Asian Eye Institute LASIK/refractive service director Dr. Robert AngThere is no doubt that LASIK is a popular procedure. In fact, TV host Gretchen Ho recently had LASIK surgery after years of wearing contact lenses. But what is LASIK and why are a lot people interested in it?

“LASIK frees you from the hassles or inconveniences of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses,” says Asian Eye Institute LASIK/refractive service director Dr. Robert Ang.

“It lets you have sharp vision, so it is a lot easier for you to do things—from as simple as doing your day-to-day tasks at home or at work, to playing sports or achieving your dream job. I actually have had patients who do LASIK because they want to become an athlete, go for military training, become a flight attendant and even a pilot.”

While you have to be awake during the surgery, LASIK is quick and painless. It typically takes 10 minutes per eye. You can have surgery today and be able to get back to work in two to three days.

Asian Eye is the only eye institute in the Philippines that makes use of the latest generation VICTUS femtosecond laser and Teneo 2 excimer laser from Bausch & Lomb. These top-of-the-line machines are equipped with unique features such as ultrafast laser speed, active control eye tracker and iris registration.

“Having an ultrafast laser speed shortens the treatment time,” explains the multi-awarded Ang. “This means that we lessen the evaporation time and drying of the cornea. This also means that patients don’t have to be anxious during surgery and there are lesser chances that they will move during the procedure.

“The active control eye tracker detects and adjusts to all eye movements. So even if your eye moves up or down, left or right, the laser pulses will be fired in the correct location each time, while iris registration ensures that your treatment will never be applied to another patient’s eyes,” he adds.

Can anyone undergo LASIK?

LASIK is usually recommended for patients with eye grades ranging from 100 to 600, with astigmatism up to 400, and are between 18 and 39 years old. This is because the eye grade stabilizes once you reach 18 and, by the time you hit 40, you start to develop an age-related condition called presbyopia or loss of near vision.

Apart from eye grade, there are other factors that are considered to ensure the success of the surgery. Ang says: “Our main goal is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our patients. That is why we require them to undergo a 3- to 4-hour LASIK screening, so we can thoroughly check their corneal thickness and curvature, and if they have other eye conditions that may be affecting their vision. If in case they have a retinal problem or cataract, we need to address it first before we proceed with the surgery.”

Asian Eye offers the most thorough LASIK screening as well as the most complete range of refractive options.

“If a patient does not qualify for LASIK, we can recommend transepithelial PRK or implantable contact lenses (ICL). ICL is for patients with very high grade, up to 1800 or astigmatism up to 600, who cannot qualify for any laser procedure; Supracor LASIK for those with presbyopia, so they can see clearly without wearing reading glasses. At present, ICL offers the highest quality vision among all refractive options. It is similar to a contact lens, but is inserted inside the eye. It does not require maintenance like regular contact lenses do, and is best for night driving as it has minimal glares and haloes.”

Ang has the most extensive experience in LASIK, ICL and Supracor in the Philippines.

To protect patients, Asian Eye practices strict safety protocols. A negative antigen test is required before the surgery, and the operating room is equipped with a laminar airflow system with HEPA filters.

LASIK is definitely worth the investment for anyone who needs clear vision for work, leisure or simply for enjoying time with their loved ones.

Book a screening and avail of Asian Eye’s LASIK Buddy EGC to get two LASIK screenings for P3,150. Visit www.asianeyeshop.com and schedule an appointment at the Rockwell Makati, TriNoma or SM Mall of Asia clinics. (Story/Photos by: Charizze Henson)