You may have heard of LASIK surgery as a way to improve your vision, but it's not suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, or cataracts, can affect the results of the surgery. Additionally, if you have had any eye infections or injuries in the past year, you should not have LASIK surgery. Infections and injuries can leave scars on the cornea that can have harmful effects.
The decision to undergo LASIK surgery requires reflection and evaluation. The procedure involves cutting a small flap in the cells on the surface of the cornea to reshape the cornea below it. It can be frightening to think about having eye surgery and staying awake during it. To help ease nerves, patients can be given Valium.
The laser is also designed to turn off if the patient's eye makes any sudden movement that could cause an error or injury. Many patients find this possibility to be life-changing and a way to enjoy even basic activities that were previously hindered by poor vision. However, it's important to note that the flaps created during LASIK are not insured, so patients should not rub their eyes while they heal. If contact occurs, see your eye doctor right away.
People with a higher prescription before surgery are more likely to see a slight decline in vision quality over time, a condition known as myopic regression. Lasik ads often promise to stop wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, but this isn't always the case. During a consultation, an eye doctor can confirm if you are a candidate for LASIK regardless of your age. Insurance usually doesn't cover LASIK surgery, so some people may choose to save and pay for it through a flexible spending account.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that only 1 percent of people who choose LASIK surgery experience long-term complications. However, others say the real number could be much higher due to difficult and long-term side effects. Bilateral and simultaneous LASIK is not best for patients because they may have presbyopia, in which the lens of the eye stiffens and makes it difficult to see up close (LASIK alters the cornea, not the lens). LASIK surgery isn't cheap, but many consider it a smart financial investment for long-term eye care.
Another similar surgery known as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) may be better for people with high prescriptions or very thin corneas. Thousands of people have connected to a Facebook group created by Paula Cofer who underwent LASIK surgery two decades ago. Remember that Optima Eye offers funding through CareCredit so if your doubts are due to the fact that you don't have the money available in a lump sum, paying for LASIK surgery now may be more feasible than you thought. Dr Manoj Motwani, a San Diego eye doctor who has performed LASIK surgery for more than 20 years has not had any patients who have had serious and permanent eye problems.
