Before going for LASIK eye surgery, you must have really thought about it and decided that it is indeed what you want. This is why specialists schedule consultations before a surgery to determine if the procedure is right for you and determine if you meet the necessary requirements as a candidate. Also important is that consultation before the surgery helps you determine if the risk associated with the LASIK surgery is worth the costs.
Why do people need LASIK eye surgery?
The major reason why people seek LASIK eye surgery is to avoid reaching out for their glasses or contact lenses. Another reason why people would consider going for a LASIK eye surgery is to enjoy life and live with a clear vision.
The thought or idea of eye surgery or being awake during the procedure can be quite scary, so is the thought of cutting a small flap in the surface cells of the cornea to reshape the cornea underneath it. However, this is not the only thing that can make people have second thoughts about LASIK surgery. Another issue may be the price – the average cost of the procedure per eye is about £2,200. LASIK is not typically covered by insurance, and for this reason, some people may choose to save for it. Most importantly, however, are the risks and benefits associated with the procedure. Below are the pros and cons of the LASIK procedure.
Pros of LASIK eye surgery
It is quick and safe
The LASIK procedure takes about 20 minutes to complete, and most of the time is spent setting up and getting ready for the surgery. Patients who remain awake during the procedure may be given a Valium to calm their nerves. You should know that the laser is designed to shut off if a patient makes any sudden movement that puts the eye at risk of error or injury.
The results are ready in no time
With LASIK, it does not take much time to see results. Within a few hours after the procedure, the patient will notice a significant difference, and within the next few days, they will gain a clear sight. You can return to your normal daily activities within the next 48 hours after the surgery. However, if you receive PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), you should expect your recovery to take a long time, like a month. You may also experience minor pain during the corneal surface removal.
You can live without glasses or contacts
Whether the surgery you underwent is LASIK or PRK, you stand a greater chance of seeing perfectly well without glasses or contacts. You will finally have the opportunity to do things that you could not do because of your poor vision.
Your vision will be improved greatly
For people who have undergone the LASIK procedure, you can regain a 20/20 vision. At best, you will achieve what you would normally get with glasses or contact lenses. The prospects may vary, however, for those who have higher prescriptions. Bottom line: you will function without glasses.
Cons of LASIK eye surgery
Not everyone is a good candidate
Although LASIK is deemed a good treatment method for vision correction, it is not suitable for everyone, especially those aged 40 and above. This is because people within this age range may already have presbyopia, and this condition makes the lens of the eyes stiff, thereby hindering close-up vision. Even if LASIK eye surgery is applied, it only works on the cornea and not the lens.
Besides LASIK, there is another eye surgery known as PRK, and it is suitable for people with high prescriptions or very thin corneas.
There are certain risks involved
Like all other surgeries, certain risks are involved, and the odds of the risks becoming permanent issues are very rare. The uncommon side effect is nighttime glare or halo. Fortunately, with technology, the risks are much lower than they used to be. Finally, dry eyes are some of the common issues that arise after a LASIK surgery, and they can last up to three months. Fortunately, they can be managed with artificial tears. It is improbable that they can end up becoming a permanent issue.
The flaps can be injured
The flaps that are created during the LASIK procedure are not secured. This is why patients are strongly advised not to rub their eyes while they heal. Like a poke from a fingernail or object, any trauma to the flap can cause severe issues like dislodging it, even if it happens years after the surgery. If such happens, you should contact your doctor immediately.
This risk does not exist for those who have had PRK surgery because no flaps are created in this surgery. This is why athletes and individuals who live an active life are most likely to pursue the option.
You might need another LASIK procedure in the future
People who have a higher prescription before the surgery are more likely to see a minor decrease in the quality of their vision over time. This condition is known as myopic regression. This means that there is a tendency for your vision to drift back, although it will not be to the same degree. In the end, you might require a doctor-patient discussion or even a second LASIK surgery. Note that a second LASIK surgery has a higher level of risks as well as different risks.
LASIK is a great way to correct your vision; however, you can have other options, especially if you are not eligible for the procedure. Visit at The Lasik Eye Clinic for more information or if you need a good clinic for LASIK surgery in London.
