The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Getting LASIK Done

For many people who rely on glasses or contact lenses, LASIK eye surgery can sound like an appealing way to improve their vision and enjoy more freedom in everyday life. The procedure has become a popular option for correcting common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, like any medical procedure, LASIK has both benefits and potential drawbacks. Understanding what to expect can help you make a more informed decision about whether it may be suitable for you. In this article, we’ll look at the main advantages and disadvantages of getting LASIK, including its potential benefits, risks, recovery, and other factors worth considering before undergoing the procedure.

There is a lot of chatter around LASIK these days, so what is this surgical procedure? LASIK stands for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis. This process deploys a laser underneath the cornea of the eye to reshape the cornea. Eye surgeons use the excimer laser to conduct LASIK surgery. This operation is meant for one of the following objectives:

1. Removing refractive errors

2. Improving eye vision

3. Eliminating the need for glasses

LASIK surgery is a safe procedure, and so far, more than 500,000 Australians have opted for it. However, it is wise to understand the pros and cons of this surgical procedure. Please read on.

Benefits:

We can think of at least 5 top benefits of going in for LASIK. These are:

Improved vision

According to recent studies, 90% of all people who opted for LASIK gained 20/40 vision while 80% gained 20/20 sight. It is a universally accepted fact that after outpatient surgery, patients get enhanced vision.

Long-lasting results

Again, it is a fact that patients who underwent LASIK have had long-term or permanent effects. However, please note that in cases where the eye was under or over-repaired, this condition may not hold.

Post this surgery; your eyes might take three months to stabilize.

Having LASIK surgery doesn’t mean that aging or illness won’t affect your eyes. To understand further on LASIK, click here.

Quick results

Most eye surgeons believe that patients should be able to join work just a day after their surgery. However, if your workplace is dirty or dusty, we’d recommend you tidy things up before returning to work.

Cost-effective

If you are wearing contacts, we estimate you would be paying roughly $200-annually. This cost can be reduced if you go in for LASIK. No doubt, the price of the surgical procedure is very high, but you also take care of your time and other associated costs. Plus, you don’t have to consult a doctor every time you want to get a new pair of contacts.

Say goodbye to glasses

If you are tired of carrying your reading glasses everywhere you go, it might be a good idea to have LASIK. Post this operation; you don’t need to wear any glasses at all. You can now put on any shades that you like in the market without bothering about power and other variables.

Now let’s look at the disadvantages of going for LASIK:

Dry eyes

After the surgical procedure, you might get dry eyes. You may not get the required volume of tears to moisten your eyes. In such a scenario, please consult a doctor; he might install some plugs in your tear ducts to do the needful. You might experience dry eyes for six months or so.

Glare and halos

After surgery, you might experience glares, halos, and double vision, particularly at dusk or in foggy conditions. This situation might last for a few days after your surgery. At first, you might think that your image has deteriorated after LASIK.

Under and Over Corrections

In some cases, your surgeon might remove less tissue from your eye during surgery. This is called Under Correction and is a significant cause of repeating or frequent LASIK surgeries. Over Correction happens when more tissues than required get removed from the surface of the eye. This also results in repetitive surgeries.

Regression

Some patients have reported that their vision has regressed to previous levels after LASIK. This is an uncommon occurrence, though.

Astigmatism

Uneven removal of tissues may lead to another problem called astigmatism.

Conclusion

LASIK can offer greater freedom from glasses or contact lenses and may significantly improve vision for many suitable candidates. At the same time, it is important to remember that results can vary, and the procedure comes with potential risks, side effects, and costs. Choosing LASIK should not be based solely on convenience or expectations of perfect vision. A qualified eye-care professional can evaluate your eyes, discuss your options, and explain whether you are a suitable candidate. Taking the time to understand both the advantages and disadvantages can help you make a decision that is right for your individual vision needs.