Corrective eye surgery seems like a common term, but do you know what it means? It specifically refers to surgical procedures which improve vision in individuals with refractive vision errors. LASIK is one of the most popular and highly effective corrective eye surgeries available to adults over the age of 18. However, it is important to know whether it is right for you.
Let’s explore about what qualifies a patient for this state-of-the-art procedure.
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK is an in-office eye procedure that typically takes only 15 to 30 minutes. It is a type of refractive surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea (the outermost structure of the eye). This reshaping corrects vision errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The results are clearer vision with reduced or no need–to use glasses or contact lenses. The success rate of LASIK is extremely high, with the vast majority of patients achieving their desired visual outcome.
How Does the LASIK Procedure Work?
Even though LASIK has a high success rate, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. Your eye doctor will determine your eligibility for LASIK eye surgery by evaluating your eye health and vision history.
He will also measure and map the corneal surfaces to understand their imperfections, elevation (height), and curvature. In all, the ophthalmic surgeon takes about 1200 different cornea measurements. The doctor then uses this information to fine-tune the LASIK surgical procedure to produce the best possible vision result.
During the surgery, your eye will be anesthetized. The doctor will first use a cool laser to create a tiny flap in the cornea. Once created, he will access the inner layers of the cornea with another cold laser tool (Excimer laser) and reshape the imperfections discovered during the pre-operative assessment.
The whole LASIK procedure takes just minutes to complete. You can return home to rest and resume many normal activities the next day.
Can I Get LASIK Vision Correction?
Generally, the best candidates for LASIK are adults 18 years of age and up. Other requirements for this innovative procedure are a stable lens prescription for a year or longer, no significant eye diseases or conditions, and good overall health (no diabetes, depression, or autoimmune problems).
Again, your eye doctor will do a general eye exam, review your medical history, and perform the iDesign measurements and mapping discussed here.
You likely are not a good candidate for LASIK corrective eye surgery if:
- Your lens prescription has been changing frequently
- You are pregnant or lactating
- You are diabetic or have autoimmune problems
- You have dry eyes or large pupils
- Wear glasses with a very strong or very weak prescription
- Take steroids or blood thinners
In short, you should get medically qualified with an experienced LASIK surgeon. Ask him specific questions so you understand the particular risks and benefits of corrective eye surgery.
Additional Things to Consider Before Corrective Eye Surgery
Even with LASIK vision correction, you still may need to wear glasses in certain situations. Plus, after surgery, it will take two to three days for your vision to adjust and clear. You may wear an eye shield and take prescription antibiotics for a few days.
Your eye surgeon will discuss with you how to prepare for your procedure and what your recovery will look like. Generally, LASIK surgery is comfortable and requires no sutures or bandaging afterward. Plus, complications from the procedure are extremely rare–under one percent of patients.
Corrective Eye Surgery in Miramar, Florida
If you think you are a candidate for LASIK surgery and are looking for a highly qualified and experienced eye doctor in and around Miramar, Florida, look no further.
At Miramar Eye Institute, our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Kenneth Karp, has helped thousands reduce or eliminate their need for glasses and contact lenses. This corrective eye surgery is high quality and extremely effective.
For the highest-quality medical eye care in South Florida, call Miramar Eye Institute for a personalized consultation with Dr. Karp and his team. Call our office at (954) 437-4316 or request your consultation online.
We look forward to serving you!