Guide To Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery

Benefits Of The Procedure

There are several benefits to LASIK surgery, which is why it is one of the most popular eye surgeries in the United States. The most obvious benefit is clearer vision. Ninety-six percent of patients say they have the vision they desire after the LASIK surgery procedure. Even if the patient's vision does not become 20/20, LASIK can still dramatically reduce blurriness. If patients do not end up with the vision they want, they can have an enhancement done to help. As LASIK surgery is done with numbing eye drops, there is very little pain during it. In addition, the discomfort following the procedure is only moderate.

When the procedure is done, patients will notice better vision within just a few hours. Patients do not need any stitches or bandages, and there is no significant downtime. In fact, they can go home the same day as the procedure. Most patients who have LASIK surgery find their dependence on contact lenses or eyeglasses becomes dramatically reduced. They may not need eyeglasses or contacts at all anymore.

Uncover the risks of the procedure next.

Risks Of The Procedure

As with any surgical procedure, LASIK does have potential risks. However, they are much lower than with many other eye surgeries. Very few LASIK surgery patients have reported having long-term or permanent problems. It is very rare for there to be complications involving a loss of vision. However, the procedure does come with side effects like temporary visual disturbances and dry eyes. The issues clear up within weeks or a few months.

LASIK surgery temporarily decreases tear production, which leads to dry eyes. Patients may also experience some difficulty seeing at night because of increased glare, halos around lights, and double vision. Some individuals may have worse vision in dim light than bright light after the surgery. Another potential issue is under correction, which causes vision to be improved but not fully. Overcorrection is also an issue. Unfortunately, this may be harder to fix than under correction.

Learn about conditions that increase these risks next.