Is it really possible to knock off eye power? How safe is laser surgery that's being dubbed as the 15-minute miracle? Active does the research for you. Plus yoga for those with OT allergy
Is it really possible to knock off eye power? How safe is laser surgery that's being dubbed as the 15-minute miracle? Active does the research for you. Plus yoga for those with OT allergy
For thousands of people, the day starts with fumbling for a pair of spectacles or a lens case. Experts claim that genetics as well as a lifestyle focussed around the computer and television is responsible for weak eyesight.
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With laser eye technology improving by leaps and bounds since its inception in the '90s, it might be time to do away with visual crutches. But as with any surgical procedure, laser surgery too can result in complications.
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Here's what you need to factor in before agreeing to the fine print. 
What is Lasik?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) refers to surgery to treat refractive eye disorders including myopia (shortsightedness), hyperopia (longsightedness) and astigmatism or blurred vision.
These disorders are caused when the curvature of the lens becomes inflexible as the light rays are unable to focus on the retina, leading to blurry vision.
Laser surgery involves creating a corneal flap on the surface of the cornea, which is peeled back to operate on the cornea, followed by using a laser to reshape the cornea so that it can be realigned with the retina.
The surgery takes around 15 minutes and is done under anesthesia. It involves no stitches and the patient can be discharged on the same day.
"There is still no single health body on par with international standards, which certifies or accredits centres.
Be alert of what is being offered to you and take more time researching the procedure," advises Dr Anand A Shroff, Cornea and Refractive Surgeon, Shroff Eye Hospital.
Different eyes react differently to surgery and patient testimonials are available on the net and document experiences ranging from "great" to "feel like Vaseline has been rubbed on my eyes".
Types of Lasik
Broadly speaking, laser surgery can be divided into general or wavefront (custom). Wavefront is considered a better option since it uses 3D measurements of how your eyes process images and thereafter uses the laser to reshape the cornea properly, enabling 20:20 vision. There are sub-divisions in wavefront including Intralasik and Epi-Lasik. Though there is some talk of "bladeless" surgeries, creating the flap is still a process done using a microkeratome (surgical knife), except in all-laser Lasik (often called Intralasik) and Epi-Lasik procedures.
Benefits of laser surgery
Painless procedure
Better vision
Less or no dependence on glasses/lenses
Rapid recovery (patient can resume work within 48 hours) 
Possible Complications And Side-Effects
Scarring of the cornea
Infections if the same blade is re-used for several operations
Under correction in which the patient might still need to use glasses or contacts, but with a decreased power
Overcorrection in which the patient might need reading glasses
Dry eyes (usually, though not always alleviated with the help of special eye drops)
Burning sensation post-surgery (usually reduces within five hours of procedure)
Pre and Post Operative Care
Pre-operative care includes staying off lenses for a month before surgery as the cornea needs to get back to its original shape and be hydrated for accurate measurement. Post the surgery, avoid rubbing of the eyes or splashing water for a week. Prescribed eye drops are to be applied to prevent dryness. If you experience chronic dry eyes, redness, blurred vision or a foreign body sensation, report it to the doctor immediately.
Cut and keep DIY Guide to improve Eyesight Holistically
Yoga for your eyes
Candle gazing (Trataka): Hold your body erect and spine straight. Keep eyes centrally focused on the tip of the candle flame to reduce the area of central fixation. The smaller the area, the better the fixation.
The nasal gaze (Nasikagra Trataka): Assume a relaxed posture with neck held erect, and fix the eyes on the tip of your nose. Continue to gaze for two minutes, then close your eyes. Repeat a few times before shutting eyes for rest.
Eye exercises to boost vision
Snellan's chart reading: This chart is printed with 11 lines of block letters, and the font size reduces as you read on. Hang the chart on a wall, and sit at a comfortable distance. Read each letter and blink. Hold a smaller chart in your hand, read each letter and then spot that letter in the larger chart. That letter will seem darker to you.
