The development of laser use in eye care began as early as the 1970s. From then on, the use of laser was gradually innovated into different treatments that were approved by health authorities in the United States and other countries. One of which is laser eye surgery or LASIK.
LASIK or laser eye surgery is one of the breakthroughs in eye care that helps improve vision and reduce the need for wearing eye glasses or contact lenses. If you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, LASIK could be one of your treatment options.
How LASIK Works
LASIK stands for Laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. The goal of this procedure is to reshape the cornea, so that it would be able to focus light properly into the eye and retina.
During LASIK surgery, the surgeon cuts a thin flap on the cornea using a microkeratome. The flap will be pulled back in order to access the corneal tissue underneath. Using an excimer laser the surgeon will ablate or reshape the cornea. After it reaches the ideal form, the flap will be put back in place without the need for stitches. The procedure is usually done in less than 30 minutes.
Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery
If LASIK is one of the recommended treatment options for correcting your vision or improving it, here are its advantages and why you should consider going for the procedure:
Quick and Less Invasive Treatment
LASIK surgery only takes less than 30 minutes to perform. Because of that, you get improved vision in less time as opposed to undergoing traditional treatments.
Patients are typically allowed to go home after the procedure, and most ophthalmologists estimate that patients can return to their normal routine as soon as the next day following the surgery.
If you want improved vision, but don’t want to wait too long before treatment takes effect, LASIK can be the best choice for you. Because it allows for fast recovery, you don’t need to miss work, school, and activities for a long time.
Convenience
Because LASIK reduces the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses, you can now enjoy activities without those eye gears inhibiting your movement. Because of improved vision, playing sports, driving, reading, and going outdoors become more convenient and fun.
Choosing outfits also becomes less of a chore when you undergo LASIK. Because you no longer have to wear eyeglasses all the time, you can put on whatever clothes you like without worrying whether they will complement your specs or not.
Job Opportunities
There are jobs that require 20-20 vision. LASIK can help you get optimal eye health required for these positions, providing you an opportunity to grow in your career and earn more.
Savings
LASIK surgery can also boost your savings in the long run. Because you no longer have to spend on eyeglasses and contact lenses, you can allot your money on financial goals or more important expenses.
Is LASIK for me?
While LASIK has numerous benefits, it is still not for everyone. To know if it’s a suitable procedure for you, you need to undergo an eye exam and consider some important factors before agreeing to undergo LASIK. These are your:
Risk Tolerance
Generally, LASIK surgery is a safe procedure, but just like any other surgical treatment, it has risks such as:
- Over correction or under correction
- Visual abberations
- Vision loss
- Dry eye symptoms
More so, there are cases when patients who underwent the surgery may still need to wear eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Before you decide to go for LASIK, make sure that you understand the possible complications that can impact your vision and overall eye health.
Career
In some cases, companies don’t allow their employees to undergo LASIK surgeries. While it is a rare practice among organizations and businesses, make sure that you let your employer know that you’re considering the procedure. This way, you’ll know if there is any company policy regarding your situation and the implication it may bring on your career.
Overall Eye Health
Your overall eye condition is a major point of consideration when deciding whether to got for LASIK or not.
Slight changes in prescription are typically normal from time to time. But when your eye condition changes aggressively, LASIK procedure may not be appropriate for you. If you usually get assessments that your eye situation gets more myopic or evidence that you have more astigmatism, you might want to consider other treatment options.
Meanwhile, LASIK is also not advisable for individuals who have existing eye conditions such as corneal disease.
Lifestyle
Flap dislocation can happen when there is significant trauma to the eye. If you regularly participate in contact sports such as boxing, martial arts, or wrestling, LASIK may not be the best treatment for you.
Age
There are no strict rules with as to how old you a person should be before undergoing LASIK surgery. But typically, children below the age of 18 and some older adults are not recommended to undergo treatment.
Young children are usually not yet stable enough to undergo treatment, while older individuals may have already developed cataracts and other eye conditions that make them unsuitable candidates for LASIK.
How to Find the Right LASIK Surgeon
The success of LASIK treatment is partly dependent on the surgeon who will perform the procedure. That’s why it’s important to choose the right specialist who will administer LASIK on you. Here are some tips:
- Do your research. Read up on LASIK as much as possible and gather information about your condition. This way, you can make better and informed decisions, which includes choosing a LASIK surgeon.
- Be wary of too good to be true deals. As mentioned, LASIK surgery has risks, and a reputable and knowledgeable surgeon will never guarantee that you will get perfect vision after the procedure.
- Conduct a background check. Find out the reputation of a potential surgeon and determine if he has the appropriate training on performing laser surgery. Ask about the outcomes of LASIK procedures he has done in the past and see if the center he practices in has the technology to meet your needs. In addition, make sure that the doctor will be available after treatment in case complications arise.
Thanks to modern times and technological advancements, improved vision can now be addressed within minutes. If you’re considering LASIK, it’s important to learn about why it’s done, how it works, its benefits, and risks. When you have a clear understanding of what LASIK is, you will be able to make the best choice for your condition.
