Why LASIK Remains the Popular Choice for Corrective Eye Surgery
August 21, 2023
Over the years, vision correction treatments have made great strides, with LASIK being one of the popular choices today. LASIK was created over 30 years ago with contributions from various medical doctors and ophthalmologists. It has evolved over time and is now more precise than ever. In fact, 99% achieve at least 20/40 vision, and 90% of all patients who do LASIK achieve 20/20 vision or better. There has been a progression of technological improvements leading to better outcomes and laser vision correction is now one of the safest surgical procedures. If you desire the freedom to see clearly without the aid of cumbersome glasses or contact lenses, LASIK may be a good choice for you.
How Does LASIK Work?
Short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, LASIK is a refractive surgery that uses a laser to address vision issues that are caused by refractive errors. Refractive errors occur when the eye does not bend light correctly. In order to see clearly, light rays must travel through the cornea and lens of the eye. These structures refract the light so that it focuses on the retina. The retina transforms the light into signals that travel to the brain and create images. With refractive errors, the shape of the cornea or lens hinders light from bending properly, resulting in blurry vision. During LASIK, a laser is used to alter the shape of the cornea. This is done to improve the way light rays are focused on the retina. The goal of LASIK is to correct refractive errors and improve overall vision. To date, over 19 million people have had LASIK surgery, making it a safe and popular choice.
Is LASIK Right for Me?
If you are considering LASIK, an exam with a skilled ophthalmologist is first required to determine your candidacy. Ideal candidates are those with refractive errors that can be treated with LASIK, individuals 18 years or older, and those whose eye prescription should not have changed much in the past few years.
The LASIK Procedure
LASIK is an outpatient procedure that is performed by a skilled ophthalmologist and consists of a series of steps. To begin, the eye is numbed with drops, and an eyelid holder is placed to keep you from blinking. A suction ring is also placed on the eye. A laser device will then be used to create a thin flap in the corneal tissue. This flap will be lifted and folded back and you will stare at a target light to keep your eyes from moving. The cornea is then reshaped using a laser that has been programmed with the measurement of your eye. Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap of corneal tissue is folded back down into position. It will attach on its own where it will heal in place. Your surgeon will provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are interested in learning more about LASIK and if this procedure is right for you, contact Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology in Falls Church, VA today. Schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
