Many Americans would like to have the benefit of clear vision without having to wear glasses or contact lenses. For those who lead an active lifestyle, glasses are a nuisance and carry a risk of being lost or broken. For these people, contact lenses may be far more convenient, but they too have risks of eye infection and scarring. LASIK surgery provides a viable solution to this problem. Many surgeons are opting for this procedure to improve their own vision, and recommending it to friends and family. Like any surgical procedure, LASIK surgery does carry risks, although these are minimal. To minimize the danger of complications, an experienced LASIK doctor will give your eyes a thorough examination prior to surgery, to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.
How Does LASIK Work?
LASIK is an acronym for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. It is a type of refractive surgery, using a laser to treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
The procedure reshapes the cornea, which is the clear “front window” of the eye that bends, or refracts, the light coming in to the eye and focuses it on the retina. The retina is the sensory membrane at the back of the eye that sends signals via the optic nerve for the brain to form a picture. Writing for AllAboutVision.com, Dr. Brian S. Boxer Wachler outlines a comprehensive guide to LASIK surgery. The aim of the surgery is to optimize the shape of the cornea so that the light coming into the eye is properly focused on the retina for clearer vision. In many cases, it eliminates the need for eyeglasses entirely.
The LASIK Surgical Procedure
Prior to surgery, the LASIK doctor will examine your eyes thoroughly. He will ascertain whether they are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Every person’s eyes are unique, and the shape and thickness of the cornea need to be measured precisely. Any refractive or other eye conditions are evaluated. All this data is critical to the success of the procedure.
LASIK surgery is virtually painless and eye drops are used to numb the eye before surgery. The laser is positioned over the eye and an instrument called a speculum is used to keep the eyelids open. A suction ring is applied to the front of the eye to prevent any movement during surgery.
The surgeon creates a hinged flap that opens up the front layer of the cornea. The excimer laser is computer programmed using the data from your pre-surgery eye examination, and it then goes to work on the job of reshaping the cornea by removing small amounts of tissue. After completion, the corneal flap is replaced.
The entire procedure can take less than 15 min to complete on both eyes. Patients have reported improved vision within one or two days after the operation.
Endorsement of LASIK by Surgeons
Modern surgical techniques make use of automated medical equipment that enables the use of minimally invasive surgery. This is high-precision work that requires intense concentration and excellent vision. Good eyesight is one of a surgeon’s most treasured attributes.
Ursula Pari, writing for ABC KSAT news, reports on a study conducted among 250 surgeons who all qualified for LASIK treatment. In a notable endorsement of the procedure, almost 63 percent said they would choose LASIK to correct their vision.
LASIK eye procedures are the most common elective medical procedure. Take advantage of this technology to improve your vision and do away with the need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.
For more information about LASIK and what an affordable choice it is, contact us at 1-888-498-2020 and download this eBook to learn about the top 3 LASIK Myths.