If you have vision trouble and have spent years of your life using corrective lenses just to enjoy functional vision, there may be a better option. In many cases, doctors recommend pursuing LASIK surgery. But is this option right for you?
How Does LASIK Surgery Work?
“LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of laser refractive surgery – the best known and most commonly performed, ” Mayo Clinic notes. “In general, a special type of cutting laser is used to precisely change the shape of your cornea – the dome-shaped transparent tissue at the front of your eye – to improve vision.”
LASIK surgery is typically used to correct one of three major problems:
- Nearsightedness, in which light rays focus in front of the retina and blur distant vision.
- Farsightedness, in which light focuses behind the retina instead of on it – making near vision blurry.
- Astigmatism, in which the cornea flattens or curves unevenly and disrupts focus of near and distant vision.
If any of these problems describes your vision, a LASIK procedure could help you reclaim your vision.
5 Reasons to Get a LASIK Procedure
“Many factors go into whether or not you are a LASIK candidate, ” LASIKsurgery.com explains. “The only way to truly determine if you are a LASIK candidate is to have a full diagnostic evaluation by a qualified ophthalmologist. During this consultation, your doctor should spend time with you, ensuring your questions are answered and you’re comfortable with the procedure.”
Assuming that your doctor determines that you are a good candidate for LASIK, here are some of the reasons why you should follow-through and schedule a procedure:
1. Superior Vision
First and foremost, LASIK is almost guaranteed to improve your vision. Many people even experience better vision than they had when wearing glasses or prescription contacts. From reading to driving and everything in between, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your overall quality of life.
2. Beat the Clock
Did you know that a person’s eyes begin changing between the ages of 40 and 45? As a part of the natural aging process, many find that they need reading glasses. This is a direct result of a condition known as presbyopia – a gradual thickening and loss of flexibility in the eye’s lens.
Most people in their 30s haven’t yet developed presbyopia. By getting LASIK before it sets in, most eye-related issues can be avoided. If you’ve yet to reach 40, the clock is ticking!
3. Cost-Effective
LASIK surgery is surprisingly affordable – especially when you view it as an investment in your future health. But it’s also cost-effective when considered against the costs of not getting laser eye surgery.
Should you decide against LASIK, you’ll spend decades paying for eye prescriptions, contact lenses, glasses, and appointments. You may even risk developing a more serious condition, which could require a more invasive corrective procedure.
4. No More Discomfort
Whether you realize it or not, much of the chronic discomfort you experience on a day to day basis is a direct byproduct of wearing contact lenses or glasses. This may include dry eyes, itchy eyes, painful eyes, and headaches. When you have LASIK surgery performed, most of these symptoms should dissipate.
5. Convenience
If you’ve worn contacts or glasses for many years, you may not even remember what life was like before. When you get LASIK performed, you’ll rediscover the convenience and freedom of life without corrective devices.
If you like to exercise and play sports, you’ll no longer have to hassle with your glasses. In your career, you’ll be able to focus better throughout the day and enjoy greater productivity over longer periods of time. In terms of traveling, you’ll no longer have to worry about packing contacts, contact solutions, glasses, and everything else that goes with your situation.
Aside from the direct health benefits, it’s these convenience-related benefits that people enjoy most as a result of having a LASIK procedure performed.
Reclaim Your Life
If you’re currently struggling with vision issues or relying on a crutch like contact lenses or reading glasses, few things have the ability to improve your quality of life quite like laser surgery. You’ll instantly notice a difference in how you view the world – both figuratively and literally. So don’t procrastinate any longer. Meet with an ophthalmologist to see if you’re a candidate.
