Vision problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness are a lot more common than you might think. Fortunately, technology keeps advancing, and nowadays there’s a way to permanently treat all kinds of refractive errors: LASIK. But how can you tell if you qualify for LASIK?
In order to find out, you’ll need to undergo something called a laser eye surgery consultation. As part of this process, your optometrist will need to verify your age, medical history, and overall eye health. If you’re over the age of 18 with a stable prescription and good medical health, you’ll likely qualify for LASIK.
What Is LASIK?
Refractive errors like nearsightedness and farsightedness develop due to a problem with the length of the eye or the curve of your cornea that causes light to bend improperly as it enters the eye. This improper bending leads to the tell-tale blurry vision that often means a person needs glasses.
Usually, you can use eyeglasses and contacts to treat refractive errors. Both glasses and contacts adjust light before it reaches your eye, allowing you to enjoy clear vision. However, neither of these options is a permanent solution; they only work as long as you’re actually wearing corrective lenses. But what if you’re looking for a long-term solution?
This is when LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, comes into play. LASIK is laser-assisted surgery designed to change the shape of your cornea. It precisely reshapes this tissue so your eye can refract light properly, thereby removing your refractive error and giving you clearer vision. Once LASIK is complete, you’ll be able to see comfortably without the need for corrective lenses.
LASIK is often an excellent approach to dealing with refractive errors. It’s a quick surgery with almost immediate results, and with its high success rate, it has transformed the lives of millions of people.
Who Is Eligible for LASIK?
There is a catch with LASIK—not everybody qualifies for this surgery. It does have some specific requirements to determine whether it will be safe for you.
Typically, eligibility requires a person to:
- Be at least 18 years or older and under the age of 70
- Have a prescription that’s remained stable for at least 1 year
- Not be experiencing other eye conditions (like cataracts or dry eyes)
- Not be pregnant or nursing
- Be in good overall health
Your cornea also needs to be thick enough to withstand the alterations. If your cornea is too thin or damaged, you’ll need to consider alternative options.
Before any decisions are made, you’ll need to book a laser eye surgery consultation with your optometrist. They’ll perform a comprehensive examination to determine if you meet the above criteria. If you do, they’ll refer you to an experienced surgeon nearby.
What to Expect from LASIK
If your optometrist believes that LASIK is right for you, don’t worry—the process is significantly easier than you might think. It all starts the moment you arrive.
Before LASIK
Your optometrist will give you some preparation advice before your surgery. Typically, you’ll be advised not to wear contact lenses for the weeks leading up to the surgery—some contacts may slightly change the resting shape of your cornea and affect the results of your surgery.
Before you enter the exam room, you’ll receive numbing eye drops. These drops help keep you comfortable, as you’ll be awake throughout the surgery. If you receive any other instructions from your optometrist or surgeon, make sure to listen! Ask any questions if you have them; your comfort is paramount to the success of your procedure.
During LASIK
Once you enter the surgery room, you’ll be guided to the table. The surgery itself is simpler than you may expect. During LASIK, your surgeon will:
- Give you a mild sedative (if needed) to make sure you’re comfortable.
- Create a small flap in the cornea, likely using a precise laser.
- Lift this flap to expose the underlying corneal tissue.
- Use another laser to carefully reshape the cornea. This stage is crucial, so it’s performed using an extremely precise machine-controlled laser.
- Gently reposition the flap to cover the surgery site.
Once the surgery is complete, the flap will adhere to the underlying tissue without the need for stitches. Your surgeon will carefully examine their work, and then you’re done! The entire process takes around 30 minutes.
After LASIK
Immediately after your surgery, you’ll need to rest for a short period. You’ll receive a protective shield to cover your eyes, which you should wear for a few hours (or as otherwise advised) in order to keep your eyes safe while the corneal flap seals closed.
Your surgeon will give you antibacterial eye drops to use for the weeks following your surgery. These drops help prevent infection and encourage your own natural healing process. For the first few days after your surgery, you may experience some grittiness or discomfort; avoid rubbing your eyes so you don’t affect the recovery process.
Within a few days, you’ll start noticing improvements in your vision. Your optometrist will have you return for a few follow-up appointments over the next few months. Once healed, you’ll be able to enjoy long-lasting clear vision!
Are You Eligible for LASIK?
If you’re dealing with vision problems, come see our team at Total Vision Sports Arena. We can examine your eyes and help you find the right approach for your vision. Whether eyeglasses, contacts, or LASIK is the right choice, we’re here to help you keep your vision clear. Book an appointment with us today!
