People tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses and wanting to get rid of them permanently are heading to LASIK surgery. This is because it promises to fix poor vision and give people freedom from glasses with a quick recovery time. Even though LASIK is a popular choice, many still wonder: Is LASIK worth it?
Before deciding whether it is good or not for you, you must know what LASIK is, how it works, and its pros and cons. So, let’s dive in and explore everything about LASIK.
How Does LASIK Work?
LASIK surgery helps improve vision by reshaping the cornea and focusing light on the retina. Here is how it works:
- Preparation: First, the doctor puts special eye drops in your eyes to numb them. Sometimes, you may also get a mild sedative to help you stay calm.
- Flap Creation: The front layer of the cornea is lifted with the help of a laser or a small tool called a microkeratome. This flap is made to lift and treat the inner tissue of the eye.
- Reshape the Cornea: After flapping the tissue, a laser is used to reshape the cornea. For this purpose, a little tissue is removed from the surface of the cornea.
- Flap Replacement: The doctor then places the flap back in place. No stitches are needed because the cornea heals naturally.
- Recovery: Recovery is usually fast. Many people notice their vision improving within hours, and most can return to their normal activities in one or two days.
What Are the Benefits of LASIK?
Some of the prominent benefits of LASIK surgery are given below.
Freedom from Glasses
People choose LASIK primarily to eliminate the hurdle of glasses and contact lenses. LASIK provides a permanent solution for people tired of dealing with glasses or contacts daily.
For many, this freedom changes their daily routine. Whether swimming, playing sports, or doing everyday tasks, LASIK can make life much easier.
Speedy Recovery
LASIK has a fast recovery time. Most people start seeing things clearly within a few hours after surgery, and others start doing their activities after two or three days.
Some might feel mild discomfort, like dryness or blurry vision, but these symptoms usually go away as the eyes heal. Compared to other surgeries, LASIK lets you get back to your regular life much faster.
Long-Lasting Results and Stability
One of the most tremendous benefits of LASIK is its long-lasting results. Many patients enjoy clear vision for years after the surgery.
Although some might notice slight changes over time, most people keep stable and sharp vision for a long time. This lasting stability is why so many people choose LASIK.
Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run
While LASIK surgery can cost around $2,200 per eye, it can save you money over time. That is not much more than your annual cost for glasses, contacts, or other supplies.
You will no longer need to buy glasses or contact lenses with LASIK. Over the years, LASIK has been a better financial choice.
Increased Confidence
LASIK can also help boost your confidence. Without glasses or contacts, they feel more comfortable when meeting others. Clear vision can improve self-esteem and help people feel more confident in who they are at work or in social settings.
What Are the Risks and Considerations?
LASIK is a safe procedure for many people, but it is important to know that, like any surgery, it has some risks. Here are five potential side effects to keep in mind:
1. Dry Eyes
Some people may have dry eyes after LASIK because the surgery can affect tear production. Sometimes, this situation lasts for some days, however it can be extended. Eye drops can help relieve dryness.
2. Night Vision Problems
Some people see halos or blurry vision when their eyes are exposed to bright lights at night after LASIK. This can make it harder to drive or see clearly in the dark. Most of the time, this is temporary and improves within a few weeks.
3. Infection or Inflammation
Just like all other surgeries, there is a chance of infection or inflammation. If you have itching or redness in your eyes, immediately consult with an eye specialist.
Will LASIK Last Forever?
LASIK can give you long-lasting results, but it does not stop vision changes that come with age. After around 40, many people experience presbyopia. Their eye tissues become less flexible, which makes it difficult for them to see things nearby. LASIK helps by changing the shape of the cornea, but it cannot fix presbyopia completely.
Sometimes, vision may change slightly after LASIK. This is called myopic regression. However, this change is usually small and can be fixed with a second LASIK surgery or reading glasses.
Two Alternatives to LASIK Surgery
LASIK is not the only surgery that can help improve your vision. There are also other choices, like PRK and Clear Lens Exchange.
- PRK: PRK resembles LASIK in its process because it also involves the laser reshaping the cornea. But there is no need to make another flap. Instead, the laser reshapes it underneath. This is a good option for those who have serious problems or thin corneas.
- Refractive Lens Exchange: In refractive lens exchange, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial one. This might be a good option for people who cannot have LASIK or PRK, especially older people with cataracts.
Recap
LASIK could be a good option if you are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses. It offers freedom from glasses, a fast recovery, and lasting results. You could also save money in the long run since you will no longer need to buy glasses or contacts. Many people also feel more confident without glasses.
Like any surgery, LASIK has some risks. These include dry eyes, blurry vision at night, and small changes in vision over time. Moreover, LASIK cannot prevent age-related vision problems, like trouble seeing up close.
Before deciding, we suggest you talk to our eye care specialists at Texan Eye Care. They can help you determine if LASIK is the right choice or if another option might be better. It is essential to carefully consider both the pros and cons before deciding for your eyes.
