Have you been reaching for your glasses or contact lenses while wondering if there’s a simpler way to see clearly? LASIK surgery aims to provide freedom from corrective eyewear, but deciding if it’s right for you requires understanding the procedure, its benefits, and whether you’re an ideal candidate.
LASIK is an excellent vision correction option if:
- You have a stable, mild-to-moderate refractive error.
- You are over the age of 20 and your eyes have finished growing.
- You do not have any major eye conditions.
What is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of refractive eye surgery designed to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Using advanced laser technology, a surgeon reshapes the cornea to improve how light is refracted onto the retina, resulting in sharper, clearer vision. But how exactly does it work?
How LASIK Works:
- Creating a corneal flap: The surgeon uses a precision laser or blade to create a thin flap in the cornea, the eye’s outermost layer.
- Reshaping the cornea: The underlying corneal tissue is reshaped using an excimer laser to correct the way light enters the eye, improving focus.
- Repositioning the flap: The corneal flap is gently placed back, acting as a natural bandage as the eye heals.
This painless procedure is typically completed in under 15 minutes per eye, with patients often resuming normal activities within about one week.
LASIK surgery is a great option for individuals with:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
Who Should Get LASIK?
LASIK isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While many adults with refractive errors are eligible, several factors determine whether you’re a good candidate.
Ideal LASIK Candidates
- Have a stable vision prescription. Ideally, your visual prescription will have stayed the same for at least a year prior to getting LASIK.
- Your prescription is mild/moderate. People with extreme prescriptions might not benefit as much from LASIK.
- Your eyes are finished growing in length and your cornea shape has stabilized. Eyes usually finish growing around the age of 20.
- Do not have any eye conditions like severe dry eyes, cataracts, or keratoconus, which may disqualify you.
Situations That Might Limit Suitability
- Hormonal changes can temporarily affect vision and change corneal shape, so if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may want to delay LASIK.
- Some health conditions can make LASIK a bad option. Diseases like diabetes or autoimmune disorders may affect healing.
- While LASIK achieves remarkable results, it doesn’t promise perfect vision for everyone. If you expect LASIK to fix all of your current and future visual problems, you may want to reconsider.
Consulting with an experienced eye surgeon is crucial to assess whether LASIK is the best choice for your eyes.
The Benefits of LASIK Surgery
There’s a reason LASIK is such a popular choice for vision correction. The benefits extend far beyond improved clarity.
Quick & Lasting Results
Many patients notice sharper vision within 24 hours of surgery. For most, these results last until they are in their 60 – 70’s, with minimal need for enhancement procedures.
Convenience
No more searching for glasses or dealing with dry, irritating contact lenses. LASIK offers a simpler, hassle-free lifestyle.
Safe & Proven
With decades of advancements, LASIK is widely regarded as a safe and effective surgery for many people.
Cost-Effective
While the upfront cost of LASIK may seem high, it’s a one-time investment compared to the lifetime expenses of prescription eyewear.
Boosted Confidence
From your morning workout to weddings and vacations, living without glasses or lenses can be life-changing, boosting convenience and confidence.
What Are the Risks of LASIK?
No medical procedure is without risks, and it’s important to weigh the potential downsides of LASIK.
Here are some common side effects of getting LASIK surgery:
- Temporary dry eyes: This is the most common post-surgery complaint and typically resolves within several months.
- Night vision issues: Halo effects around lights or glare are common in the weeks following surgery.
- Mild discomfort: A scratchy feeling in the eyes may persist temporarily.
While extremely rare, there are some risks including infection, overcorrection/undercorrection of your refractive error, and issues with the corneal flap. Luckily, less than 1% of patients who undergo LASIK surgery experience complications.
Exploring Alternatives to LASIK
If you’re not a candidate for LASIK or wary about undergoing surgery, there are other vision correction options to consider:
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Often used when LASIK isn’t suitable, PRK uses lasers to reshape the cornea without creating a flap like LASIK does.
- ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): Used for patients who are not candidates for laser vision correction, surgical implants are placed inside the eye between the iris and the natural lens.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): This surgery is ideal for individuals with presbyopia or extreme prescriptions who may not benefit from LASIK.
Your ophthalmologist can help assess which option aligns best with your vision needs and goals.
Find Clear Vision
LASIK surgery is an effective surgery that has allowed many people freedom from prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. However, the decision to undergo LASIK should be made after thorough research and consultation with an experienced eye care specialist.
At Vector Eye Centre, we offer a variety of surgical treatment options to meet your eye care needs. Schedule a consultation today, and our professional staff will walk you through your surgical options to help you find the right eye care solution for you.
