Are you tired of wearing your glasses or contact lenses all the time? Laser eye surgery is a common procedure that can correct vision without significant pain or down-time. By learning more about laser eye surgery, you can determine if this procedure is right for you.
What is Laser Eye Surgery, Exactly?
This procedure focuses on the cornea, which is an outer layer of the eye that can change shape over time. The changing shape of the cornea is what leads to a variety of vision issues, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia, and astigmatism. Fortunately, laser eye surgery can reshape this layer and oftentimes provide 20/20 vision or better! 1
There are several leading types of laser eye surgery, including LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis), and SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction). While all of them involve reshaping the cornea with a laser, they reach the cornea via different methods. For example, in LASIK eye surgery, a thin flap is created in order for a laser to reshape the corneal tissue underneath; however, in the case of LASEK, the outer layer of the cornea is detached with the help of an alcohol solution.
So, which method has the best success rate? Believe it or not, each of these laser eye surgeries is so safe and clinically-proven that they share a success rate of approximately 99 percent. 2
Are You a Good Candidate For Laser Eye Surgery?
Despite the astronomically positive response to laser eye surgery, not everyone is suitable for this procedure. Individuals who have eye conditions (such as dry eye or glaucoma) as well as those who are pregnant or nursing cannot get the surgery. Likewise, people who happen to have thin corneas are advised against proceeding with this technique.
Surgeons are also cautious about candidates whose vision issues may be temporary. Anyone who has altered their eye prescription in the past year, or takes medications that can impact vision, will be ineligible. 3
If none of these criteria apply to you, and you’re struggling with any of the previously mentioned vision issues (or even a combination of them), you could be a good candidate for laser eye surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery?
The chief advantage to undergoing laser eye surgery is receiving better vision permanently. The odds are overwhelmingly likely that you will have drastically improved vision and no longer have to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Of course, this benefit alone will change the way you live. With better eyesight, you can enjoy traveling, socializing, and even watching the television with less strain. Additionally, you can enjoy activities and sports that may have previously been a challenge due to your glasses or contact lenses.
From a surgical standpoint, the benefits of laser eye surgery are plentiful. There is little to no pain involved, and no stitches required. It may take a few months for a patient’s eyes to heal, but most people can resume work duties a few days after the surgery. Plus, did we mention it’s permanent?
Does Laser Eye Surgery Ever Go Wrong?
While the benefits are convincing and near universal, it’s important to acknowledge some potential risks. Due to the complexity of the procedure, it is possible to end up with infections, flap complications, and worsened vision.
In rare cases, surgeons may take too much or too little corneal tissue, which can result in blurred vision, astigmatism, and eye inflammation. 4 What this could mean for your vision is having worse eyesight than you did with glasses or contact lenses before the surgery, or possibly blindness.
Even when the procedure goes well, there are side effects to consider. The surgery frequently results in dry eye, which is a condition that reduces the eye’s ability to lubricate itself. Vision disturbances, such as glares or halos, are common in the days following surgery but can become permanent in rare instances.
What Can I Expect From the Procedure?
While those complications are unnerving to think about, they reinforce the importance of the consulting process. This is the time to meet with optometrists and surgeons to discuss your candidacy, your expectations for the procedure, and any lingering hesitations.
Following any pre-surgery evaluations and tests, your surgery day will require some planning. You’ll be advised to avoid certain cosmetic and personal hygiene products that could increase the chances of infection. You’ll also need to arrange reliable transportation to and from the surgery site.
The surgery itself tends to take half an hour or less. During this time, you’ll sit back in a reclining chair and have a numbing solution dropped into each eye. A lid speculum will gently hold your eyelids open as the surgeon begins work on your cornea. 5 From this point onward, the surgeon’s approach will depend on the type of laser eye surgery you’ve chosen.
Regardless of the method used, you should expect some discomfort. You’ll be given medication to help you relax, but being awake as they use a blade or laser (to cut the cornea) and a suction ring (to keep your cornea in place) may be mentally uncomfortable.
Is Laser Eye Surgery Affordable?
On average, laser eye surgery costs a couple thousand dollars per eye. Since most insurance companies will not help cover the cost of this surgery, that price tag may be prohibitive to potential candidates.
If you’re interested in getting this procedure done but worried about the costs, consider the many financing options and payment plans available. 6 Take some time to explore the inventive ways that many individuals afford getting their vision corrected.
So, Is Laser Eye Surgery Right For You?
Whether you choose the LASIK, PRK, LASEK, or SMILE method, laser eye surgery is a proven and popular procedure for correcting common vision issues. It’s overwhelmingly safe, effective, and convenient. Of course, there’s more to the decision than that. You have to assess your eligibility for the procedure, weigh the potential risks, and figure out if you can afford it.
Fortunately, there is no need to rush this decision. This incredible and reliable technology can change the way you see and interact with the world. Whenever you’re ready, laser eye surgery is waiting. In just 30 minutes, you can transform your eyesight forever!