Fix Your Myopia through LASIK Surgery
It’s estimated that myopia, or nearsightedness, affects up to 30 percent of the world’s population. With myopia, the eye cannot correctly focus on objects in the distance, thus forcing many people to wear glasses or contact lenses to compensate. Although correct lenses are effective in their own right, there’s no denying that their use comes with certain disadvantages. As an alternative method of vision correction, our San Diego practice offers LASIK surgery to fix the problem directly.
With LASIK, patients can often correct their myopia permanently and fully. Over the years, LASIK surgery has only increased in effectiveness and safety, making it an excellent choice for the right candidate. If you are considering a new way to see as clearly as possible, consider what laser eye surgery can do for you.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive eye surgery that can be used to correct a variety of vision problems. By using an ultraviolet laser to alter the shape of the cornea, optometrists can adjust the way an eye’s lens absorbs and focuses light. Unlike glasses or contacts, this treatment fixes the root of the problem with your vision, often resulting in 20/20 vision.
How Does LASIK Surgery Work?
LASIK is the most common surgery to correct myopia, and the entire procedure can be completed within 10 minutes per eye. If you are nearsighted and a good candidate for LASIK, you can expect the following treatment process:
- Your eye will be digitally mapped with a computer, which will calibrate the laser to your exact specifications.
- Anesthetic drops will be used to numb the eye, preventing discomfort during the subsequent procedure.
- A thin, precise blade called a microkeratome will be used to create a thin flap at the surface of the cornea, which will be temporarily lifted back for surgery.
- The ultraviolet laser will be used to reshape the cornea. During this process, the laser will follow any movements the eye makes, ensuring accuracy.
- The corneal flap will be lowered back into place and left to heal.
Benefits of LASIK for Myopia
If you are accepted as a candidate for LASIK surgery, you can essentially say goodbye to your nearsightedness forever. Although the results vary from patient to patient, almost everyone will experience similar benefits of a successful surgery:
- Corrected vision: First and foremost, LASIK patients benefit from enhanced natural vision. 90 percent of patients achieve anywhere from 20/40 to 20/20 vision after treatment, with some even achieving 20/15 or 20/10.
- Long-lasting results: For 90 percent of patients, treatment is permanent and requires no additional follow-up treatment.
- No more corrective lenses: Glasses or contact lenses are no longer needed to compensate for nearsightedness. In addition to the cosmetic benefits, patients no longer need to buy new lenses when older ones become broken or outdated.
- Improved lifestyle: Myopia can degrade the quality of everyday work and leisure activities. With enhanced vision, patients can more effectively read, drive, and play sports.
- Safe and easy procedure: The risk of complications is very low with LASIK, making it one of the safest surgical procedures. And because the surgery takes a matter of minutes, patients experience a quick and straightforward procedure in one quick visit.
Candidates for LASIK Surgery
Since myopia is so common, LASIK surgery is a possible form of treatment for many people. However, certain conditions must be considered in regard to someone’s candidacy. In fact, most optometry centers reject 20 to 30 percent of applicants for LASIK treatment due to one or more contraindications. If you would like to be considered for LASIK surgery to correct nearsightedness, meet with your optometrist to discuss your candidacy.
First, candidates must be at least 18 years old and in good general health. More specifically, the health of a patient’s eyes must be assessed. Indications of cataracts, corneal disease, glaucoma, or other chronic eye diseases can strongly limit one’s potential for surgery. Additional restrictions include severely dry eyes, pregnancy, eye injury, and changing vision. For a comprehensive analysis of your ability to receive LASIK treatment for myopia, schedule a consultation at our eye care center.
Say Goodbye to Your Glasses
We look forward to helping you through the laser eye surgery process, from your initial candidacy to final results. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your first appointment.
