Is LASIK Eye Surgery Right for Me?

If you're tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly, you may have considered LASIK eye surgery as a potential solution. LASIK is a popular refractive surgery that can correct various vision problems and reduce or eliminate your dependence on corrective lenses. However, before making the decision to undergo this procedure, it's crucial to understand what it entails, its potential benefits and risks, and whether you're a suitable candidate.

Understanding LASIK Surgery

LASIK eye surgery is a highly advanced procedure that utilizes laser technology to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye responsible for focusing light onto the retina. By precisely reshaping the cornea, LASIK can correct refractive errors, which are vision problems caused by the improper focusing of light onto the retina.

During the LASIK procedure, your eye surgeon will create a thin, hinged flap in the outermost layer of the cornea using a specialized laser or a precise cutting instrument called a microkeratome. Once the flap is lifted, an excimer laser is used to remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue, reshaping the underlying corneal surface to correct the refractive error.

What Conditions Can LASIK Eye Surgery Treat?

LASIK eye surgery is primarily designed to treat refractive errors, which are vision problems caused by the improper focusing of light onto the retina. The most common refractive errors that LASIK can address include:
 

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): This condition occurs when the cornea is too steeply curved or the eye is too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina. Objects in the distance appear blurred, while nearby objects are seen clearly.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): In this case, the cornea is too flat or the eye is too short, causing light to focus behind the retina. Distant objects appear clear, but nearby objects are blurred.
• Astigmatism: This refractive error is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, resulting in distorted or blurred vision at all distances.
• Presbyopia: As we age, the natural lens in our eyes loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. LASIK cannot correct presbyopia directly, but it can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses for distance vision.

Are You a Suitable Candidate for LASIK?

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Several factors are considered to determine your suitability, including:
 

• Age: LASIK is typically recommended for individuals between the ages of 18 and 65, as refractive errors tend to stabilize during this period.
• Refractive Error Stability: Your refractive error should be stable for at least one to two years before undergoing LASIK. Significant fluctuations in your prescription may indicate that your vision is still changing, making the procedure less effective.
• Corneal Thickness: Your cornea must be thick enough to allow for safe reshaping during the procedure. Individuals with thin corneas may not be suitable candidates for LASIK.
• Overall Eye Health: Certain eye conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, corneal irregularities, or previous eye injuries, may disqualify you from undergoing LASIK or increase the risk of complications.
• General Health: Systemic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or certain medications can affect your healing process and the overall success of the procedure.
• Lifestyle and Occupation: Certain professions or activities that involve exposure to potential eye injuries or high levels of airborne particles may not be suitable for LASIK candidates.
• Realistic Expectations: It's essential to have a clear understanding of the potential benefits and limitations of LASIK, as well as reasonable expectations regarding the outcome.

Is LASIK Right for Me?

Before undergoing LASIK eye surgery, it's crucial to have a comprehensive pre-surgery consultation with an experienced optometrist to determine if this procedure is right for you. During the consultation, your eye doctor will conduct a thorough examination of your eyes, including measuring your refractive error, assessing your corneal thickness and topography, and evaluating your overall eye health.

The optometrist will review your medical history, including any existing conditions, medications, or allergies that may impact the success of the procedure or your healing process. Based on the examination and medical history review, your eye doctor will determine if you're a suitable candidate for LASIK and discuss any potential risks or limitations.

Schedule Your Consultation with Sight & Specs Optometry Today

The decision to undergo LASIK should be based on a thorough understanding of the procedure, realistic expectations, and a careful weighing of the potential benefits and risks. By working closely with your optometrist and being fully informed, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vision goals and personal circumstances.

If you're considering LASIK eye surgery and would like to explore your options further, schedule a consultation with our eye care team today. Visit Sight & Specs Optometry at our office in Queens, New York, or call (718) 470-2280 to book an appointment.