Getting laser eye surgery used to be an expensive and rare procedure, but thanks to advances in laser technology, laser eye surgery is now more common and affordable than ever. According to the American Optometric Association, 1.3 million Americans had laser eye surgery in 2015. This surgery has helped resolve vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and it’s been proven to improve the overall quality of life significantly. That being said, laser eye surgery can still involve a high cost for some people and comes with a certain degree of discomfort, especially during recovery. However, there are also so many benefits attached to having laser eye correction surgery, such as no longer needing to wear contact lenses and glasses in order to have a clearer vision.
Different Types of Laser Eye Surgery
When it comes to laser eye surgery, many different types are available. Depending on your eyesight, lifestyle, and vision needs, options are available to help with everything from nearsightedness to astigmatism. The most popular procedure is called LASIK, which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis and is used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The other most common procedure is called PRK, which stands for photorefractive keratectomy and is used to treat farsightedness and astigmatism. There are, of course, other types out there, and your eye surgeon will be able to advise you on the best one for you in order to give you the best results.
Why Get Laser Eye Surgery?
Why would someone get laser eye surgery? There are many reasons, some cosmetic, some medical. The most common reason is to improve vision and correct refractive errors. When people are thinking about getting laser eye surgery, they want to know if it’s worth it, and what the risks involved with it are. However, they should be reassured to learn that laser eye surgery is one of the safest corrective eye surgery procedures available. In most cases, the patient will experience some side effects and discomfort, but not only is this totally normal, it’s usually resolved within a few weeks.
Along with better vision, laser eye surgery patients report fewer headaches (which can be caused by glasses) and less dry eyes as just some of the benefits of getting laser eye surgery. Of course, for some, the main benefit of getting laser eye surgery is the confidence it gives them in their appearance. Many people are self-conscious about having to wear glasses, so no longer having to do so makes a big difference to their mental health and how they view themselves, which will have a positive impact on their lives overall.
Who Shouldn’t Get Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is one of the most requested procedures in the United States. But only some are good candidates for the procedure. Before starting the process, learn about the risks and complications that can come with it, as well as why some people should not get laser eye surgery. There are various reasons a person might not qualify for laser eye surgery. Some people aren’t old enough (in many places around the world, the minimum age is 18) or have other medical conditions that make surgery more dangerous.
Laser eye surgery is one of the most common elective medical procedures worldwide, and millions of people undergo the procedure to correct vision problems. But as with anything, there are risks and potential downsides to be aware of, and it’s important to discuss with your eye surgeon, your family doctor, and anyone else who will be able to offer their genuine opinion on whether or not you should be getting laser eye surgery.
The Laser Eye Surgery Process
When the laser eye surgery process finally gets underway, you should feel good and know exactly what to expect. There are 3 main steps to the laser eye surgery process, and the process itself is rather lengthy. It begins with an assessment and medical evaluation, followed by the actual LASIK eye surgery itself, and the final part is recovery.
The laser eye surgery process is fairly simple and only takes an hour or less to complete. The surgeon will use a laser to reshape the cornea and greatly improve your eyesight. This is a great option for anyone seeking a way to correct their eyesight. The surgeon will not pierce your eye with any device during the procedure; instead, the laser reshapes the cornea. The surgeon’s tools reduce discomfort and recovery time. Recovery is different depending on the type of laser eye surgery you have had, so make sure you know what you have had and follow the aftercare advice diligently.
Getting laser eye surgery is a big decision that will impact the rest of your life. It’s an exciting thought that, soon, you won’t have to worry about remembering to take your contact lenses out at night or put your glasses in your bag before you head out for the day. However, it is not something that should be rushed into, as there are still some risks associated with it. As long as you do your research, find a reputable eye surgeon in your area, and take your aftercare seriously, you should be well on your way to enjoying a clearer future.
