Common Eye Surgeries: Cataract Surgery and LASIK
December 21st, 2016
The common types of eye surgeries include cataract surgery and LASIK. Both procedures help patients overcome vision problems so they can improve the quality of life. Perhaps a person has blurred vision because of a cataract or is simply tired of wearing contact lenses or glasses. No matter what the reason is, surgeries can help correct these issues.
Cataract Surgery
A cataract is a common age-related condition that affects the lens of the eye. The lens becomes cloudy, making it difficult to see well enough to carry out everyday tasks. Glare is one major complaint of patients with cataracts because light scatters instead of focusing on the retina. If a cataract isn’t treated, then the problem progresses. This means the lens becomes cloudier and cloudier. If a patient waits to have surgery, then the lens can become more difficult to remove. When a lens is removed, a plastic lens replaces it.
Due to cataracts being an age-related issue, not being able to see can increase an elderly person’s chances of an accident. After surgery, clearer vision reduces the chances of falls resulting in hip fractures and car accidents that can be fatal. The best way to determine whether cataract surgery is the right solution for you is to consult with your surgeon to discuss your condition and your options.
LASIK
LASIK is a popular vision correction surgery. It is effective because it involves the use of a laser that reshapes the cornea to improve vision. The surgery can correct nearly any refractive vision issue, such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. The benefits can be life changing, but the procedure isn’t meant for everyone. It takes a thorough examination to determine if you are a candidate. If you are, then the risks and benefits of the surgery will be reviewed.
Some of the benefits of LASIK include:
- No more having to wear glasses or contact lenses, thus eliminating the long-term cost.
- No more having to worry that you are going to lose a contact.
- You can wake up in the morning and immediately see.
- Performance at certain activities, such as sports, can improve.
LASIK can also restore peripheral vision. It is about more than just convenience in this case. Quality of life improves when a person doesn’t have to worry about corrective lenses.
Recovery Times
The recovery time for LASIK is rather fast. The procedure only takes minutes, so it makes sense that it won’t take long to get back to normal. Cataract surgery takes longer to recover from, but the time isn’t unreasonable. Vision improvement is seen within a matter of days. The healing process is monitored for approximately a month. There may be some mild discomfort and itching a couple of days following the surgery, but that is normal.
Cataract surgery and LASIK are two types of vision correction surgery that can yield great results. If you are having vision problems, it is ideal to have an exam so the problem can be isolated and the right solution discussed. When you can see clearer, you see the world as it is meant to be seen.
If you are interested in cataract or LASIK surgery, be sure to contact Dr. Lee in Decatur and Huntsville, AL!
