LASIK is a type of vision improvement treatment that can drastically improve a patient’s eyesight. In recent years, it has gained quite a bit of traction as an alternative to both glasses and contacts. If you are interested in receiving LASIK treatment, it pays to know exactly which conditions LASIK can treat. This can help you determine whether or not it is the correct remedy for you.
If you are considering LASIK treatment, this guide describes the conditions it can treat.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a type of vision correction procedure that utilizes high-powered lasers to reshape a patient’s corneas and improve their vision. Since its introduction to the market, it has proven highly effective at correcting patients’ vision. Most patients who undergo LASIK treatment find that they achieve high-quality results with little risk. LASIK results tend to last practically for life, barring any serious injury or degradation to the eyes.
Which Conditions Does LASIK Treat?
LASIK is adept at treating many of the common disorders of the eyes that a patient might visit an optometrist for, including:
Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness is a visual condition that indicates that a patient has difficulty seeing things that are far away. In this type of ocular condition, the eyeball is slightly longer than is typical, or the cornea curves too sharply.
Farsightedness
This condition is the opposite of the above. In farsightedness, a patient has a shorter-than-average eyeball or a cornea that is too flat overall. These people are able to see things far away clearly but have difficulty seeing things up close.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a condition in which a patient’s cornea flattens unevenly throughout its distribution. This can lead to glares, duplications, and general distortions of vision.
Most patients who are interested in receiving LASIK surgery will already have been prescribed glasses or contacts to treat their various eye conditions. When you consult with your physician prior to your surgery, you should go over your history with these elements.
Who Should Consider Getting LASIK Treatment?
Most patients will qualify for LASIK treatment. Those who benefit from glasses or contacts would also benefit from LASIK treatment.
An individual must meet certain qualifications if they wish to receive LASIK treatment. The following are considered standard qualifications for those hoping to undergo LASIK:
- The patient should have a visual impairment that LASIK can treat.
- The patient should have an overall stable level of sight, even if that level is quite poor.
- The patient must be at least 18 years old to be able to receive LASIK treatment.
- The patient’s eyes should be healthy and disease-free.
Your doctor may offer other stipulations depending on your health profile and history. These criteria are ultimately required for your benefit, as they are designed to keep you safe. Additional conditions that can impact your ability to receive LASIK treatment include:
- Chronic ailments such as cancer and diabetes
- Advanced glaucoma and other diseases of the eyes
- Cataracts
- Chronically dry or irritable eyes
- Very intense astigmatisms or myopias
How Long Do the Results from LASIK Last?
The results from LASIK can be remarkably long-lasting, with many patients enjoying their LASIK benefits for life. Even if this is not the case for you, there is a strong likelihood you will enjoy your LASIK results for at least 10-20 years. Often, this means that someone might only have to receive LASIK treatment once in their life. For some, this makes the treatment more appealing than glasses or contacts, which need to be changed routinely.
There are some side effects to be aware of when receiving LASIK treatment. Some of the following should be considered:
- Eye pain
- Double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Glares
- Visual phenomenon
In addition, the following side effects of your LASIK surgery would indicate that you need immediate medical attention:
- Debilitating infection
- Induced blindness
- Vision loss
Your Best Resource for LASIK
Advanced Eye Medical is one of the best venues in Orange County for LASIK. If you are curious whether this treatment can work for you, contact our office today to set up an appointment.