What Does Laser Eye Surgery Do? A Comprehensive Guide

Laser eye surgery, or laser vision correction, is a medical procedure that involves the use of lasers to reshape the front surface of the eyes. This type of surgery can correct myopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common type of laser eye surgery used to treat vision problems. During LASIK surgery, a special type of cutting laser is used to precisely change the shape of the transparent dome-shaped tissue in the front of the eye (cornea) to improve vision.

It doesn't burn tissue, but instead vaporizes small amounts of the cornea every time a laser beam is hit on the surface of the eye. With each pulse of the laser beam, a small amount of corneal tissue is removed, allowing the eye surgeon to flatten the corneal curve or make it more pronounced.

Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Refractive Surgery

When considering the risks and benefits of refractive surgery, it's important to remember that wearing contact lenses also carries some risks to eye health. Refractive lens exchange (RLE) may be a good option if you are older and not suitable for laser eye surgery, perhaps because you have a high eye prescription or because you have an onset of cataracts.

The long-term effects of corneal laser sculpting are believed to be minimal if the eyes are considered to be suitable for the procedure.

The Results of Laser Eye Surgery

Some people who have laser eye surgery will still need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses to achieve optimal vision, although their natural vision should improve a lot. Studies have shown that an average of 95% of people who have undergone LASIK eye surgery are satisfied with the results. With monovision, one eye is corrected for distant vision and the other for near vision.

LASIK may be an alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses for those who want to improve their vision without having to wear corrective lenses all day.

Choosing the Right Refractive Surgery for You

It's important to talk to your doctor about all your options before deciding which type of refractive surgery is best for you. Your doctor will consider factors such as your vision, eye health, age, budget and lifestyle before recommending a course of action. It's also important to understand that there are risks associated with any type of refractive surgery, so it's important to weigh these risks against potential benefits before making a decision.

Conclusion

Laser eye surgery can be an effective way to improve your vision without having to wear corrective lenses all day. However, it's important to understand that there are risks associated with any type of refractive surgery, so it's important to weigh these risks against potential benefits before making a decision. Talk to your doctor about all your options before deciding which type of refractive surgery is best for you.