LASIK eye surgery is a third option, in addition to glasses and contact lenses.that’s used to treat common vision problems (e.g., nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism).
Everything You Need to Know about LASIK Eye Surgery, LASIK eye surgery is a type of vision correction many adults consider if they already use glasses and contact lenses for distance vision. But what is it, who is it for, how much does it cost, and how safe is it?
Who gets laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery is recommended for people aged 18 or older. Before age 18, the eye might still be changing. Even after age 18, the eye might change. It’s important to have a record of stable vision for at least a year before having laser eye surgery. Some providers may require two or more years. Additional criteria must be met to be a candidate for laser eye surgery.
Is Laser Eye Surgery Safer than Contacts? What You Should Know
Did you know the risks of contact lenses might outweigh those of laser eye surgery? Recent studies suggest this is so.
Vision loss associated with contact lenses pose a greater risk than laser eye surgery
It’s important to note that this research does not suggest either contacts or laser eye surgery are risky. In fact, it highlights how safe both are. The widespread use of contact lenses illustrates people’s willingness to correct vision while accepting some risk of vision loss, a risk that may be higher than those of laser eye surgery.
Laser eye surgery is a relatively less risky procedure, this study suggests. Thanks to technology advances such as faster lasers, all blade-free laser eye surgery, more skilled surgeons, better patient screening and a number of related improvements laser eye surgery has never been as safe as it is today.
By design, contact lenses are foreign objects requiring finger touching to insert in the eye. This introduces a possibility of infection not seen with glasses.
How safe is LASIK eye surgery?
Over the years, technologic improvements especially with Bladeless WaveFront technology have increased safety. The overwhelming majority of people who opt for surgery experience no long-term complications. Much of the stigma regarding laser eye surgery complications date back to the earliest days of the surgery, when surgeons were less experienced, and laser technology was less advanced.
Immediately after surgery, it is common to use antibiotic drops and steroid drops to help your eyes heal. This lasts for about a week. The eyes can be sensitive to light in this time frame, and some people experience dry eyes and night haloes for up to several months after surgery (though sometimes longer). Despite this, one of the most common things people say afterwards is that they can’t believe they waited so long to get laser eye surgery. It’s not a bad idea to talk with people who have had LASIK eye surgery to learn first-hand what life during the healing process and life after the healing process are like.
