Elizabeth Ndaisi

Is LASIK Right For Me? Questions to Ask Your Optometrist LASIK is a common laser eye surgery used to correct sight problems and improve vision. This procedure corrects errors like blurred vision, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. The procedure is painless, and the recovery period is short with minimal discomfort. If you need an alternative to contact lenses and glasses, you can consider LASIK. However, it would be best if you had an expert’s opinion on whether you’re the right candidate for it. Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor  1. What does LASIK surgery involve? The surgery involves using a laser to correct the abnormal corneal tissue to refract light normally. Below are the six simple steps applied during LASIK: The eye is moistened to avoid excessive dryness during the procedure The surgeon uses a suction ring to keep your eye and cornea in position To correct the error, a thin and hinged tissue is cut from the cornea The cornea flap is lifted, and the surgeon uses the laser to reshape the underlying tissue Without any stitches, the flap is folded back, and a shield is placed over your eye for protection until recovery. 2. How long is the recovery process? One to two days after the surgery, you’ll be able to walk around and perform everyday duties. However, be careful not to rub your itchy eyes, as this may dislocate your corneal flap. During the first few weeks after the surgery, expect some instability in your eyesight. Full recovery will take three to six months, during which you should take it easy on your eyes to avoid complications. 3. Does age play a part? Yes. Age is a factor you should consider before going for LASIK. Patients below the age of eighteen aren’t eligible since their refractive error is still changing. Again, if you’re above forty, you may need a specialist to examine your eyes first for potential risks. Older eyes are more likely to develop other complications after LASIK. 4. Will LASIK help my eyesight specifically? LASIK surgery will be helpful if you’re nearsighted, longsighted, or have regular blurred vision. However, If you’re above forty and suffer from closed-up blurred vision(presbyopia), this surgery won’t help. Research shows that LASIK is most effective for nearsighted patients. If you’re among the lucky ones, you’ll have a better vision immediately after the surgery. The bigger your vision error is, the more time you’ll take to see better. 5. Will my eyesight get worse if I don’t get LASIK? Not necessarily. If you don’t get LASIK either because you don’t qualify or can’t afford it, you can explore other options. Contact lenses and glasses are the most common alternatives. If you’re above forty and suffer from closed-up blurred vision, you can try corrective devices called corneal inlays. 6. What are the possible complications? Like any other surgery, expect and prepare for possible side effects. The following are some of the complications that may arise from the procedure: Double vision Irreversible damage on the eyes Having permanently dry eyes Blindness Under or overdone correction that leads to more complications 7. Will I need LASIK again in 5 years? Whether you’ll get a LASIK enhancement after five years depends on how successful the first surgery was. Owing to advanced medical technology, fewer patients go back for enhancement. To avoid human mistakes that may lead to unnecessary redos, choose your surgeon well. Go for a refractive surgeon who is qualified and certified. Also, check their experience and track record to confirm their credibility. Deciding if LASIK Is Something You Want Before you decide to go for LASIK surgery, you need to get the facts right. Find out about your eligibility for the procedure and everything about the actual process. Also, you will need to research and get an expert’s opinion to make an informed decision. To decide whether you should go for the surgery or not, ask yourself: Must you do the surgery, or can you use an alternative? Do you understand the whole process and what it entails? Are you aware and ready for the possible side effects? Do you know of a qualified refractive surgeon who can conduct the procedure with minimal risks? Will LASIK be helpful to you regarding your specific vision error? If you answer the above questions correctly, then you’ll be in a position to decide if you want LASIK or otherwise. Your Take Home LASIK is a vision correction procedure that has been practiced over the years, and research shows that it works. However, If you’re considering going for it, ensure you research well and have all your facts right. This way, you’ll know if it’s for you and how to access legit services. The tips discussed here will be helpful in your decision-making. Sources: https://eye.hms.harvard.edu/files/eye/files/patienthandoutlasik.pdf https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery https://med.virginia.edu/ophthalmology/wp-content/uploads/sites/295/2018/01/LASIK-guidelines-for-patients.pdf