Understanding LASIK Surgery: Who Is It For?

By Arl Adoreno   

 

What is LASIK surgery and what conditions does it correct? What are the limitations and the risks involved in such a procedure? Are there any long-term side effects that may result from the operation? To better understand if LASIK surgery can help improve your vision, here are some things you definitely need to know.

LASIK Surgery 101

LASIK stands for "laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis", a surgical procedure that can be used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (blurred vision). It involves reshaping the patient's cornea to remove his or her dependency on glasses and/or contact lenses.
LASIK surgery is fast and painless. The whole procedure can be completed within 15 to 20 minutes (for both eyes) and results can be seen within 24 hours. In addition, the results of the surgery are permanent. It is not uncommon for LASIK patients to enjoy a 20/20 vision after the surgery. As such, most people prefer it over other vision corrective therapies.

Who Is It For?

Basically, LASIK surgery is ideal for people who are:

• Over 18 years of age
• Have stable visionfor at least two years prior to the surgery. However, if your prescription is unusually high, your doctor may advise you against having the procedure.
• Have healthy eyes.You should have a healthy cornea, retina and eye pressure before undergoing surgery. Your cornea should likewise be of sufficient thickness to ensure good results. Patients with pupils larger than 8.5 mm in the dark and those with corneal scarring will not be considered as good candidates for LASIK treatment.
• Free from any pre-existing eye diseases. Dry eyes syndrome, cataract, advanced glaucoma and keratoconus can get you rejected.
• In good health.Patients with autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease, diabetes, hepatitis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are not advised to undergo LASIK surgery. Likewise, patients who have HIV or AIDS and/or a recent history of ocular herpes are not considered ideal candidates for such a procedure.
• Not pregnant.Pregnant or lactating mothers are not encouraged to undergo the procedure.

Limitations, Risks and Side Effects

LASIK surgery is designed to correct vision problems such as astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. It does not guarantee that you will totally have no need for glasses as you age.
Since LASIK is a surgical procedure, there is always a certain degree of risk involved. Among the complications and side effects associated with the procedure includes the following:

• Temporary discomfort
• Minor vision disturbances (glare, hazy vision and dry eye symptom)
• Flap complications (irregular astigmatism, epithelial ingrowth, diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK), keratectasia or keratoconus)
• Dry eyes
• Incomplete corrections (under- or over-correction and residual astigmatism)
• Infection

LASIK surgery is one of the most effective and most sought after procedures that can be used to correct a patient's vision. Will it be able to help you correct your problem? Consult a qualified LASIK surgeon to know if it is right for you.

For more information on LASIK surgery and other available vision correction procedures, please visit 20/20 Image Eye Centers. They can help put your life in better focus!

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