LASIK surgery has become one of the most popular corrective vision procedures in the world, allowing millions of people to enjoy improved eyesight without needing glasses or contact lenses. While the idea of laser eye surgery can be exciting, it raises many questions for prospective patients. We want to address some of the most often-asked questions below.
What is LASIK surgery?
Many people may have the question that whether can LASIK fix astigmatism? LASIK is a highly effective refractive surgery that utilizes laser technology to reshape the cornea, which helps correct vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Through this reshaping process, the light entering the eye is accurately focused onto the retina for crystal-clear vision.
How do I know if I’m a candidate?
The best candidates for LASIK are individuals over 18 years old with stable eye prescriptions for at least one year. Additionally, prospective patients should have generally healthy eyes with no conditions impairing healing, such as severe dry eyes or corneal disease.
A thorough evaluation by an eye specialist from Porter Ophthalmology is necessary to determine if LASIK suits you. Reading resources or visiting websites is often recommended to gather initial insight.
Is the surgery painful?
Most patients report only minor discomfort during the surgery, mainly due to the sensation of pressure in the eyelid holder and the laser. To minimize discomfort, numbing eye drops are applied before the procedure. Post-surgery, some may feel mild irritation for a few hours, which can usually be alleviated with artificial tears and rest.
How long does the surgery and recovery take?
The procedure is relatively quick, typically taking 10-15 minutes per eye. The laser application itself only lasts about 20-50 seconds. Although recovery timeframes might differ, many patients report noticeable eye-light improvements in the first 24 hours following surgery. After a few days, patients can typically resume their regular activities, albeit with certain limitations, to safeguard their eyes during the first healing stage.
What are the risks associated with the surgery?
As with any surgery, LASIK has some dangers and side effects; however, significant issues are highly uncommon when a skilled and knowledgeable surgeon carries out the procedure.
Some side effects can include dry eyes, glare, halos around lights, and, less commonly, undercorrections or overcorrections of vision. It’s important to discuss the possible dangers with your healthcare practitioner before choosing the operation.
What kind of results can I expect?
Most people who undergo LASIK achieve 20/25 vision or better, which is suitable for most activities. However, some individuals may still need glasses for reading or driving at night. LASIK does not prevent age-related vision degradation, such as presbyopia or cataracts, so you might require reading glasses as you age.
How permanent is LASIK?
It is considered a permanent procedure because the changes made to the cornea cannot be reversed. However, vision can still change over time due to the natural aging process or other eye health-related issues. Some people may need a touch-up procedure several years after their initial surgery.
Will insurance cover the surgery?
Most insurance companies categorize LASIK as an elective procedure and do not typically cover the costs. However, some insurance plans offer a discount for eye surgeries or provide coverage under certain conditions. It’s important to discuss this with your insurance provider.
Candidates for this surgery should carefully explore their options after speaking with an eye care specialist, as this is a significant choice. Patients may make an educated decision regarding their vision correction alternatives by being aware of the process, associated risks, and possible results. If you’re considering LASIK, seeking comprehensive, expert information is critical to addressing your questions.
