LASIK, which stands for Laser In-Keratomileusis, is a laser eye surgery procedure where the shape of the cornea is permanently changed to eliminate the need for contacts or glasses. This procedure is done through the use of excimer laser. Once the procedure is completed, the patient has 20/20 vision, even after using prescription contact lenses or glasses. Benefits of Lasik Eye Surgery Lasik eye surgery continues to gain popularity because it offers several benefits to patients. One of these is that patients experience immediate restoration of uncorrected vision. After the procedure, astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness are reduced. Patients can enjoy activities without having to worry about their glasses or contacts since the correction is permanent. The result is constant once the refractive error has been corrected. Additionally, the visual recovery time for this surgery is minimal compared to other eye operations. A patient experiences a speedy recovery once the procedure is done. As a result, a patient can soon perform his work and other activities and won?t have to rest for a longer period. Risks of Lasik Eye Surgery In addition to the benefits of lasik eye surgery, however, there can also be risks. In some cases, patients can experience improper correction. This means that the desired correction is not achieved and astigmatism is induced. There are some patients who even lose lines of vision; this cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts. Another risk is that patients can develop severe dry eyes and need eye drops to keep from feeling pain. For most patients, this will go away after several months. But for some, this can be permanent, especially if the patient has already had dry eye problems in the past. Other visual abnormalities can also be experienced by patients such as glares and halos. In the first few months, patients can experience problems with glare at night and halos or hazy rings around bright lights at night. And occasionally, double vision can also occur. Lastly, lasik is a new technology, just approved in 1998, so the long-term effects of this procedure are still unknown. |
