About 600,000 Americans undergo LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) each year to correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Following surgery, many people report 20/20 vision or better and no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses. Yet, despite the procedure’s proven track record, not everyone is a LASIK candidate.
At Eye Surgeons Associates, which serves patients in Canton, Livonia, and Monroe, Michigan, our team of expert ophthalmologists regularly performs LASIK. Keep reading to learn what LASIK is, what makes you a good candidate, and what to expect during a LASIK consultation.
LASIK surgery is an outpatient procedure that uses lasers to precisely reshape your cornea (the clear, outer layer of your eye). This changes the way that light focuses on your retina, a piece of tissue at the back of your eye that sends electrical signals to your brain, allowing you to see. LASIK makes your vision sharper and, in many cases, can prevent you from having to wear glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK is considered safe and usually well-tolerated, but not everyone qualifies for treatment. That said, it’s worth considering LASIK if:
Although most people can stop wearing or significantly reduce their need for glasses and contacts after treatment, results vary. So it’s important to understand there’s no guarantee of perfect vision.
Even though many people benefit from LASIK, it isn’t right for everyone. This is especially true if you have thin or irregularly shaped corneas or have been diagnosed with certain eye conditions, like severe dry eye or keratoconus (a disease that causes your corneas to bulge outward).
We may also suggest an alternative treatment if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, due to hormone-related vision changes. Likewise, if you have an underlying medical condition like diabetes, you may face a higher risk of complications.
The best way to determine whether or not you qualify for LASIK is to undergo a comprehensive eye exam with our team.
A LASIK consultation presents an excellent opportunity to determine if you can benefit from this cutting-edge procedure. We begin by measuring your corneal thickness and evaluating your prescription’s stability. Then we analyze your overall eye health. Don’t hesitate to speak up if you have questions or concerns. Your vision is our top priority, and we’re committed to explaining the various risks and benefits.
After completing the evaluation and discussing your goals, we develop a personalized treatment plan. If, for some reason, you don’t qualify for LASIK, we can recommend other treatment options to help keep your vision sharp.
If you’re tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses, LASIK surgery may offer the freedom you’ve been looking for.
Request a consultation at your nearest Eye Surgeons Associates office to find out if you’re a candidate. Call us to book an appointment at your convenience.
