It’s time to make New Year’s resolutions. Are you ready for a new you? How about getting rid of glasses and contact lenses after laser eye surgery? Dr. Raymond Stein of Toronto’s Bochner Eye Institute explains how laser eye surgery can improve your vision this coming year.
Laser Eye Surgery
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is virtually synonymous with laser eye surgery. Patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can achieve great results with the procedure and find freedom from corrective eyewear.
LASIK has a long history, and complications are relatively rare. The procedure consists of cutting a small flap in the cornea and reshaping the tissue beneath it.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is an option for those who have thinner corneas and cannot undergo LASIK. Rather than creating a flap, the cornea’s surface cells are removed before reshaping the underlying tissue. PRK has the same success rate as LASIK, but healing takes longer because the surface layer of cells needs to regenerate.
The ophthalmologist determines whether LASIK or PRK is the more appropriate laser eye surgery for a patient based on eye anatomy.
Laser Eye Surgery Benefits
Wouldn’t it be great to wake up every morning and not have to find your glasses or put in your contact lenses? That’s a real convenience. Other benefits of laser eye surgery include:
- Quick procedure
- Better vision
- Permanent visual improvement
- Saving money on contacts or eyeglasses
- A boost in self-confidence
Laser Eye Surgery Recovery
Most people recover from LASIK eye surgery within a few days. While it can take several weeks for vision to fully improve, patients are able to resume most normal activities quickly. Most patients experience immediate visual improvement after the surgery but should keep in mind that healing is ongoing. Temporary side effects include dry eye or glare.
Laser Eye Surgery Candidates
Not everyone is a laser eye surgery candidate. Only those aged 18 and up are eligible for the procedure. If you are pregnant or nursing, wait until after giving birth or weaning the baby.
Other conditions that may preclude a candidate from undergoing laser eye surgery include:
- Diabetes
- Dry eye
- Glaucoma
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Your vision must prove stable before undergoing laser surgery. Anyone with recent eye injuries or infections must wait at least a year before laser surgery becomes a consideration. Overall, laser eye surgery candidates must be in good general health.
Contact Us
Celebrate the New Year and continued eye health by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Stein today. He will discuss your options regarding laser eye surgery.