Lasik surgery has become a popular surgical procedure for those suffering from impaired vision. While glasses and contacts have been the most common forms of treatment, Lasik surgery promises a more long-term solution to impaired vision. While Lasik surgery is generally safe, many people do have concerns about the procedure, and those concerns are justified. Like any other surgical procedure, Lasik does not come with risks, and you should be aware of these if you are considering the procedure. Here a few things you should know before considering Lasik.
The Doctor’s Qualifications
Your eye doctor may not be qualified to perform the procedure. An optometrist cannot perform surgery on your eye, however can do an assessment to identify if you are a good candidate and then refer you to an ophthalmologist. Ask your eye doctor for a referral.
What the Lasik Procedure is For
Lasik is used to treat hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism. Hyperopia is a condition otherwise known as farsightedness. People can see far away objects, but have trouble seeing ones that are close to them. Myopia is known as nearsightedness. It is the opposite of hyperopia: people with this condition can see things nearby but have blurry vision when focusing on far away objects. Astigmatism tends to involve a bit of both—people have trouble focusing on objects at various distances both near and far.
Who is a Good Candidate for Lasik
Before a doctor refers you for Lasik surgery (or performs it, if qualified), he or she will ask you a number of questions and you will go through a comprehensive screening process. This is to ensure that you qualify for Lasik. People with certain conditions should not undergo Lasik surgery, such as women who are pregnant or nursing, people with eye conditions such as cataracts or severe dry eyes, and people suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Only those over the age of 18 can undergo the procedure.
Possible Side Effects
Most patients suffer some form of temporary minor discomfort once the surgery has been completed. However, there are cases where the complications have become more severe. This is why you should have a lengthy conversation with your surgeon and be aware of all the risks.
If you are considering undergoing this procedure, talk to your doctor and do lots of research. At The Eye Clinic, you can have a consultation with one of our specialists to help you to decide whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. Give us a call or visit our website.