Understanding the Benefits of Laser Vision Correction

Laser vision correction has, of course, changed the face of ophthalmology forever, as millions of people can now correct their vision and become less dependent on glasses or contact lenses. In exploring some advantages of procedures like LASIK, understanding such advantages places persons considering texas lasik eye surgery in the position to make better decisions as far as care for the eyes is concerned, thus changing quality of life.

Key Points

• Laser Vision Correction Overview

• Benefits of Laser Vision Correction

• Types of Laser Vision Correction Procedures

• Things to Consider Before Surgery

• Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of Laser Vision Correction

Laser vision correction is a general term to refer to all surgical operations in which the cornea's curvature is changed in order to modify the eye's refractive power. Among the most popularly available techniques are LASIK, PRK which stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy, and SMILE Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is a simple application of high technology integrated into the lasers designed to correct most refractive errors, including myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Advantages of Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery can really change your life and it comes with massive benefits. The most important among these benefits are:

Superior Vision

The most important reason that patients come for laser eye surgery is the much better vision. Most of these patients achieved 20/25 vision and even better and can do most of their daily activities without the use of spectacles and contact lenses.

Long-term Results

Permanent improvement of vision is most probably going to be achieved after the stabilization period of laser eye surgery. However, some patients might need a minor touch-up procedure. Most of the patients' visions are stable over the long-term. 

Rapid Recovery and Immediate Outcome

Recovery from laser eye surgery is relatively fast. This means that most of the patients experience excellent improvements in their eyes 24 hours after the procedure. This, therefore, allows them to return to work normally directly after treatment.

Low Sensitive to Allergens

Patients with allergy signs and symptoms report feeling a lot better after laser correction of vision. That in itself speaks volumes as most associated allergy symptoms such as watery itchy eyes which may be the presenting signs for patients tend to improve and therefore become less reliant on contacts.

Cost-effective in the Long Run

Though laser eye surgery is a bit pricey for the first, there's always saving in the long run. Years spent on glasses or contact lens usually weigh more to cost than that one-time surgery

Types of Laser Vision Correction Procedures

There are so many types of laser vision correction procedures, and they all have characteristics peculiar to different vision needs and conditions:

• LASIK: This is the most common refractive surgery. In this procedure, a thin flap in the cornea is created using a laser. During this process, the inner tissue of the cornea is then reshaped by the laser.

• PRK: Similar procedure to LASIK except for creating a flap. In PRK, an entire layer of the cornea, which covers it, is peeled off to expose the area directly to the laser for reshaping.

• SMILE: This is one of the more recent modern laser eye surgery technologies which can create within the cornea a thin sheet of tissue that is like the lens, which then is to be surgically removed later through an incision that is extremely minute.

Preoperative Considerations

There are quite a few factors which need to be taken into consideration before receiving laser vision correction

• Health of the eye: The eyes should be healthy. No such serious diseases in the eye like severe dry eye or any disease in the cornea.

• Stable vision: Candidates should have had stable vision for at least one year prior to the treatment.

• Age: Patients must be at least 18 years of age, although older teenagers are generally recommended to wait until their mid-20s when their vision has fully stabilized.

• Expectations: Very important to have reasonable expectations as to what can be accomplished.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser vision correction painful?

No, the procedure is pain-free; however, drops with anesthesia will numb up the eye, and sometimes, worst-case, at worst, patients will simply feel pressure, and not pain.

How long does the procedure take?

Laser vision correction takes a relatively short time, about 10 minutes per eye, because it is difficult to estimate accurately how long a session will take, depending on the approach to be used and how much correction is required.

Is laser vision correction safe?

Risks with laser vision correction.

Like all surgery, there is always a risk attached. These include dry eyes and night glare, although these are becoming increasingly rare in recent years; and under- or over-correction. Serious complications are rare providing the procedure has been carried out by an experienced surgeon.

Can I drive after the treatment?

Patients must not drive before being seen the day after the surgery and told that it's safe to resume driving.

Laser vision correction would be of life importance to that person who, through better vision, wants to improve his life and quality. Awareness of its benefits, types, and considerations will better equip a future patient to decide on his health.