LASIK: The Procedure That’s Definitely Worth It for Your Eyes
August 24th, 2023
LASIK is a fantastic vision correction procedure that can provide you with greater visual freedom. But is it worth it?Â
Keep reading to learn why LASIK is definitely worth it for your eyes!
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a specific type of laser eye surgery. It’s a very effective procedure that can correct several types of vision problems known as refractive errors.
If your vision without glasses or contact lenses is blurry, it’s likely due to a refractive error. Refraction describes the bending of light rays as they pass through the lens of your eye.
The eye’s lens focuses light on your retina, a thin layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of your eye. The retina translates light into signals carried along the optic nerve to the brain, which interprets them as visual images.
When the lens has difficulty focusing light on the retina, the result is blurry vision. The shape of your eye is often the culprit.
Refractive errors are very common. An eye exam diagnoses refractive error, typically corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
There are three common types of refractive errors: nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Nearsightedness is when distant objects appear blurry.
Farsightedness is when close objects appear blurry. Astigmatism affects both distant and close-up vision, making objects blurry.
All three of these refractive errors can usually be corrected with LASIK surgery.
What Happens During LASIK?
LASIK changes the cornea’s curve, the dome-shaped, transparent, protective outer layer of the eye. During LASIK, your LASIK surgeon creates a flap in the cornea and then uses a laser to reshape the cornea, which corrects the refractive error.
LASIK provides permanent refraction correction. After LASIK, it’s likely you will be able to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses.
The first step is a comprehensive eye exam. Your pupils will be dilated with drops so your eye doctor can make the best evaluation possible and ensure you’re a good candidate for LASIK.
Dry eye, pupil size, the degree of your refraction error, and any other concerns that may affect your outcomes will all be part of the evaluation. Your eye doctor will discuss your full medical history to rule out conditions that could slow your healing, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases.
On the day of your LASIK procedure, you’ll be given numbing eye drops to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. Next, your LASIK surgeon will use a specialized laser to create a small flap on the surface of the cornea.
This will provide access to the inner layer of the cornea, which will be reshaped. Because the incision is a flap, the tissue remains attached.
It’s folded back during LASIK and then repositioned after the procedure. It will naturally reattach during your recovery.
A second laser will reshape the cornea. LASIK is a quick procedure, taking only a few minutes.
Who Can Have LASIK?
In order to get LASIK, you must first qualify for the procedure. To determine if you qualify for the procedure and are a good candidate, you must first schedule a LASIK consultation at Laser Eye Center.
Certain eye conditions may make you not a good candidate for LASIK, including:
- Keratoconus
- Eye infections like keratitis
- Dry eye
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Large pupils
Additionally, having too thin corneas, an unstable glasses prescription, or being pregnant or nursing may cause you to not be a good candidate for LASIK.
Why is LASIK worth it?
While the cost of LASIK may be more than you’d typically spend on yourself, it’s an investment in your future. Once you add up the years of paying for new prescription glasses, disposable contacts, lens solutions, and all the additional costs, you’ll notice that LASIK can be a smart investment.
Do you want to learn if you may be a candidate for LASIK? Schedule a LASIK evaluation at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL, today!
