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Being informed about your vision correction options, including laser eye surgery, is very important. Yesterday, we covered the first 4 questions, including the safety of LASIK and how the surgery compares to contact lenses. Today, we continue with the final 4 questions you need to be asking about LASIK in Charleston, SC.
5. Has LASIK changed since it was first approved?
All of the research that goes into [link pid=”41″]LASIK[/link] helps surgeons better understand the procedure’s capabilities, anticipate outcomes, and the potential for side effects. As a result of the improved understanding of LASIK, there has been a tremendous amount of technological innovation over the past 20 years. This includes advanced diagnostics that provide a microscopically detailed measurement of the eye and the distortions that contribute to vision problems – data that is then incorporated into the laser treatment plan to provide a highly customized vision correction. With the addition of improvements in laser technology and surgical techniques, today’s LASIK is delivering better outcomes than ever. Read more about why there is no better time to get LASIK.
6. What are the common complications of refractive surgery?
Complications from LASIK are extremely rare – the clinical data on the incidence is less than 1 percent. However, there is the possibility patients may experience side effects of laser eye surgery during the recovery and healing process. These include dry eye, light sensitivity, and night vision symptoms such as glare, starbursts, or halos around light sources. Symptoms usually resolve with time; the healing process can take between 6 to 12 months. However, some may require additional treatment such as medications or a retreatment procedure to correct any residual refractive error. What is important is that we discuss any symptoms you are having so together we can put together a treatment plan that addressing any issues and keeps you comfortable during the healing process.
7. Does LASIK last forever?
This is a great question, because it speaks to a prevailing myth about laser vision correction. Let’s be clear, in LASIK we use a laser to reshape the cornea to improve its ability to focus your vision. That reshaping is permanent and can’t “wear off.” This article and [link pid=”1080″]blog post[/link] are great resources to review.
8. Will I ever need glasses again?
Any vision changes that occur after LASIK are likely the result of either the natural aging process, the loss of near vision called presbyopia, or in a very small percentage of patients, their vision prescription progresses. This potential for progression is the reason why we recommend patient’s prescription stabilize for more than a year before choosing vision correction surgery.
Ultimately, the most important questions are the ones you ask yourself: Is LASIK right for me? What do I want out of a vision correction procedure? Am I active and do glasses and/or contacts get in the way? Do I struggle with reading glasses? Am I parenting young children? Into sports? Outdoor activities? Have I remembered to tell the surgeon about my entire health history and any medications I may be taking?
These questions help put your vision correction goals in context of your lifestyle and open a dialog with your surgeon to discuss your options.