With all of the problems one may face with their eyes and eyesight, technological advancement in optical treatments has created a surgery sweeping the public. With an aim to lessen dependency on eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, LASIK involves the techniques of a refractive laser eye surgery used to treat hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (near- or short-sightedness), and astigmatism (blurriness).

Before, During, and After Lasik Surgery

Before receiving lasik surgery, your eye doctor will perform an evaluation to make sure you are a decent candidate for the procedure. Your past and present medical history, known allergies, and eye conditions will become important in determining the best course of action. Current medications (including over-the-counter selections) also come into play. Before your initial evaluation, you will be asked to stop wearing your soft contact and hard lenses for a specified amount of time (usually between 2 to 4 weeks).

If lasik surgery is a possible treatment, an eye doctor will discuss the risks, benefits, and surgery alternatives. You will learn what to expect before, during, and after the surgery, as well as what is expected of you during this time. After answering questions, he will present a consent form for your signature. The day before the surgery, you will need a designated driver because many patients face blurry vision immediately after surgery, and for perhaps 24 to 48 hours.

The surgery itself takes no more than 30 minutes and is performed while you are lying on your back in a reclining chair within an exam room. A large laser machine with attached microscope and computer screen aids the doctor in completing the surgery. After the surgery, the eye may burn, itch, or feel compromised, which is normal.

Lasik Surgery Requirements

Ideal candidates for lasik surgery are at least 18 years of age, possess stable vision for at least one year, free of eye infections or injury (within past year), free of autoimmune disorders (lupus), without cornea scarring, hold realistic expectations, not nursing or pregnant, without dry eye syndrome, and have no history of herpes infection in the eye. Additionally, patients with pupils that dilate more than seven millimeters in the dark are not considered good candidates for lasik surgery.

The Benefits of Lasik Surgery

The majority of lasik surgery patients are quite pleased with their results, as the immediate improvement in vision is one of the best benefits of the procedure. There is also a financial relief that takes place when the costly purchase of corrective eyewear and contact lenses are no longer needed. A patient also faces an increase in the amount and intensity of enjoyable activities, as they are able to take advantage of more fulfilling social, recreational, and career possibilities.

For example, activities with a fast pace (cycling, swimming, sky-diving) are no longer hindered by the need to wear corrective eyewear. Improved eyesight also widens the number of career opportunities one is afforded, including a place in law enforcement or flying an airplane for a living. Overall, lasik surgery provides a new lease on life that also boosts confidence and self-esteem.

The Disadvantages of Lasik Surgery

While the benefits of lasik surgery are quite desirable, a patient must also become familiar with the possible setbacks associated with the procedure. For starters, adjustments made to the cornea are irreversible after lasik surgery, corrections require additional lasik surgery, the cost of the surgery is rather high (typically between $2,200 to $2,250 per eye), the surgery is complicated and the slightest incorrect cut is detrimental and can permanently affect vision, and the overall level of vision is often compromised (meaning eyesight could become worse than the patient's best level of vision using eyeglasses and contacts).

There are also possible side effects to lasik surgery, including glare, seeing halos around images, fluctuating vision, dry eyes, as well as varying levels of slight discomfort to pain.

For patients that require reading glasses to read a book or newspaper, those reading glasses will almost certainly still be a requirement after Lasik surgery, although the glasses and contacts will no longer be required to see clearly for far distances.