LASIK eye surgery is a highly effective form of vision improvement therapy that can seriously improve a patient’s vision for long periods. Its efficacy and ease of use have made it a popular method of improving one’s vision quality. There are steps that one can take to ensure the longevity of their LASIK results. These steps can help one save time and money in the future and prevent them from having to return to their eye doctor for additional treatment. If you have a LASIK procedure planned, read this guide on how to make your LASIK results last longer.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a type of vision treatment that utilizes high-powered lasers to change the shape of the corneas. It has a very high success rate in terms of improving patient’s vision in the long term. In addition, it reduces the need for other forms of vision correction, such as contacts or glasses.
What Occurs During LASIK Treatment?
During LASIK treatment, a physician utilizes high-powered lasers to modify a patient’s corneal flaps and tissues to modify their vision. The procedure is highly effective at treating multiple conditions, including:
- Astigmatism: In astigmatism, an uneven curvature of the cornea causes distortions in the vision. This condition diminishes one’s ability to see objects from all distances.
- Myopia: Myopia is a condition that describes when the eye is longer than the normal eye. This results in the blurring of distant objects for the viewer. The condition is also known as near-sightedness.
- Hyperopia: Hyperopia describes a condition where the eye is shorter than average, and light rays and objects that are closer to one’s face appear blurry. This condition is also known as far-sightedness.
The LASIK treatment you receive will aim to rectify one of the above issues by altering the physical shape of your eye. Should the procedure be successful, patients can look forward to improved vision for several years or a lifetime.
Possible Side Effects of LASIK
As is true of all procedures, there are side effects that one may experience as a result of their LASIK treatment. In most cases, these are temporary side effects that should subside after a few weeks. Side effects of LASIK include:
- Eye pain and discomfort
- Double vision
- Glare in the vision
- Perceiving halos and other visual stimuli
- Increased overall sensitivity to light
- Double vision
- Hazy vision
- Blurry vision
In addition, other, more serious side effects can occur after LASIK. If you experience any of the following side effects, you should reach out to your healthcare provider immediately to receive a follow-up examination.
- Blindness
- Sudden, unexplained vision loss
- Eye infection
How to Make Your LASIK Results Last Longer
There are steps you can take to ensure you maximize the longevity of your LASIK results. Following the steps below can help you ensure that your results last and that you are not forced to return to your eye doctor for additional treatment.
- Avoid submerging yourself in water in the first few days following your procedure.
- Attempt to curb excessive sun exposure.
- Avoid applying creams, lotions, or other cosmetic products to the site of your results.
- Do not engage in activities that lead to excessive eye strain, such as watching television or using a computer.
- Refrain from smoking for the first few days following your procedure.
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet following your procedure.
The following steps should give you an edge for preserving your LASIK results in both the long and short term. In addition, you should discuss with your physician any concerns that you have regarding preserving your results and enhancing your outcomes with respect to the procedure.
Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Most patients who are interested in receiving LASIK treatment will ultimately find themselves qualified to do so. That said, some conditions may prohibit you from receiving this treatment. The following conditions may lessen your chance of being approved for LASIK vision correction.
- Blepharitis
- Corneal dystrophy
- Younger than 18 years of age
- Currently pregnant
- Constantly changing refractive error
- Are active in contact sports
Your Best Resource for LASIK
Advanced Eye Medical is an eye clinic in Orange County that takes pride in offering the residents of Southern California the best in LASIK care. If you are interested in discussing LASIK with an Orange County eye surgeon, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.