. In cases where the ‘degree’ is on the higher side in relation to the corneal thickness, other refractive surgery options such as surface ablation or implantable collamer lenses may be possible.

Question by simly6

Dr Tay, How long does LASIK operation last? What is the care to maintain after LASIK?

Answered by Dr Eugene Tay, Head & Senior Consultant, Refractive Surgery Service, Singapore National Eye Centre

Typically, it takes about 20 to 30 mins for LASIK to be performed in both eyes. This includes cutting the corneal flaps with the femtosecond laser and performing the ablation with the excimer laser. Generally, you would need medicated drops for 1 week after lasik and then lubricants thereafter. After 2 days you can go to the gym or jogging but you should refrain from swimming or water sports for 1 month. It is important to not rub your eyes and to use protective eyewear during sleep for the first week or so after surgery.

Question by dsim

Hi, Is there and what are the risks of LASIK? Or it is a risk free eye operation?

Answered by Dr Eugene Tay, Head & Senior Consultant, Refractive Surgery Service, Singapore National Eye Centre

In general, Lasik is a safe and effective treatment for most refractive errors but there are some side effects you need to know about. The more common side effects include glare, haloes and dry eyes which tend to resolve in the majority of patients over a period of a few months. Less serious complications include epithelial ingrowth and inflammation. The serious risks such as infection and corneal ectasia are fortunately very rare.

Question by mosmos

Dear Dr Tay, Is there really a big difference between daily wear and extended wear contact lenses? What is the recommended replacement schedule for contact lens?

Answered by Dr Eugene Tay, Head & Senior Consultant, Refractive Surgery Service, Singapore National Eye Centre

Daily disposable lenses are aimed at providing more convenience and safety. With extended wear lenses, more care needs to be given to the cleaning routine in order to ensure less deposit build up on the lens material. The replacement schedule of contact lenses should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Question by gisabl

Dear Dr Tay,

I am age 56 and I used to have 6/6 vision but now I need to wear reading glass. I am thinking of going for lasik to correct my eye sight, do you recommend?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr Eugene Tay, Head & Senior Consultant, Refractive Surgery Service, Singapore National Eye Centre

Your symptoms are due to presbyopia.At the moment, the laser based treatments for presbyopia have not been proven to bevery effective or long lasting.However, other technologies such as corneal inlays may provide a solution for some but a refractive assessment would be necessary to determine this.

Question by ireneneo

Dr. Tay,

Is it advisable for Type 2 Diabetic patients to undergo LASIK operation?

Answered by Dr Eugene Tay, Head & Senior Consultant, Refractive Surgery Service, Singapore National Eye Centre

Having diabetes is not an absolute contraindication to having Lasik as long as there is refractive stability, your diabetes is well controlled and no other issues such as diabetic retinopathy or cataracts.

Question by ahmad1997

Dear Dr. I wish to do Lasik to correct 4.5 short vision at my both eyes. I'm living in Saudi Arabia (where the weather so dry) and I'm suffering from eyes dryness what is your recommendations and advice about doing Lasik treatment for my eyes. Kind Regards Ahmad

Answered by Dr Eugene Tay, Head & Senior Consultant, Refractive Surgery Service, Singapore National Eye Centre

Severe dry eyes are a contraindication to having Lasik but an assessment would be necessary to determine if there are any other associated conditions which may also cause a dry eye sensation. You should seek an ophthalmological consultation in any case as you appear to have symptoms.

Question by kittyparfum

What are possible side effects of LASIK? And the possible side effects of wearing contacts (for long term, eg: 5days a week, about 10-12hrs a day for decades)?

Answered by Dr Eugene Tay, Head & Senior Consultant, Refractive Surgery Service, Singapore National Eye Centre

LASIK is a safe and effective procedure but there are some side effects that you need to be aware about. The major complications of Lasik include infection and corneal ectasia. Fortunately, these are both very rare. Other issues include diffuse lamellar keratitis, epithelial ingrowth and flap creation problems such as striae or folds. These are usually treatable problems. More common side effects include glare, haloes and dry eyes. The glare and haloes tend to get better with time and dry eyes are usually treated with lubricants in the first instance.

The complications of contact lens use include infection, giant papillary conjunctivitis and corneal trauma including abrasions. Infections are the most serious problems and need urgent medical treatment. In long term users, changes to the inner corneal layer (endothelium) may occur as well as new blood vessel formation (neovascularization) as a result of a lack of oxygen (hypoxia). It is important to maintain meticulous contact lens hygiene and to reduce wear time whenever possible in order to reduce the risk of complications.

Question by vanessagao

How long it can last after the LASIK surgery? years or life long? Thank you

Answered by Dr Eugene Tay, Head & Senior Consultant, Refractive Surgery Service, Singapore National Eye Centre

Generally speaking, Lasik is a permanent cure for refractive errors such as myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia. However, there may be some regression where some of the original refractive error ‘returns’ as a result of healing over the longer term. In this case, enhancement may be possible depending on the residual corneal thickness.

Ref: S13