Game of ball: This involves focusing on the ball's movements. Hold the ball in the right hand, bounce it off the floor and catch it with the left hand. Blink every time you catch the ball. Throw it up in the air with the right hand and grab it with the left hand.
5 Celebs we can't imagine without their glasses
The silver-haired gentleman topped the list of the sexiest eyeglass-wearing celebrities, with a whopping 35% votes in a survey done by an American spectacle company. He has our vote too!
The charismatic politician with the cutest dimples ever, is also known for his classy-yet-simple-metal-rimmed glasses.
Six years since the sitcom Friends went off air, Matthew Perry is still remembered for his portrayal as the bespectacled, wise-cracking and utterly lovable Chandler Bing.
The reclusive Clark Kent, reporter for the Daily Planet, and alter-ego of the dashing Superman, is still a beloved icon eight decades since his first appearance. We can't get enough of Kent's charisma and smouldering demeanour behind those super-large frames.
Opticians in the UK anticipate record spectacles sales each time the movies in the Harry Potter series are released, urging Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the fictional character to comment, "Harry has managed to make specs cool again." We couldn't agree more.
Get the Facts
Dr Anand Shroff debunks some post-procedure theories on laser surgery
One needs to wear dark surgical glasses for a month both indoors and outdoors.
It is necessary to wear sunglasses only in the first week post-procedure. Though, it is a good idea to continue wearing sunglasses to protect eyes from UV rays.
One cannot cook or go near a gas for a long time.
This would mean that those living abroad would either starve or suffer from indigestion from ordering take-out! Medically speaking, they are allowed to do so from the next day itself.
Lasik is only for those with high powers.
One can do Lasik for even powers as low as -0.5, but the eye examination determines the fitness.
Lasik cannot be done on those with very high powers.
Thanks to today's advanced lasers, numbers as high as -12 can be treated safely. For higher powers up to -23, there are other options like Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL).
If you fall or have an accident post-surgery, there are higher chances of retinal detachment.
Lasik does not increase the risk of retinal detachment if done correctly. It does not change the inherent shape of one's eyes. The retina in most people with high powers is thinner as it has to cover a larger surface area. Hence, there is the same risk as it would have been if one were to continue wearing glasses or lenses.
Don't opt for LASIK if you:
Are pregnant as hormonal fluctuations can play havoc with eye power
Under 18 as the cornea is still developing
Have diabetes as diabetics typically take a long time to recover
Suffer from dry eyes as the surgery can aggravate the condition
Have eye power that has not been stable in the past year, since the power can come back
Have thin corneas that are damaged or scarred as the surgery erodes the surface of the cornea
How much does it cost?
The cost for laser surgery ranges from Rs 14,000 to Rs 1 lakh depending on the credibility of the doctor and the equipment used.
Conventional laser surgery will cost you around Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 but it is only suitable for lower powers. Laser Lasik and Epi Lasik can set you back by around Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
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Being an elective surgery, it is often not included in health insurance or mediclaim policies so, you may have to shell out the money yourself.
My experience with Lasik
I have been wearing spectacles since the age of 13. My eye power was -6, but when I got pregnant it shot up to -9 due to hormonal changes. That's when I decided to opt for laser surgery.
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The surgery was painless and over in 15 minutes flat. Post the surgery, I felt an intense burning sensation in my eyes as if someone had poured chilli powder inside and my eyes watered constantly.
The pain subsided in four hours, though. Today, I have 20/20 vision and have experienced no long-term side-effects.
3 Questions you should ask before opting for the surgery
Is my doctor experienced?
Approach an experienced eye surgeon who will check eyes thoroughly for any sign of damage to the cornea or retina to avoid complications later.
Is the equipment outdated?
Make sure equipment is up-to-date.
Is there a strict enough infection control check?
Check whether the necessary procedures to determine whether or not you are the ideal candidate (do you suffer from dry eyes? Is there corneal scarring? has your power been steady?) for the operation are carried out by your eye surgeon.
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