Should You Get Laser Eye Surgery?

Health & Medical Blog

Is laser eye surgery right for you? Take a look at what you need to know about this popular procedure, eye surgeons in your area, and how this vision re-vision can change your life.

What Is Laser Surgery?

Laser surgery is also known as LASIK, laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis surgery can correct refractive eye conditions. This means LASIK can give you clear vision, without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

What Types of Vision Problems Can LASIK Correct?

Laser surgery can correct a few different vision issues. These include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Also known as myopia, nearsightedness makes it difficult to see objects that are far away. If you couldn't see the whiteboard in school, have trouble seeing the street when you drive, or just can't clearly focus on anything that's far away, you are most likely nearsighted.

Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, is the inability to see close-up objects. This can make it difficult to read anything from your cell phone to the label on your favorite food. Astigmatism can affect your far and near vision. An imperfect curvature of the cornea causes this vision issue. The result is distorted or blurry vision.

Should You Get Laser Surgery?

Are you nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism? If you answered yes to at least one part of this question, you're a capable candidate for LASIK. But this doesn't necessarily mean this procedure is the right option. Before you decide to choose (or not choose) laser surgery, ask yourself:

  • Do glasses bother you? Are your eyeglasses uncomfortable? If glasses bother your nose, ears, or face, you may be seeking another option. LASIK eliminates the need for glasses, giving you a sense of comfort and freedom.
  • Are contacts uncomfortable? Glasses aren't your only non-surgical vision correction option. Contact lenses give you clear vision without the need for frames. But some patients prefer to pass on this corrective choice. If you don't like contacts or glasses, you may want to explore the benefits of LASIK.
  • Are your eyes healthy? Laser surgery may worsen issues that cause progressive deterioration of the cornea, active eye infections, diagnosed dry eye, glaucoma, and cataracts. Talk to an eye surgeon about these conditions before you choose LASIK.
  • Do you have a severe vision disorder? LASIK may not fully correct severe nearsightedness or high refractive errors. If you have a significant vision issue, a qualified eye doctor/surgeon can help you to better understand the risks and benefits of this surgery.

Now that you know more about LASIK, the next step is to find a laser eye surgeon. The surgeon you select should have extensive knowledge of laser correction and plenty of experience with this procedure. Start with a general eye doctor. The ophthalmologist may work with, or can refer you to, a qualified surgeon.

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14 July 2021

Tips for Living a Great Life with Chronic Illness

I was always very healthy throughout my childhood, but when I became a teenager, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. Thankfully, I had the support of my loving family to help keep me upbeat during a time that could have led to me experiencing the depression that some do after they first learn they will have an illness for life. I am very grateful for the advice I have gotten throughout my life, so I decided to create a blog where I can share all of the advice that has helped me live a happy, healthy life, despite having a chronic illness. Since I am on a medication that suppresses my immune system, I have also studied up on many other illnesses and tips for avoiding them and treating them. I plan to post health tips for people of a variety of ages and suffering with various illnesses!