GW Eye Associates

Fix Your Myopia through LASIK Surgery

Mar 12, 2014 @ 09:36 AM — by Gordon Wong, OD
Tagged with: Lasik Eye Care

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:

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: 

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.