Can LASIK Improve Nearsightedness?
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common form of laser eye surgery that can correct nearsightedness, also referred to as myopia. Individuals with myopia wishing to improve their eyesight should consider LASIK.
If you suffer from nearsightedness, schedule an appointment with an eye care clinic to receive a laser eye surgery evaluation. LASIK corrects visual refractive errors and can improve eyesight in various ways, including for those with nearsightedness.
How LASIK Improves Nearsightedness
According to the National Library of Medicine, LASIK is an option for individuals with low or high myopia, with or without astigmatism. Additionally, LASIK has shown it can improve myopia from -2.00 to -20.00 diopters.
LASIK eye surgery is a popular procedure that improves eyesight by changing the shape of the cornea, the thin, clear front of the eye. LASIK changes the refractive power of the cornea by creating a flap. In doing so, the total refractive power of the eye decreases. This laser eye surgery causes relatively little pain and has a recovery time of just a few days for most patients.
LASIK Improves More Than Just Nearsightedness
Laser eye surgery offers a treatment for those with nearsightedness as well as individuals with various eye-related health issues. LASIK can be beneficial for those suffering from hyperopia or farsightedness.
Additionally, LASIK is beneficial for those experiencing astigmatism, a distortion of vision caused by a cornea that is irregular in shape. While individuals suffering from eye problems such as these can find treatment with LASIK, not all eye health issues can be fixed with this form of eye surgery. Some of the eye conditions that LASIK cannot cure include cataracts, keratoconus, and glaucoma.
How to Be Approved for LASIK
If you suffer from nearsightedness and seek treatment with LASIK surgery, you must first be approved for the procedure. To be approved for LASIK eye surgery, individuals must undergo a screening. Before the screening takes place, the patient must temporarily remove any contact lenses for 1 to 2 weeks.
During the eye screening, patients will need to take multiple assessments. For instance, before receiving LASIK, exams must be taken to determine the correct eye functions. Exams may include:
Intraocular pressure observance
fundoscopic exam
dry eye evaluation
general eye health assessment
cornea evaluation
Individuals who are eligible for LASIK will receive notification from their doctor. Before surgery takes place, you will be given routine paperwork, including a consent form to sign.
Preparations for LASIK
Before receiving laser eye surgery, preparations must take place. Doctors will follow the Randleman criteria. This helps screen patients who are at risk for developing post-surgery complications such as a typographical error known as ectasia.
Additionally, the cornea thickness will be measured to ensure it meets the criteria for LASIK. Once approved for LASIK and the procedure takes place, patients will attend follow-up visits to verify that the healing process from surgery is going smoothly.
Complications of LASIK
Although rare, complications from LASIK can occur. Complications can range from dry eyes to optic neuropathy. Some of the complications include the following:
an infection after the procedure known as infectious keratitis
corneal flap complications, such as an incomplete cap or cap dislodgement
lack of tear production, creating dehydrated eyes
visual changes, including a haze or glare
an inflammatory response to surgery known as diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK)
the thinning of the cornea, known as ectasia
The complications listed above are rare. Doctors will monitor your symptoms, and you will receive documents describing symptoms to be aware of.
Improve Your Nearsightedness With LASIK
Although LASIK eye surgery is not offered at Aloha Eye, our Maui location provides post-operative follow-up visits. We work with colleagues on Oahu to help you receive top-rated services and care.
At Aloha Eye, we provide numerous eye treatment options. Schedule a consultation and speak with one of our healthcare professionals today.