For people who need corrective lenses, LASIK surgery can make a huge difference in their vision. But do you know how this remarkable surgery works? At Southwest Eyecare, our ophthalmologists provide the finest medical care for a wide range of eye conditions, including LASIK. This surgery has made an enormous difference for many of our patients. If you’re interested in LASIK, here’s what you need to know about how it works and whether it’s a good option for you.
How Does LASIK Work?
Knowing what causes vision problems in the first place will help you understand how LASIK corrects vision. The cornea is part of the outer layer of your eye, and even subtle differences in shape can affect how well you see. The cornea’s curve bends the light that enters the eye to narrow the beam, so it hits the retina precisely right. If the curve isn’t the right shape, the light doesn’t land on the retina like it should, resulting in vision problems.
LASIK uses a laser to reshape the cornea, so it can bend the light more accurately, giving the patient vision that is usually 20/20 or even better. It is a quick surgery, generally taking about 30 minutes to complete.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
For the first three or four hours after surgery, you may experience foggy vision. You should take a nap and relax for the rest of the day. Your vision will be much better by the next day, and you may be cleared to return to regular activity the following day.
Some people experience eye irritation and a gritty feeling for a few days, but it’s mild and usually passes quickly. It may take up to six months for your vision to fully stabilize, but most people immediately experience a dramatic improvement.
You should avoid swimming for a week and high-impact activities for two weeks after surgery to protect your eyes. Some people experience dry eyes and glare or halos around lights, but that usually resolves over time.
Benefits of LASIK
LASIK is so effective at improving eyesight that 96% of patients report that they are satisfied with the results. Most people have 20/20 vision after the procedure, and many of them report that they can see better than they could, even with glasses or contacts. The surgery is safe, quick, and effective, with a short recovery time.
The vision changes from LASIK are permanent, so the benefits will last a lifetime. However, your eyes will continue to change as you age, so your vision will probably change too. Roughly 10% of patients will need additional touch-up surgery to adjust for anatomical changes to the eyes over time.
Reasons to Have LASIK
LASIK can’t correct all vision problems, but if you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, it can greatly improve how well you can see. It can change your life and enable you to eliminate corrective lenses completely.
How to Determine If You are a Good Candidate for LASIK
If you’re interested in LASIK, the only way to know if you’re a good candidate is to see an ophthalmologist who is experienced in this type of surgery. They will do an exam and take your medical history to determine if you can safely benefit from LASIK. Some of the factors your doctor will consider include:
- Medical conditions – Certain problems, like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune conditions, can make it more difficult for the eye to heal.
- The health of the eyes – Serious dry eyes, glaucoma, chronic infections, or other issues can cause serious complications.
- Cornea shape and thickness – If your corneas are too thin or irregular, surgery isn’t recommended.
- Medications – Some prescriptions, like corticosteroids, can inhibit healing.
See the World in a New Light: LASIK from Southwest Eyecare Can Change Your Life
The ophthalmologists at Southwest Eyecare are experienced and skilled at improving patients’ eyesight with LASIK. We would love to show you how different the world can look. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!
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