If you do not want to continue wearing corrective lenses, you can consider getting LASIK. However, while corrective surgery may be an answer to quitting eyeglasses or contact lenses, it is not for everyone.

LASIK is a refractive eye surgery that can help people achieve 20/20 vision. The procedure has a good track record, but most people may require reading glasses over time.

About LASIK Eye Surgery

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery is a relatively simple procedure that helps to correct vision. Most patients are satisfied with the results, and complications are rare. Most people experience dry eye and mild vision issues, but these side effects are usually temporary.

Results depend on the patient’s degree of refractive error and other factors. Those with mild myopia typically experience the best results after surgery. Those with high myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism experience less predictable results.

Reshaping the Cornea

When the cornea or eyeball is too long, flat, or irregular, it can lead to vision issues. When a patient has myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, objects they look at appear blurry. Eyeglasses and contact lenses correct blurry vision by bending light correctly. Reshaping the cornea can provide the required refraction, correcting the patient’s eyesight.

During LASIK Surgery

LASIK is the most common refractive eye surgery. During the procedure, eye surgeons use lasers to reshape the cornea. After taking detailed eye measurements, surgeons administer eyedrops to numb the eye.
 

Using a special cutting laser, they sculpt the cornea curvature, removing a small amount of corneal tissue. The surgeon flattens the cornea curve or makes it steeper, depending on the refractive error. During LASIK, surgeons create a flap and raise it to reshape the cornea. Other laser eye procedures do not require the creation of a flap.
 

Is LASIK Right for You

There are general guidelines that help surgeons determine if a patient is a good candidate for the surgery. For LASIK to be right for you:
 

• You should be healthy. The eye surgeon will ask questions to determine if you are in good general health. Certain health conditions can increase the risk of LASIK complications.

• Have healthy eyes. You should not have unusual vision problems or eye conditions that can result in poor outcomes or complications after surgery.

• Your vision should be stable. To be a good candidate, your lens prescription should have remained unchanged for two or more years.

• Have realistic expectations. To ensure a satisfactory outcome, you should understand the procedure limitations. Understand potential complications and side effects.

• Your corneal shape and thickness. If your cornea is misshapen or too thin, you may not be eligible for LASIK.

The best candidates for LASIK are adults with mild or moderate refractive errors.

Schedule an Eye Exam

To determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK, schedule an eye exam. The doctor will examine your eye health to determine if you have conditions that can affect the outcome of the surgery. You can learn about the benefits and limitations of LASIK. The surgeon will answer your questions and discuss any concerns you may have.
 

Most insurance plans consider LASIK an elective procedure and may not cover it. Find out how much the procedure will cost you.

For more on whether LASIK is right for you, visit East Ventura Optometry. Our office is in Ventura, California. Call (805) 647-4950 to book an appointment today.