Are you considering LASIK eye surgery to improve your vision? As an expert in this field, I can tell you that it's important to talk to your doctor about your options and whether you are a good candidate for this type of laser eye surgery. Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a popular procedure that can help reduce your dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. But what exactly is LASIK and how does it work? Read on to learn more about this safe and effective elective surgical procedure. LASIK is a type of eye surgery that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the transparent covering of the front of the eye. This reshaping of the cornea helps to improve vision and reduce a person's need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
During the procedure, a special type of cutting laser is used to precisely alter the shape of the cornea. Most people who undergo LASIK surgery will have good to excellent vision in most situations, for many years or decades. Before a LASIK procedure, an eye doctor will evaluate detailed eye measurements and assess the overall health of the eye. Certain medical conditions, not related to the eyes, can increase the risks associated with LASIK surgery or make the outcome less predictable. Additionally, thin or irregular corneas, as well as certain eye diseases such as glaucoma, are likely to disqualify patients from LASIK surgery. The entire LASIK procedure is performed entirely within the layers of the cornea, without affecting any other part of the eye.
Anesthetic eye drops are given throughout the procedure and valium or other sedative medication is available. The entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes and is relatively painless. After LASIK surgery, it is normal for eyes to feel dry, sensitive to light, or irritated as they heal. This recovery period is to be expected and should not last more than a few days. For people with presbyopia, LASIK cannot correct vision so that one eye can see both up close and far. Since its approval by the FDA in 1999, more than 19 million LASIK procedures have been performed in the United States alone.
While there are some risks associated with any type of elective surgical procedure, most people who undergo LASIK surgery will have good to excellent vision in most situations for many years or decades.
What Is Involved in a LASIK Procedure?
The entire LASIK procedure is performed entirely within the layers of the cornea without affecting any other part of the eye. Anesthetic eye drops are given throughout the procedure and valium or other sedative medication may be available if needed. The entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes and is relatively painless.Who Is Eligible for LASIK Surgery?
Before undergoing any type of elective surgical procedure, it's important to make sure that you are eligible for it. Your doctor will evaluate detailed eye measurements and assess your overall health before recommending LASIK surgery.Additionally, thin or irregular corneas, as well as certain eye diseases such as glaucoma, are likely to disqualify patients from undergoing this type of laser eye surgery.
What Is Recovery Like After LASIK Surgery?
After undergoing LASIK surgery, it's normal for eyes to feel dry, sensitive to light, or irritated as they heal. For people with presbyopia, LASIK cannot correct vision so that one eye can see both up close and far.Conclusion
If you're tired of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may be wondering if LASIK surgery is right for you. As an expert in this field, I can tell you that it's important to talk to your doctor about your options and whether you are a good candidate for this type of laser eye surgery. Since its approval by the FDA in 1999, more than 19 million procedures have been performed in the United States alone.While there are some risks associated with any type of elective surgical procedure, most people who undergo LASIK surgery will have good to excellent vision in most situations for many years or decades.
