Every day in my practice I get the tremendous satisfaction of hearing my patients tell me how LASIK has improved their quality of life. Most people who have made the choice to have LASIK will tell you it is one of the best decisions they have ever made in their lives. Patients tell me how having good vision makes every moment, every task, and every activity more enjoyable. LASIK’s incredible reputation for both safety and results leads many people considering it to think LASIK truly can transform their lives.
But LASIK is not for everyone. Knowing what LASIK can and can’t do is a critical part of being an informed and satisfied LASIK patient; it is the basis of the conversations I have each and every day with people wanting to improve their vision with LASIK.
Here are some facts about what LASIK can do:
It can improve your vision – sometimes even more than glasses or contact lenses can. LASIK corrects the shape of the cornea itself. Glasses or contacts compensate for the cornea by putting another lens in front of it. While that can improve vision, the focus provided by corrective lenses is not as exact as what can be achieved with LASIK.
It can allow you to pursue an active lifestyle. Many of my LASIK patients are athletes, hobbyists, or people who enjoy the outdoors. This isn’t surprising. Anyone who wears glasses or contacts knows how difficult, or even impossible, swimming, running, skiing, baseball, or other sports can be to perform or enjoy. With LASIK, people can enjoy them freely – without the hassle or risk of eyewear.
It can open up new career paths. Relying on glasses or contacts to see well makes you a less-than-ideal candidate for becoming a fireman, police officer, or other emergency responder. Vision correction procedures like LASIK can help people qualify for those careers that rely on excellent vision to protect and save lives.
Better vision without relying on glasses and contacts can give you the freedom to pursue activities and experience life in ways that just weren’t possible before. If you are thinking about LASIK, talk to people you know who have had the procedure and ask them about their experience. My staff and I are always available to you to help you understand the limitations of LASIK as well as its many dramatic benefits. Take the time to learn about your vision correction options – a thorough evaluation is essential – you’ll be a more satisfied LASIK patient as a result.
