advantages of LASIK surgery

What are the advantages of LASIK surgery?

In summary, despite the risks outlined above, LASIK has been proven to be safe and effective for most people. With careful patient screening and selection, reasonable expectations, and in the care of an experienced surgeon, most patients will be very pleased with their results. These are some of the other advantages of LASIK:

• LASIK is able to accurately correct most levels of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
• The procedure is fast, usually lasting only five to 10 minutes, and is generally painless.
• Because the laser is guided by a computer, it is very precise and results are very accurate.
• In most cases, a single treatment will achieve the desired outcome; however, enhancements are possible if needed, even many years after the initial surgery.

What are the disadvantages of LASIK surgery?

• Because each patient will heal slightly differently, results may vary from patient to patient.
• LASIK could make some aspects of your vision worse, including night vision with glare and halos.
• LASIK may make dry-eye symptoms worse in certain individuals.
• In rare circumstances, LASIK can make your vision worse and not correctable with regular glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK checklist

1. Know your refractive error. 2. Know your treatment options. 3. Know the type of laser that has been recommended for your treatment and why this specific laser was chosen. 4. Know what to look for to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.
• Career issues
• Vision stability
• Medical or eye diseases
• Age
• Corneal thickness
• Corneal Shape and curvature
• Pupil size
• Dry Eyes
• Previous refractive surgery
5. Know the risks possible with surgery.
• Over-correction or under-correction
• May still need glasses or contacts after surgery
• Results may not be permanent
• Visual aberrations
• Dry eye may worsen
• May lose vision
6. Know how to find the right surgeon.
• Experienced
• Good reputation in community
• Access to latest technology
• Available after surgery to manage any complications that may occur
• Beware of "guarantees"
7. Know what to expect before, during, and after surgery.