LASIK is an eye surgery performed to treat refractive errors permanently. If you have a vision problem, the idea of getting LASIK might have crossed your mind at least once.
While so many people find glasses comfortable and stylish, there are a bunch of people living with vision errors who are eagerly waiting for a permanent solution. But, no matter how unharmful the procedure may seem to you, not everyone is suitable to undergo eye surgery.
If you are also wondering if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK, read this blog to get an answer to your question.
What is LASIK?
If you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, one way to improve your visual acuity (other than wearing glasses) is to get LASIK.
It is a type of eye surgery where your cornea is reshaped by removing the corneal tissue. The shape of your cornea is responsible for bending the light rays on your retina. Oddly shaped corneas don’t bend the light perfectly and you face vision problems.
LASIK is an abbreviation for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.” this surgery only takes 15 minutes and has been found to be successful in most cases. The instances of vision loss due to LASIK are quite rare.
However, it is only surgery and there are always complications. Getting LASIK presents with some uncomfortable side effects that persist until the cornea gets healed completely.
What happens after LASIK?
Even after you have this surgery, you won’t get exempted from the natural vision changes that occur with age. For example, in your 40s, you will experience a loss of near vision. In this case, you will need reading glasses no matter whether you’ve had LASIK before.
As the LASIK procedure involves removing the corneal tissue and then binding the cornea with an artificial flap, you need to be careful about touching your eyes after the surgery.
As your cornea is still healing, you won’t be able to drive on the road until your doctor confirms that your vision is healthy and fit.
Your doctor will also recommend you to not touch your eyes as it can move the artificial flap. For some time (or maybe longer based on your health), you will have to deal with the following unpleasant symptoms:
- Soreness in the eye
- Dry or itchy eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Glare
- Blurry vision
- Seeing halos around light sources
Giving your eyes some rest and time to heal is necessary after LASIK. If you find anything unusual in your vision apart from the symptoms mentioned above, contact your doctor and seek immediate medical aid.
No matter how carefully the surgery is performed, there is always room for under-correction. This is a term related to the removal of more corneal tissue than intended. In this case, you will have to undergo enhancement surgery, much like a LASIK touch-up, you can say.
If you are not ready for these complications, you can still get that vision correction with glasses or contacts. Visit your eye doctor, get your prescription and then search for your desired pair of contacts or glasses online. This process is simpler and safer than getting LASIK.
Who is not suitable for LASIK?
Technology has come a long way. With enhanced medical tools and equipment, LASIK is now safer than it was before. More people are now suitable for eye surgery with few complications or risks.
However, if you fall into any of the following categories, you should write LASIK off your list.
- You are not an adult
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are taking acne medicines that include immunosuppressants
- You have an unstable vision
- You have a dry eye problem
- You have an autoimmune disease
- Your eye health is poor
- You have an eye condition such as cataracts
- Your general health is bad
Having an eye condition or disease will make your eyes respond differently to the surgery. Also, if you have a health issue, the healing ability of your body gets low which will impose problems during the healing journey.
Not everyone benefited from LASIK. If you don’t qualify for this procedure, don’t lose heart. Choose from the different frames available in the market and wear glasses for your vision problem.
If you need vision correction on an urgent basis, eye surgery won’t help. It can take months for your cornea to heal and function normally. But, there are express glasses that you can get within a day or two no matter how complicated your vision problem is.
Glasses are stylish, comfortable, and affordable as well. They correct your vision and add to your personality or looks. Consult your doctor about the other possible ways to make up for your poor vision.
