By Dr. Itua Enakhe (OD)
A Complete Guide from SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a modern, highly effective laser eye surgery used to correct refractive errors—offering a long-term alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses. At SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja, our experienced optometrists and opticians guide you through every step of your vision correction journey, ensuring safe and informed decisions.
What Does LASIK Eye Surgery Involve?
LASIK works by reshaping the cornea, the dome-shaped transparent tissue at the front of the eye. The cornea is responsible for focusing light onto the macula, the center of the retina responsible for sharp vision.
People with refractive errors have issues with how their cornea bends (or refracts) light, leading to blurry vision. Common refractive conditions include:
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Myopia (nearsightedness)
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Hyperopia (farsightedness)
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Astigmatism (irregular cornea shape)
LASIK adjusts the curvature of the cornea to improve how light is focused on the retina, often eliminating or greatly reducing the need for prescription glasses or contact lenses.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
You may be eligible for LASIK if you:
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Have a high or moderate refractive error
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Are 18 years or older
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Have stable vision for at least one year
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Have a healthy cornea and overall good eye health
When LASIK May Not Be Recommended
LASIK is not suitable for people who:
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Have keratoconus or other corneal diseases
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Suffer from degenerative myopia
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Already have excellent vision
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Participate in high-contact sports like boxing
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Have an unusually thin cornea
What to Expect Before LASIK
Before recommending LASIK, your optometrist at SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja will perform a comprehensive eye exam to check for:
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Eye infections
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Dry eyes
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High intraocular pressure
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Large pupils
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Corneal thickness
If any risk factors are detected, your doctor may delay or cancel the procedure to first treat the underlying condition.
What to Expect After LASIK
Recovery takes time. While you’ll be able to see shortly after surgery, your vision may not be fully clear. Full healing and stabilization can take up to 8 weeks.
Common LASIK Side Effects and Risks
LASIK is considered safe and complications are rare. However, some patients may experience:
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Light sensitivity or glare
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Undercorrection (some refractive error remains)
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Overcorrection (vision shifts in the opposite direction)
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Astigmatism (irregular corneal healing)
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Flap complications (issues with the corneal flap)
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Regression (vision changes back over time)
Realistic Outcomes
In many cases, LASIK eliminates the need for glasses or contacts entirely. For those with very high prescriptions, it may significantly reduce dependence—for example, from -10.00 diopters to -0.50. This is still a major improvement in quality of life.
FAQs
Is LASIK painful?
No, the procedure is painless. You may feel slight pressure, but numbing drops are used during the surgery.
How long does LASIK take?
The procedure takes about 10–15 minutes per eye.
Can I go blind from LASIK?
Permanent vision loss from LASIK is extremely rare. Risks are minimal when performed by qualified professionals.
Is LASIK permanent?
For most people, LASIK provides long-lasting results. However, vision changes can still occur with age.
Can I drive after LASIK?
Not immediately. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and you may resume driving once cleared by your doctor.
📍Contact SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja
SpecSMART Eye Clinic – Ikeja
Ile-Oja Mall, Opebi Link Road, Ikeja.
📞0703 839 1197