Laser refractive surgery that corrects vision issues is called LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery. It can be an alternative to contact lenses or glasses. During LASIK surgery, it is a special cutting laser used to change the cornea’s shape. It is the dome-shaped clear tissue of the eye’s front. In normal vision, the cornea bends or refracts light to the retina.
The light is bent incorrectly to different eye conditions, such as:
- nearsightedness
- farsightedness
- astigmatism
Contact lenses or glasses correct vision, yet reshaping the cornea provides the refraction needed to correct the vision. LASIK surgery is an option; how much does this laser eye surgery cost? LASIK surgery costs $3250 per eye.
LASIK surgery is best for
LASIK surgery is the best treatment for different eye problems, such as:
- Myopia. It is an eye condition called nearsightedness. The eyeball is slightly longer compared to normal ones. The cornea curves are too sharp. It causes light rays, focusing at the front of the retina, making distant vision blurry. The objects are closer and are seen fairly clearly. But, the objects in the distance will be blurry.
- Hyperopia. It is an eye condition called farsightedness. You have an average cornea or eyeball that is too flat. It causes light to focus behind the retina. It makes near vision blurry.
- Astigmatism. The cornea flattens or curves unevenly. It affects the focus of distant and near vision.
If you are considering LASIK surgery, you already wear contact lenses or glasses.
Is this laser eye surgery permanent?
In the majority of cases, laser eye surgery is a permanent vision correction option for patients.
But, the eyes may change with age, and you experience other vision problems. While the changes made through laser eye surgery are permanent, it doesn’t prevent age-related changes from occurring.
Is laser surgery worth it?
Generally, most people who have LASIK eye surgery achieve 20/20 vision, which works well for most activities. But, most people need glasses for reading as they get older or driving at night. LASIK surgery has a good track record. LASIK surgery procedure can be completed in half an hour or less.
While on the procedure, you lay down in a reclining chair. You are given medicine to keep relaxed. After numbing drops are applied to the eye, the doctor uses an instrument to hold the eyelids open.
LASIK eye surgery is not painful, an oral sedative is prescribed to alleviate the discomfort.