Is LASIK right for you?
With all the advertisements that suggest that LASIK eye surgery allows you to throw your glasses away, it is easy to think that once you have the procedure done, your eyes will be perfect forever. But this is not the case. There is more to it than meets the eye.
It is true that LASIK has allowed many people to see clearly without glasses, but it is also true that not everyone should have this surgery. Conditions such as thin corneas, dry eyes or astigmatism could exclude you from being a perfect candidate for the operation. Also, someone with a disease that hinders the healing process, such as diabetes, may be cause for elimination from consideration.
Even if a person is deemed a viable candidate, issues may still arise. Although less than 1% of patients experience severe vision problems, patients can experience other less critical concerns, such as halos or glare around lights. Most problems are resolved in the months after the surgery, but it is still important to be aware of the risks before undergoing the procedure.
Also, LASIK does not protect against age-related issues such as presbyopia. After the age of 40, the eye’s lens loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on near images. Even if a person’s sight is corrected to 20/20, chances are, he or she will still need reading glasses at some point. Newer surgical procedures have been introduced to treat this condition, but in general, most people can look forward to reading glasses even after they have laser eye surgery.
Vision correction has come a long way since the days that surgeons made spoke-like incisions, known as RK, in the eye to alter the shape of the cornea and thus, improve sight. Today, there are many different procedures being performed to help people see better. With all the choices available, it makes sense to consult with an experienced professional and learn about all of your options. Your eyesight is precious. Trust it to someone who will treat it as such.