LASIK Eye Surgery: Are the risks worth the cost?

November 6, 2019

The idea of being able to live without glasses or contacts can seem attractive to many people. It means much less hassle in remembering your frames or managing contacts every night. The most effective way to make this change is through LASIK eye surgery. This method quickly transforms your vision with long-term results. This means it comes with a lot of benefits, but it also comes with some risks just like any other surgery. This can sometimes sway people away from it. If you’ve thought about LASIK, then here’s what to know about weighing the pros and cons.

Candidates

Not everyone can get LASIK eye surgery. For example, patients that have a condition called Keratoconus are disqualified. Additionally, your prescription should be stable enough that it won’t continue to drastically change after the procedure. Your ophthalmologist can determine whether you can benefit during a consultation.

Fast Results

LASIK surgery does not take long. After a few hours (and especially the next day) you’ll notice improvement. It’s common to experience dry eyes for as long as three months, but this usually subsides. Most patients require only a few days of recovery before returning to their regular activities.

The Flap

Before surgery, your ophthalmologist will cut a flap in the cornea of the eye using extremely precise laser technology. Then, the flap is pulled back. The next step involves using the laser to shape the lens– this is usually pre-programmed using your specific measurements so you get the exact results you need. Once this process is complete, the flap seals back against the cornea. The risk of creating the flap is that the flap could be misaligned or injured simply by rubbing your eye. To help prevent this problem, your ophthalmologist will recommend that you rest and avoid rubbing your eyes for a day or so after surgery. If you follow your ophthalmologist’s directions, you’ll avoid the risks of disturbing your great results.

Better Vision

Once the surgery is complete, your vision should be close to 20/20. This can vary based on your prescription before surgery, but most patients no longer need corrective lenses after LASIK.

Even after LASIK, there is a slight chance that your eyes may need another procedure again in later years. This is simply because some people’s eyes tend to revert to their original state. Your ophthalmologist can give you the best idea of what to expect from your results.

Schedule a Consultation

LASIK still remains a low-risk procedure, especially as methods and technologies improve over time. Most people enjoy the great results of LASIK with no complications and only a day or so of recovery. To learn more about LASIK, schedule a consultation with our expert ophthalmology team by calling or filling out our online form.

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