What is a refractive error? 
A refractive error is a condition of the eye in which a clear image fails to focus on the retina due to optical causes. 

What are the different types of refractive errors?
There are three different types of refractive errors namely, myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. Myopia or short-sightedness is the condition when due to large size of the eyeball the light is focussed in front of the retina. The person is unable to see distant objects clearly. 

Hypermetropia or far-sightedness is the condition when due to small size of the eyeball, the light rays get focussed behind the retina. The person is unable to see near objects clearly without strain. 

Astigmatism is the condition when due to irregular curvature of the cornea, a point focus of light is not formed at the retina. All the objects appear blurred to such people. 

How can refractive errors be overcome? 
Refractive errors can be overcome by either using temporary aids like glasses and contact lenses or permanently by undergoing a refractive surgical procedure. 

How can a refractive error be corrected surgically? 
It can be corrected by a surgical procedure using Excimer Laser called LASIK (Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) 

Tell me something about LASIK procedure. 
In LASIK, a hinged corneal flap of 130-180 thickness and 7.5-9.5 mm diameter is raised using a high precision instrument called microkeratome. Excimer laser is then applied to the exposed stromal bed. The flap is replaced, the interface is washed and allowed to dry. This gets re-attached in two minutes without any stitches. Thus there is virtually no wound and the patient is able to see clearly soon after. 

Is LASIK a painful procedure? Is it required to bandage the eyes after it? 
Prior to the surgery the eye is anaesthetised using eye drops. There is no pain felt during the procedure and in the post-operative period. There is no need for a pad and bandage. 

How soon does one attain visual recovery following LASIK? Is prolonged medication required post-operatively? 
The visual recovery is virtually immediate. The person can see quite clearly within two hours and the full result is achieved in 5-7 days. The post-operative medication is required only for 3-4 weeks, that too in reducing dosage. 

Do all persons undergoing LASIK get a full correction? What should be my expectations about the outcome? 
Most persons do get a full correction. The expectations about the result should be realistic, more so in case of individuals with high refractive errors. The main aim of LASIK is to reduce dependence on glasses. 

Who is a suitable candidate to undergo a refractive procedure? 

The suitable candidates for refractive procedures are those who have a stable spectacle power for at least one year. There is no upper age limit. However, girls should be over 17 years and boys should be over 18 years. The eyes should be normal in all other respects. 

How do I ascertain whether I am fit to undergo this procedure? 
During your first visit to Navjyoti Eye Centre a thorough evaluation of your eyes would be done to ascertain this. The screening also covers other eye abnormalities, if any. After this a counselling session is there to explain to you the status of your eyes and to answer any of your queries. 

What are the precautions that I am required to take after LASIK? 
For a period of about three weeks after LASIK you have to avoid rubbing your eyes and splashing water forcefully into the eyes. When moving outdoors in dusty environment it is desirable that the eyes are protected using sunglasses. 

Does the correction obtained after LASIK last a lifetime? Is it true that I will not require any glasses whatsoever in future? 
Yes, if the eye does not suffer any other disease no glasses would be required. However, after the age of 40 years glasses are required for reading and near work. This is a normal phenomenon linked to age and occurs in all individuals regardless of LASIK having been done or not. 

Who can benefit from LASIK particularly? 
The people who are likely to be immensely benefited with LASIK include sportspersons and professional sports persons, persons in show business, stage artists, and people with public dealing jobs and career. It is a boon for people in jobs requiring full field of vision like pilots, drivers etc., as field of vision is restricted with glasses.