5 Things You Should Know About Laser Eye Surgery

Although laser eye surgery has been around since 1988, there is still a lot to learn about this new technology. Individuals who have vision problems often visit an ophthalmologist to find out what can be done about their vision. Doctors gravitate to the use of laser technology in these settings to get a clean line, making it easy for the patient to heal. However, there are many different facts you may not know about this innovative technology.

LASIK and laser eye surgery can handle a variety of vision impairments, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The technology is customizable to each individual, making it easy to modify with each condition. Individuals with astigmatism may require more attention and time, since the eye requires a three-dimensional image to accurately make the incision. Once healed, you will no longer need your contact lenses or glasses. This technique is responsible for over 90% of eye surgeries annually, adding up to over two million patients worldwide every year.

Each person who undergoes laser eye surgery receives the same high-quality service, but this technology allows the doctor to customize the treatment specifically to each patient. Based on your initial examination, your doctor determines if laser eye surgery is right for you and what type of surgery you should have. The specialist will choose between a bladeless approach and wavefront technology to correct your visual impairment. Choosing to have laser eye surgery may be costly now, but you save thousands of dollars on new glasses and boxes of contact lenses for the rest of your life.

The procedure itself is relatively simple. Using laser technology, the ophthalmologist takes a three-dimensional image of the eye, discovering the exact size, and shape to prepare for the surgery. Since laser eye surgery makes no incisions with a blade, the procedure goes by relatively fast, making it easy to return to work only a few hours later. Laser eye surgery is essentially painless and does not even require full sedation or anesthesia. Some physicians offer prescriptions for anxiety prior to the exam to help calm the nerves; however, the surgery itself causes minimal discomfort. To eliminate any potential pain during the surgery, your doctor applies numbing eye drops prior to using the laser technology.

Aside from the speediness of the procedure, the best part about choosing laser eye surgery is the fast recovery time. Since these procedures do not involve the use of a scalpel or other blade, the incision is precise and clean. Though doctors may prescribe eye drops to combat dry eyes, many patients can resume their daily activities quickly. Some individuals even return to work and social engagements within the same day.

If you have additional questions about laser eye surgery, speak with an ophthalmologist. The expertise of a professional can help you decide if you want to correct your vision permanently with little healing time. A vision exam often shows if you are a candidate for corrective eye surgery, helping you to see clearer than through your glasses.