The word “LASIK” is an acronym for “laser in situ keratomileusis.” This is a procedure that is used to correct refractive errors (such as farsightedness or nearsightedness) by reshaping the eye’s cornea. The cornea is the transparent covering of the eye that lets light in. It is also the main refractive surface in the eye. If your cornea is irregular or shaped differently than ideal, you may experience vision problems like blurred distance vision, glare, and halos around lights. These issues are usually caused by refractive errors such as farsightedness (also known as hyperopia) or nearsightedness (also known as myopia). If one eye is more hyperopic than the other, the person will see double when looking at something close, or even walk into things because they won’t see them coming.
What is LASIK surgery and how does it work?
LASIK is a refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision errors. The LASIK procedure is performed by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) using a laser to reshape the cornea. These reshaping procedures have been done for over 30 years. The procedure has been modified in recent years to make sure that the eye is properly protected against possible side effects.If you suffer from farsightedness, you’re likely to see better if you have LASIK surgery, because LASIK can correct your vision error. It is important to understand that LASIK is a medical procedure, and there are possible side effects to consider before committing to surgery. It is also important to know that it is not a permanent solution to vision problems. You will need to continue wearing corrective lenses after surgery if you still need them.
The benefits of LASIK surgery
- Improved near-vision: After LASIK, many people experience better reading vision. This is because near-vision is based on the reading ability of your middle-distance vision, which is corrected by LASIK.- Improved distance vision: Some people report that their distance vision has improved after LASIK.- Enhanced contrast and color vision: Some people who have had LASIK report that their color vision has improved after the surgery.- Reduced eye strain: LASIK surgery can reduce eye strain by reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors.- Reduce dependency on corrective lenses: If you have had corrective lenses, then you know how much of a relief it is not to have to put them on every day. A refractive surgery can help reduce your dependency on corrective lenses after surgery.- Enhanced appearance: Some people report that they feel more confident in their appearance after LASIK surgery.
Disadvantages of LASIK surgery
- Decreased night vision: Some people who have had LASIK surgery report that they have lost some night vision.- Temporary dry eye: Some people experience temporary dry eye after LASIK surgery.- Eye floaters: Eye floaters are a common side effect of LASIK surgery. Eye floaters are small strands of tissue that float in your vision. They can be a temporary or permanent side effect.- Eye irritation: Some people experience irritation or other eye symptoms after LASIK.- Eye pain: Eye pain is a possible side effect of LASIK surgery.- Loss of vision: It is important to know that LASIK surgery has a success rate of only around 90%. If you have had complications from the surgery, it can cause permanent vision loss.
Decision to undergo LASIK surgery
If you're considering LASIK surgery to correct your vision, you should know that it's a serious and permanent procedure. It's important to do your research and understand all of the pros and cons of the procedure. It's also important to know that there are no short-term effects from the procedure. If you're in the right frame of mind and ready for the commitment that LASIK surgery requires, then you may want to go ahead and schedule a consultation with a trusted eye doctor. This will give you the chance to ask questions and learn more about the procedure. Once you've chosen a surgeon, you'll meet with them before the operation. This will give you the chance to ask any questions before making a decision about undergoing the procedure.
Choosing the right LASIK surgeon
When you're choosing a surgeon for LASIK surgery, it's important to choose one who is qualified and board certified. You can find a list of LASIK surgeons at your local hospital or eye care center, or you can use a search engine and type in “LASIK surgeons near me.” You can also get recommendations from friends or family members who have had the procedure done. If you've decided to have the surgery, then a good idea is to have several candidates perform an evaluation on you to get an idea of how much each one charges for the procedure. You also want to make sure that you get the opportunity to ask questions and find out what to expect during and after the operation.
Bottom line
LASIK surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can correct refractive errors (like nearsightedness or farsightedness) by reshaping the cornea. However, it is important to remember that the operation is not a permanent solution for vision problems. It’s important to do your research and find the right surgeon, and also to understand all of the pros and cons of the procedure. If you’re in the right frame of mind and ready for the commitment that LASIK surgery requires, then you may want to go ahead and schedule a consultation with a trusted eye doctor.