LASIK surgery is a surgical procedure that uses an advanced laser to reshape the surface of the cornea. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the surgery.
It is a popular choice for patients looking for an affordable and effective solution to their vision problems. However, it’s not right for everyone. LASIK surgery is only appropriate for people who:
- Have healthy eyes with no corneal problems (such as dry eye)
- Are nearsighted or farsighted — that is, they cannot see clearly without glasses
- Can tolerate the risks associated with the procedure
LASIK surgery is not right for everyone. It’s important to weigh the benefits and risks of the surgery before deciding whether it’s right for you.
If you have a high prescription or are nearsighted, then LASIK is the best option for you. If you have shallow corneas, then LASIK surgery may not be suitable for you.
Who should have LASIK surgery?
LASIK is a great choice for many people. It’s especially effective for those with high prescriptions in their glasses or contacts.
The FDA has approved LASIK for use in people who have:
- Nearsightedness or farsightedness that’s not corrected by reading glasses or contact lenses
- Moderate astigmatism that’s not corrected by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Very high myopia (nearsightedness) that’s not correctable with reading glasses, contact lenses, or laser treatment alone.
Though this eye surgery is a great solution for many people, it’s not right for everyone. Your ophthalmologist can help you determine if it’s right for you. The surgery involves making tiny incisions in the cornea — the clear front part of the eye — and then reshaping it with a laser device. Some people see better immediately after treatment. Others may experience some post-operative discomfort before their eyes heal fully.
Who cannot have LASIK surgery?
LASIK surgery is generally considered safe, but it’s important to discuss any concerns you might have with your eye doctor. For example, if you have any additional medical conditions that could be affected by the LASIK procedure, your doctor will probably recommend waiting until those conditions improve before having it done.
In general, people who are over 40 years old or have other medical conditions should not have LASIK surgery unless they need help correcting vision that isn’t correctable with glasses or contact lenses. People who have been taking corticosteroids for at least two years should not have LASIK surgery because this could increase the risk of serious side effects such as cataracts and glaucoma. If you’re considering LASIK surgery and haven’t yet had children (or if you gave birth within the past year), consider delaying getting the treatment until after menopause so your body can recover from pregnancy-related changes in hormones and cells related to reproduction.
You do not qualify for LASIK if you:
- Have a history of serious eye disease, including keratoconus, corneal scarring, or other conditions that prevent your cornea from forming a smooth, clean surface.
- Have had any corneal transplants within the past 5 years.
- Have diabetes with poor blood circulation to the eye.
- Have glaucoma, an eye disease in which fluid builds up in the eyeball (glaucoma).
- Have cataracts that make your vision blurry or hazy.
- Are not okay with the price of LASIK eye surgery, which can range anywhere from $1000 to $4000.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding. LASIK can permanently affect your vision if you are pregnant or breastfeeding at the time of your procedure. The risks associated with laser vision correction during pregnancy are unknown and may include problems with the baby’s heart rate, growth, and development, premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, premature delivery, etc.
- Are under 18 years old as your cornea is still developing.
- Have very thin corneas, which are not suitable for making incisions. In this case, other surgeries like PRK or ICL eye surgery can be opted for.
- Have significant astigmatism in both eyes.
- Have active ocular inflammation or uveitis.
Reputed institutes such as the Kraff Eye Institute can help you better determine how fit, if at all, a LASIK surgery is going to be for you, including its medical feasibility.
In conclusion
LASIK surgery is a surgical procedure that uses an advanced laser to reshape the surface of the cornea. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the surgery.
If you have slight to moderate nearsightedness, or if you’re over 40 and want to get rid of your glasses, LASIK is a good choice. If you’re highly nearsighted and have trouble seeing clearly at night or in low-light conditions, contact an eye doctor who can evaluate your situation and recommend whether LASIK is right for you.
It is an alternative to glasses and contact lenses. It is a process that reshapes the cornea using laser technology. LASIK surgery is also called refractive surgery or laser vision correction. LASIK is the most common refractive surgery in America. It’s a great way to improve your vision and improve your quality of life.
Its advantages include:
- Better vision
- Improved quality of life
- No glasses or contact lenses needed for reading, driving, or sports activities
- Less eye pain and discomfort than with traditional cataract surgery
- A lower risk of dry eyes, especially for people who have not had cataract surgery before.
Many people who have LASIK say that after having the procedure, their eyes feel more comfortable and less dry than they did before. They may also notice that they can see better outdoors in bright sunlight than they could before LASIK.
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