LASIK or laser in-situ keratomileusis is the most popular elective surgical procedure in the world. This surgery is performed with the intention of correcting the vision of people who are near-sighted, farsighted, or who have astigmatism. These are all refractive eye errors, which means that they occur as a result of problems with the way that light is refracted by the eyes.
The front part of the eye, called the cornea, is a clear, dome-shaped surface. As well as protecting the eye, its purpose is also to refract light as it enters the eye, bending it so that it passes through and reaches an area of cells right at the back of the eye called the retina. The retina receives the light and turns it into signals which are sent up the optic nerve to the brain. When light isn’t focused onto the retina properly, the messages received by the retina are garbled and this results in blurred vision. For example, in people who are near-sighted, light falls in front of the retina instead. While they can see nearby objects clearly, the further away something is, the more blurred it appears.
LASIK works by reshaping the cornea to correct any irregularities that are causing light to be refracted poorly, improving patient vision. Although there is no guarantee exactly how precise your vision will be following LASIK laser vision correction, the majority of patients find that they are able to see clearly with little to no reliance on prescription eyewear.
Sounds great, right? So how do you know when it’s the right time for you to get LASIK surgery?
There’s No Real Age Limit To Get LASIK
Although there is a minimum age limit of 18 for LASIK, there is no upper age limit meaning that, if you are a good candidate for the treatment, you can get it at any point once you become an adult. Many reasons for undergoing laser vision correction relate to an active lifestyle, as choosing LASIK gives people greater freedom to take part in activities without the restrictions that glasses can impose.
You Don’t Want To Wear Glasses Or Contact Lenses
Although it’s not possible to confirm exactly how accurate your vision will be following your LASIK treatment, most people who undergo laser vision correction find that they have little or no reliance on glasses or contact lenses following their surgery. This saves them the hassle of choosing and maintaining frames or lenses or remembering to take them with you when you go out.
If you participate in sport or other activities where wearing glasses or contact lenses is difficult or impossible, LASIK is a great alternative too. Many amateur and professional athletes opt for laser vision correction to enable them to see clearly and perform to the best of their ability.
You Want To Save Money
The initial cost associated with laser vision correction can seem expensive, but the surgery is a valuable investment in your vision. Glasses and contact lenses can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars every single year. And if you damage them and require replacements, the cost increases again. When you compare the cost of LASIK to the purchase and maintenance of glasses or contact lenses, LASIK actually represents great value for money.
Your Eyes Are Healthy
Before you can get LASIK, your LASIK provider will need to check that your eyes are healthy and that there are no underlying issues that need to be resolved before your surgery. They will do this at your initial consultation. If you are not a good candidate for LASIK, they may be able to suggest an alternative laser vision correction technique.
For more information about LASIK or to find out if now is a good time for you to have LASIK laser vision correction surgery, contact Treasure Coast Eye Specialists in Port St. Lucie or Stuart, Florida at (772) 400-2400 or (772) 286-0007 to schedule a consultation.
