Is It Time For LASIK?
Is it time for LASIK?
There’s no doubt that eyeglasses can have a dramatic impact on quality of life. In fact, they are a godsend to the more than three-quarters of all American adults who depend on them.
However, some people find it hard to adapt to the constant presence of a foreign object sitting on their face. It’s more than just vanity, though there’s no real reason why a person shouldn’t be allowed prefer the way they look without glasses. It can also be a matter of comfort, freedom and extroversion.
If this sounds like you, a LASIK procedure from Vision Institute of Michigan may be a life-changing opportunity.
What is LASIK?
The word “LASIK” is an acronym for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.” The most foreign-sounding term, keratomileusis, refers to the re-shaping of the cornea. The phrase “in situ” is used because the procedure is performed on the eye as it sits in its usual place.
In this procedure, the surgeon makes a “flap” in the cornea and then folds it back. Using a highly specialized laser, the surgeon removes microscopic amounts of tissue to reshape the cornea.
The shaping depends on what is being corrected. If you are nearsighted, the goal will be to flatten the cornea. If you are farsighted, the goal is to make the cornea steeper. If you suffer from astigmatism, the laser can be used to smooth an irregular cornea.
After the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is folded back and the healing process begins.
Is LASIK Safe?
It would not be hard to understand why you might be immediately comfortable with the idea of someone reshaping your eyeball. LASIK is a surgical procedure, and any surgical procedure can have some potential for risk.
However, LASIK procedures that are provided by trained, certified and experienced surgeons have an extremely low rate of complications. All in all, it is among the safest surgical procedures that exist.
Who Can LASIK Help?
LASIK surgery is not a cure for every visual problem.
The best candidates for the procedure are:
- Patients with mild to moderate nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Patients with mild to moderate astigmatism.
- Patients with adequate corneal thickness for reshaping to be accomplished.
The only way to really know whether LASIK is right for you is through a consultation and an eye examination.
Treatment and Recovery
You won’t need to receive general anesthesia for your LASIK procedure. Numbing eye drops will be placed in your eye, and you may receive some medication to help you relax.
A LASIK procedure can be completed within five to ten minutes per eye. When you are done, you will rest for a while. During this period, you may experience a sensation of itching or burning.
Your surgeon will give you a brief examination you before you leave. You’ll need a friend to drive you home, and you should not drive again until cleared by your doctor. This generally occurs within a day or two.
Your vision will begin adjusting immediately, stabilizing within a period ranging from a few days to several weeks.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Your vision is precious. Even though LASIK is a well-established procedure that has helped more than 30 million people (and counting), the best results come from the most qualified surgeons.
The physicians at Vision Institute of Michigan have the training and experience that are required to deliver results at the highest standard. Schedule a consultation to talk them about LASIK and how it can help bring your world into sharper focus.