How Laser Eye Surgery Corrects Vision
Laser Eye Surgery
Nearsightedness is a spreading problem in the world, with more than 41% of the population suffering from some level of myopia. Eyeglasses and contact lenses can correct myopia but may not be an ideal solution for some patients. Fortunately, technological advances have provided a treatment for myopia that offers long-term, even permanent results for distance correction – laser eye surgery.
How It Works
Laser eye surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses advanced technology to correct various visual impairments, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgery works by using a laser to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. The cornea is responsible for refracting light, directing it to the retina, which converts the light into electrical signals and sends them to the brain for interpretation as visual images. By reshaping the cornea, laser eye surgery improves its ability to refract light, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
There are two main types of laser eye surgery: LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). The LASIK procedure involves creating a small flap in the cornea and then using the laser to reshape the underlying tissue. After the tissue has been reshaped, the flap is repositioned over the eye, where it heals naturally. This type of laser eye surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis and takes only a few minutes to complete.
On the other hand, PRK is a type of laser eye surgery that does not involve the creation of a corneal flap. Instead, the laser is used to directly reshape the cornea and the epithelial cells that line the cornea grow back naturally, healing the surface. This type of surgery is typically used for patients who have thin corneas, or for those who are involved in high-impact sports, where there is a risk of injury to the cornea.
Who May Benefit from Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery may be a good choice for correcting myopia or astigmatism for patients who:
Are at least 18 years of age
Are in good general health
Have had a stable vision prescription for at least one year
Seek freedom from contact lenses and glasses
Are not currently pregnant and have not been nursing in the last 6 months
Laser eye surgery is a safe and effective procedure for most people, but like any surgery, it does carry some risks. Here are some of the potential risks associated with laser eye surgery and you should ask your optometrist what may apply to you:
Dry eyes: Dry eyes can be a temporary or permanent side effect of laser eye surgery. This can cause discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
Glare and halos: Some people may experience glare and halos around lights, particularly at night, after having laser eye surgery.
Starbursts: Starbursts around lights can also be a side effect of laser eye surgery. This occurs when the light is scattered in multiple directions, creating a starburst-like effect around the light source.
Under correction or overcorrection: In some cases, laser eye surgery may not fully correct a person's vision, or it may correct it too much, causing nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Regression: Some people may experience regression, where their vision returns to its original state after a period of time. This can occur if the cornea changes shape after the surgery.
Vision fluctuations: Some people may experience fluctuations in their vision after laser eye surgery. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as changes in the cornea or fluctuations in the patient's tear film.
Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection after laser eye surgery. This can cause serious complications, such as scarring, corneal haze, and vision loss.
Epithelial Ingrowth: In some cases, cells from the corneal epithelium can grow into the cornea, causing vision problems and requiring additional surgery.
It is important to discuss the potential risks of laser eye surgery with a qualified eye doctor and to carefully consider all options before making a decision. Our team can facilitate care between eye surgeons and provide follow-up management after surgery.
