Is
Laser Vision Correction safe?
Today’s state-of-the-art lasers are approved by the FDA for
treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. More
than three million procedures have been performed in the United States.
Less than one percent of patients have experienced any kind of serious
vision-threatening complications.
Does
Laser Vision Correction hurt?
Because the eye is numbed using special anesthetic drops, the procedure
itself is painless and there is very little discomfort. The patient
is awake and comfortable throughout the procedure and may feel pressure
but not pain. The suction ring of the microkeratome squeezes the eye
and you will feel pressure or a squeeze during this part of the procedure
for about 30-60 seconds. Most patients describe the procedure as being
less uncomfortable than having their teeth cleaned. Some discomfort
after the procedure may occur, although it usually disappears within
12 to 24 hours. Discomfort can include itchy, watery eyes.
Are
there any risks or side effects?
As with every surgical procedure, there are risks involved with Laser
Vision Correction. During your vision correction consultation, your
McAllen LASIK surgeon will give you a thorough explanation of all the
risks and benefits involved with these procedures. A very small percentage
of patients who undergo the procedure have experienced mild side effects.
Some patients report seeing halos around lights at night or having
fluctuations in vision throughout the day, though most side effects
are temporary.
How
do I know if I'm a good candidate for Laser Vision Correction?
The ideal candidate for Laser Vision Correction is over 18 years old
and has healthy corneas. Candidates must have had a stable eye refraction
over the last year. People with certain medical conditions and women
who are pregnant are not candidates for Laser Vision Correction.
The best way to find out
if you are a candidate is to schedule a free consultation with a McAllen
vision correction doctor. Your McAllen eye doctor will give you a comprehensive
exam to make sure you can benefit from laser vision correction. Then
your doctor and his/her team will advise you about the risks and benefits
of the procedure and answer your questions so you can decide if you
are ready to have laser vision correction. Vision requirements vary
from patient to patient and depend on your prescription, lifestyle
and individual needs.
What
kind of results can I expect from my Laser Vision Correction?
It's important that patients have realistic expectations for their
Laser Vision Correction surgery. While not all patients undergoing
Laser Vision Correction gain 20/20 vision, 98 percent of LASIK patients
see 20/40 or better after the procedure. That qualifies an individual
to pass a driver's license exam without wearing glasses or contact
lenses. Less than one percent of patients experience any kind of serious
vision-threatening complications from the procedure.
How
much discomfort is there after the surgery?
The numbing medication wears off in about 15-20 minutes after which
most patients experience some mild burning and irritation, like having
a piece of sand in their eye. Watering and light sensitivity is normal.
All patients should go home and take a nap or close their eyes for
two hours, which helps to minimize any discomfort. Most patients do
not need to take any pain medication after the procedure.
What
Are The Visual Side Effects?
Side effects of LASIK vary according to the patient. The majority
of patients experience none, but the most common ones described are
a ghost image on figures or objects, a doubling of the image, mild
glare, mild fluctuation of vision and a possible decrease in contrasts.
These effects usually last only a few days. In some patients, especially
with high corrections, this effect can last several weeks and in rare
cases, a few months.
Is
My Correction Permanent?
The correction achieved with LASIK and other vision correction procedures
is long lasting and little change is seen after years of follow-up
studies. The vision you achieve with LASIK is generally the vision
you will keep for the rest of your life, but vision correction procedures
do not prevent the onset of weakening vision that results from aging.
Will
I Ever Have To Wear Glasses Again?
Since close to 98 percent of LASIK patients achieve 20/40 vision or
better, very few choose to wear glasses. Those who do generally use
them on a part time basis. As mentioned above, reading glasses may
be necessary with patients over 40 years of age. Patients forty and
older may choose to have a full distance correction in both eyes and
in that case would most likely need to wear reading glasses. Or they
can choose a monovision correction with the goal being to eliminate
or reduce dependency on reading glasses.
