Laser eye surgery is one of the most performed eye surgery around the world to correct a wide range of vision problems. It is mainly recommended for its super efficacies in restring severely damaged sight to its initial perfect condition.
Whether you are a patient or not, this guide will expose you to everything you need to know about laser eye surgery. This write-up aims to help you decide whether you need to enroll in the procedure to correct and restore your visual impediments or learn about a few reasons why you should not even consider it as an option.
When performed by experts, laser eye surgery can make people see better vision than they have seen in the past. In this period that most people are born with one eye complication or the other, many people don’t get to have perfect sight throughout their entire lifespan until after laser eye surgery. Thus, you might also be a potential laser procedure patient waiting for a diagnosis.
Related: Don’t know if you should undergo cataract surgery?
In this complete guide, you will learn the meaning of the surgery, how it works, who are eligible, the risks involved, conditions that increase the side effects, how to prepare for the surgery, what to expect during the surgery, and things to do after the surgery and your desired results.
Without a doubt, if you’re new to laser eye surgery, you will understand what it means at the end of this article. Are you ready to make some discoveries? Let’s start from the start.
What is laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a modern refractive procedure involving using a laser to reshape the eye’s surface area to improve or correct vision disorders. It also helps to overcome presbyopia – a difficulty that prevents us from seeing up close as we age.
Laser eye surgery involves using advanced technology to remove imperfections from the eyes to restore vision. In most cases, laser eye surgery helps people enjoy perfect vision for as long as a lifetime. if you adhere strictly to your healthcare provider’s instructions, you wouldn’t have any reason to have another laser eye surgery in a lifetime.
Laser Eye Surgery Vs. Contact Lenses and Eye Glasses
Most people opt for contacts or glasses because they are either scared of the outcomes of the surgery or can’t afford the initial surgery cost. If you have been a sorry victim of any of the two, you miss out on a big deal.
Laser eye surgery is a far better alternative to contact lenses and eyeglasses regarding practical results and costs. First, contacts and glasses don’t correct vision problems in a day. It takes several days and even months to get the desired result. However, you can start enjoying a perfect vision after the first 24 hours. Besides, laser eye surgery is more cost-effective. It’s a one-time event that will last for decades. In the case of contacts and glasses, you will have to continue spending recurring expenses on maintenance and repairs, which will become more expensive in the long run.
What are the risks involved in laser eye surgery
Like every other surgery, certain possible complications may occur after a laser procedure. Mind you; most severe complications are not natural. They surface as a result of inadequate preparation and self-prescriptions.
Generally, a few side effects can occur shortly after the surgery. These minor complications will most likely disappear automatically after some days or weeks without medications. Here is a list of what you may likely experience after a typical laser eye surgery:
- Dry eyes: Laser eye surgery can cause a temporal reduction in tear production. Hence, your eyes may feel dry as they gradually heal. This experience may last for a few days or weeks, depending on how long it takes your eyes to get better. As long as the dry eyes continue, your vision quality may reduce.
- Double vision, halos, and glare: you may find it difficult to see at night after the surgery. This experience may also last for days or weeks before restoring to normal. Sometimes, you might struggle with high sensitivity to light or notice some halos around bright lights. It may also involve seeing double vision.
- Vision loss or changes: in some rare cases, surgical complications may result in vision loss. Some patients may not see as clearly as it was previously.
What are the conditions that can increase the risks?
It is always good advice to undergo a thorough medical treatment to ensure you are medically fit for the procedure. Why? Certain health complications might increase the risk of having severe complications after the surgery. They may include:
- Autoimmune disorders
- A weakened immune system
- Persistent dry eyes
- A recent change in vision due to hormonal change, medications, pregnancy, and more
- Inflammation of the eyes, lid disorders, eye diseases, or injuries
How to Prepare For Laser Eye Surgery
- Get a medical report
- Skip eye makeover
- Stop using contact lenses
- Stop looking at the screens of mobile phones, computers, television, and other gadgets
- Know how much the surgery costs
- Arrange for a ride home
How long is the procedure?
Laser eye surgery doesn’t take more than 30 minutes. It may even take less if performed by experts. Most laser eye surgeons would ask you to wait a minute while they complete the entire procedure in a blink.
What should you expect during the procedure?
On the day of the surgery, you are to wear light and fitted clothes for easy movement. At the beginning of the refractive session, the surgeon would ask you to lay on a couch, give you some medications to calm your nerves, and uses an instrument to hold your eyelids open. After that, the surgeon uses a laser to reshape your cornea.
Finally
Laser eye surgery offers an improved vision that can last for a lifetime. After the procedure, you wouldn’t have to endure the stress of inserting contact lenses or cleaning eyeglasses. The laser allows you to see 20/25 vision or even better after the first 24 hours. Many people who have undergone laser eye surgery no longer use contacts and eyeglasses. You can get the best result possible, depending on your health conditions.