Looking to ditch your glasses?
LASIK eye surgery is a popular procedure for those who want to improve their vision and reduce their dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
While it offers life-changing results for many, it’s essential to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
This article covers everything from how LASIK works, to its benefits, risks, and candidacy requirements.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK is an FDA-approved laser procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It uses advanced technology for precise and efficient vision correction.
The procedure is short and safe, making it a popular way to correct vision. Most patients are done in less than half an hour.
The Benefits of LASIK
About 700,000 Americans have LASIK done every year, and for good reason. LASIK offers many benefits, which include…
Ditch the Glasses
The most sought-after benefit of LASIK surgery is improved vision. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, significantly reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Quick Recovery
Another benefit of the procedure is a quick recovery. LASIK eye surgery is minimally invasive, with most people returning to normal activities and improved vision within 24-48 hours. Within a few weeks, most people will be completely healed.
Potential Lifelong Savings
A sometimes forgotten benefit is savings. While the upfront cost can be significant, LASIK often proves more economical than years of purchasing glasses or contact lenses.
Potential Risks of LASIK Eye Surgery
As with any medical procedure, LASIK comes with potential risks and complications. Most risks are temporary, but some can have a lifelong impact.
Temporary Discomfort
The most common complication of LASIK is temporary discomfort. Some patients experience dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights during healing. These symptoms usually go away within a few weeks, sometimes months.
You should wear sunglasses for at least a week after correction. Sunglasses will protect your sensitive eyes and help them maintain moisture while they heal.
Over or Under-Correction
Another potential problem is over or under-correction. In rare cases, additional procedures may be needed to achieve optimal results. Some people will have permanently under-corrected eyes and still rely on corrective lenses. Others will only need glasses for certain activities, like night driving.
Another potential issue with LASIK is that your eyes can continue to change as you age. If you have LASIK when you are young, some people will need glasses or another procedure 10-20 years after surgery.
Permanence
One of LASIK’s biggest advantages is also its greatest risk: it’s permanent. Unlike glasses or contact lenses, the results can’t be reversed. While this ensures long-lasting vision correction, it also means that any complications cannot be undone.As with all life-changing operations, discussing the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare professional, preferably the one who will operate, is best.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for LASIK?
If you’ve decided that you’re interested in LASIK based on the benefits and low risks, the next step is finding out if you’re a good candidate. Not everyone’s eyes are suitable for LASIK surgery.
To have LASIK, you must meet the following criteria:
Age
You must be a legal adult to have LASIK performed on your eyes. Even if you meet the other criteria, you can’t be under 18.
Not only does the FDA prohibit LASIK for minors, but it also isn’t wise because hormonal changes, growth, and other factors can significantly impact eyes during the teenage years. Performing LASIK on changing eyes could cause long-term problems and be dangerous.
Stable Prescription
Most people will not have just one prescription in their lifetime. As we age, our eyesight often changes. To be a good candidate for corrective eye surgery, you must have a stable prescription for at least a year.
If you have had the same prescription for a year or more, you could be a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery.
Eye Health
Your eyes must be healthy to undergo LASIK. If you have a temporary infection or injury, you can still be a candidate once fully healed. Other long-term conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eyes, can affect eligibility.
Corneal Thickness
Part of the LASIK procedure involves cutting a flap on your cornea to work under. Your cornea has to be thick enough to support the cut and not sustain permanent damage.
An ophthalmologist will check to see if your cornea is between 450 and 600 microns. If it is, and you meet the other criteria, you will be cleared for surgery.
General Health
Your overall health is also essential to consider when considering LASIK. Your eyes may have difficulty healing if you have other conditions or illnesses. Certain autoimmune disorders and diabetes are the most common diseases that prevent approval for LASIK.
How to Decide if LASIK Surgery is Right for You
Deciding whether to proceed with LASIK surgery requires careful consideration of your vision needs, lifestyle, and medical history. Here are some steps to guide your decision:
- Consult a Specialist: Consult an experienced LASIK surgeon to assess your eligibility.
- Ask Questions: Clarify your concerns, such as expected outcomes, risks, and recovery details.
- Weigh the Pros and Cons: Consider how LASIK aligns with your goals and whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Once you have talked with an ophthalmologist, considered your life, and considered the risks and benefits through your own personal lens, you can more easily decide if LASIK is right for you.
What’s Next?
LASIK surgery has transformed the lives of millions by offering clearer vision and greater freedom from corrective lenses. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. A thorough consultation with a trusted LASIK specialist will help determine the right choice.
