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.