Is Lasik Eye Surgery Worth It?

If you do not want to keep wearing corrective lenses, you should consider getting LASIK eye surgery. This refractive eye surgery can correct your vision problems. The surgery is safe and effective, and complications are very rare. 
 

Those who get laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery attain perfect vision for most activities. However, most people will eventually require glasses for reading or night driving as they age. If you are weighing your options, you may be wondering if the surgery is worth it. 

What LASIK Surgery Involves

LASIK is arguably the most popular of the different refractive eye surgeries. The surgery is used to correct vision issues, including nearsightedness or myopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism. In normal vision, images are focused directly on the retina at the back of the eye. 

For people with vision problems, the image is focused behind or in front of the retina. This results in experiencing blurred vision. LASIK reshapes the cornea to provide the required refraction, correcting the vision.

The LASIK Surgery Procedure

Before the surgery, the eye surgeon will study specific measurements of the patient’s eye and assess overall eye health. Just before the procedure, the doctor will administer a mild sedative. After the patient lies on the operating table, the doctor will apply eye drops to numb the eye. 

The surgeon will then use a special cutting laser to alter the cornea’s curve. The laser beam precisely removes tiny amounts of the corneal tissue. Surgery will correct the cornea by flattening it or making it steeper. The surgeon may create a corneal flap that is raised before shaping the cornea.

Results of LASIK Surgery

The results of the eye surgery will differ depending on each individual. The extent of the refractive error will determine the results. People with mild vision problems usually experience more success from refractive surgery. 

Other factors also affect the final results. People who have high degrees of myopia or farsightedness, as well as astigmatism, will experience less predictable results. Patients who have thin corneas have a higher risk of eye injuries. LASIK may not be ideal for them.

Healthy Eyes for LASIK 

LASIK is generally recommended for individuals with relatively healthy eyes. These are patients who do not have unusual vision problems. Those with moderate refractive errors make the best candidates for the procedure. 

The surgeon will ask questions about the patient’s eye health and evaluate the eyes. This is to ensure no underlying conditions can result in complications and poor surgical outcomes. 

When LASIK May Not Be Worth It

There are times when LASIK surgery may not be the best option. If you have an eye condition that causes thinning of the cornea or progressive vision deterioration, LASIK may not be for you. You do not make a good candidate if you have keratoconus, eye inflammation, eyelid disorders, eye injuries, or dry eyes. The surgery is not ideal for people with large pupils, glaucoma, or cataracts, or those with severe myopia or high refractive error.

To know if LASIK eye surgery is worth it, visit Advanced Eyecare Consultants at our offices in Libertyville or Lake Zurich, Illinois. You can call 847-994-4500 (Libertyville Office) or 847-438-7700 (Lake Zurick Office) today to schedule an appointment.