For people who are nearsighted but are otherwise healthy in the eye
LASIK surgery is a rather painless, safe, and quick procedure which
will most likely bring dramatic improvements to visual acuity. It may
even become possible to throw away tiresome glasses and bothersome
contact lenses and see quite clearly without them.
For
patients with other visual problems of the eye LASIK surgery may not be
the solution. The overall shape of the eye determines visual acuity and
this surgical procedure works in such a way as to correct the elongated
eyeball that causes nearsightedness (myopia).
Patients who
are farsighted, have astigmatism, or have visual problems associated
with the aging process may not be successful candidates for this
surgical procedure. In patients who experience farsightedness or
accurate vision in one eye and nearsightedness in the other eye LASIK
surgery may bring balance to vision and eliminate the need for
corrective lenses.
The surgery takes about 15 minutes, only
eye drops are needed to numb the eye during surgery, and the patient
remains awake and alert throughout. There are no stitches to heal, no
wound or bleeding to treat, and recovery is quick with results almost
immediately seen. Complete recovery, with stabilized vision, may take
as long as six months.
Nevertheless, there are risks and less than desirable long-term effects associated with this procedure.
The
possibility of corneal infection is always a possibility as is scarring
that may leave a blurred spot in the vision. Scarring may also
eliminate the option of wearing contact lenses if the surgery doesn’t
achieve 20/20 vision once recovery is complete.
For
middle-aged patients who need reading glasses to correct the problems
associated with the aging of the eye LASIK surgery is likely to improve
any nearsightedness but the need for reading glasses will most likely
remain. Younger patients may gain freedom from corrective lenses but
may likely require reading glasses once they reach their mid-40s.
Many
patients report problems with night driving, glare, and haloes around
lighted objects. In some cases, these issues clear up over time but
others experience them on a permanent basis.
Dryness and
scratchiness, sensitivity to light, and permanent vision loss are also
problems also associated with this surgical procedure.
Med-Help is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.