What are the main advantages of iLASIK over other procedures, and can I still play contact sports after the operation?

Doctor's Answers 1

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Dr Tony Ho

Ophthalmologist

iLASIK falls into the category of LASIK surgery which is performed using the IntraLase iFS Advanced Femtosecond Laser to cut a corneal flap and Star S4 IR Excimer Laser to reshape the cornea, thus correcting refractive errors.

Patients with had undergone iLASIK (or LASIK surgeries in general) should only participate in rugged or contact sports with caution. This is because there is still a risk of possible corneal flap complications especially when you engage in sporting activities, such as flap-dislodgement, flap wrinkles, etc. Even though iLASIK is often touted as an “all-laser, bladeless” surgery, it still involves cutting of a corneal flap.

If you are participating in active sports, you may want to consider the no-cut, no-flap Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) procedures including TransPRK which does not involve the cutting of a corneal flap, allowing you to participate in rugged and active sports without any worry of corneal flap complications.

Similar Questions

What are my treatment options for severe dry eyes 1 month after ReLEx SMILE?

Dry eye is a common and often chronic condition nowadays regardless whether one has had any laser surgery done. This is especially so when most of our days revolve around working at a computer or other electronic devices, where we tend to blink less fully and less frequently. Blinking actually helps in lubricating the surface of the eye. A healthy tear film consists of the lipid, aqueous and mucous layers on the corneal surface.

What additional precautions do I need to take for my eyes months after LASIK as compared to eyes that have not been operated on?

When the eyes have fully recovered from LASIK, post LASIK patients might still consider wearing eye protection like eyeshades. Indeed, this will secure the eyes especially if engaging in activities where there is a high chance of the eyes getting poked. Having said that, that's probably a good idea for people who have not been operated on as well. Because getting poked in the eye is very painful for anybody! So in general, I would say there are no specific additional precautions, as compared to people who have not had eye surgery.

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