LASIK Eye Surgery in Singapore: Comprehensive Guide

Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism are common refractive errors causing blurred vision. Singapore, often dubbed the "myopia capital of the world," sees a large majority of young adults affected by their early twenties.

While glasses and contact lenses provide immediate correction, they are often inconvenient and uncomfortable. LASIK laser eye surgery, an established vision correction surgery, offers a possible solution.

What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision issues. Performed by LASIK surgeons, it uses advanced technology (including femtosecond and excimer lasers) to achieve precise results.

There are various benefits associated with LASIK surgery, some of which include:

• Improved Vision – LASIK is highly effective at correcting refractive errors, enabling most patients to achieve 20/20 vision or better, which is suitable for most daily activities. However, age-related changes such as presbyopia (difficulty focusing on near objects) may still occur later in life, and some patients may eventually need reading glasses.
• Quick Results and Recovery – The procedure itself typically takes only about 15–20 minutes per eye, and most patients notice improved vision within days.
• Painless and Safe Procedure – LASIK is generally painless, performed under local anaesthesia and is considered very safe when performed by an experienced surgeon.
• Fewer Allergy Issues – By eliminating the need for contact lenses, LASIK reduces the risk of eye irritation and allergic reactions associated with lens use.

Conditions Treated with LASIK (Laser Vision Correction)

Laser eye surgery is a highly effective and popular procedure for correcting various refractive errors, including:

• Short-sightedness (Myopia) – Myopia occurs when the cornea is too curved or the eye is too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina and resulting in blurry distance vision. LASIK corrects myopia by flattening the cornea so that light focuses directly on the retina, enabling clearer distant vision.
• Far-sightedness (Hyperopia) – Hyperopia happens when the cornea is too flat or the eye is too short, causing light to focus behind the retina. This leads to difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly. LASIK reshapes the cornea to make it steeper, allowing light to focus properly on the retina and improving near vision.
• Astigmatism – Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, resulting in distorted or blurry vision at all distances. LASIK corrects astigmatism by reshaping the cornea into a more symmetrical, spherical shape, helping light focus clearly on the retina.

Who Is Eligible for LASIK?

Eligibility for LASIK depends on several criteria:

• Age and Eye Health – LASIK is generally recommended for adults aged 18 and above, as vision typically stabilises by this age. Good eye health is essential, and candidates should not have conditions like glaucoma, severe dry eyes, or active eye infections.
• Stable Vision Prescription – A stable prescription for at least a year is a possible requirement. Unstable vision should be addressed before considering surgery.
• Corneal Thickness and Pupil Size – The cornea must be thick enough to reshape safely during LASIK. Pupil size is also assessed, as larger pupils may increase the risk of post-surgery issues like halos or glare.
• Medical Conditions – Conditions like autoimmune diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, or severe myopia may disqualify candidates. Let an ophthalmologist assess your condition for personalised advice.

LASIK Screening

LASIK clinics in Singapore will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, review your medical history and discuss expectations. This detailed evaluation ensures that LASIK is safe and suitable for your specific needs.

• Detailed History
  Your surgeon will review your medical and ocular history, including general health, medications, and any past eye conditions or surgeries.
• Comprehensive Eye Examination
  This includes a vision assessment to determine your baseline visual acuity and refractive error, and eye pressure measurement (tonometry) to check for conditions like glaucoma.
• Corneal Evaluation
  Critical for LASIK, this involves corneal topography to map the corneal surface for irregularities and corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry) to ensure there's enough tissue for safe reshaping.
• Optic Nerve and Retina Evaluation
  A dilated eye exam allows the doctor to thoroughly inspect the optic nerve and retina for any signs of disease (e.g., retinal tears, detachment, or diabetic changes).

LASIK Procedure

The LASIK procedure is a swift and effective way to correct vision and reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses. The procedure involves these steps:

• Numbing the Eye – Numbing eye drops are applied to keep the patient comfortable and pain-free during surgery.
• Creating the Corneal Flap – A small, hinged corneal flap is carefully created using a laser, granting access to the underlying corneal tissue for reshaping.
• Laser Reshaping – A laser reshapes the corneal tissue by removing precise amounts based on the individual’s eye measurements and prescription. This step corrects refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, improving how light focuses on the retina.
• Flap Repositioning – After reshaping, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned back in place. The flap naturally adheres to the cornea without requiring stitches, allowing for seamless healing.

LASIK Surgery Recovery and Aftercare

After LASIK surgery, patients often feel mild discomfort, like grit in the eye, along with light sensitivity, watery eyes, or blurred vision. These symptoms usually fade within a few hours. Resting and using prescribed eye drops can help ease discomfort.

Most patients notice improved vision soon after, but full recovery can take weeks. To ensure proper healing, adhere to the following guidelines:

Do’s:

• Use all prescribed eye drops as directed
• Attend all follow-up appointments for monitoring your recovery
• Wear protective eyewear, especially outdoors, to shield your eyes from dust and bright light

Don’ts:

• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes
• Refrain from wearing eye makeup for at least a week
• Steer clear of swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas for the first few weeks

Risks and Complications

LASIK is a widely performed and generally safe procedure, but like all surgeries, it carries certain risks and potential complications, such as:

• Dry Eyes – Dry eye symptoms are common after LASIK in the first few months. Most cases resolve over time, but persistent dryness may require treatment.
• Visual Disturbances – Glare, halos, starbursts, and ghosting around lights—especially at night—are frequent during the healing period. These symptoms usually diminish within weeks to months but can persist in rare cases.
• Light Sensitivity and Decreased Night Vision – Some patients experience increased sensitivity to light or difficulty seeing in low-light conditions after surgery.

Choosing Our LASIK Clinic in Singapore

If you are considering LASIK for lasting vision correction, Eye & Retina Surgeons in Singapore can assess your eligibility and help determine the best approach for your unique needs.

Our team includes highly experienced ophthalmologists and LASIK surgeons. Their rigorous training ensures safe, effective surgery and optimal vision outcomes. Schedule a consultation at our eye specialist clinic today and let us guide you toward the most suitable option for your LASIK eye surgery.

FAQs About LASIK in Singapore