LASIK eye surgery is used to correct refractive errors, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is an alternative to wearing glasses or contacts. At AssureVision in Arlington Heights, IL, our team offers LASIK so that your vision can be at its best. While LASIK surgery may sound daunting, it is not a scary or painful process. Here are some commonly asked questions about LASIK.
What Does LASIK Mean?
LASIK is an acronym for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, which is an awful lot to say and even more to take in. The acronym LASIK refers to laser vision correction surgery.
What Is It?
LASIK uses a microkeratome laser device to reshape the cornea and restore proper vision. A naturally misshapen cornea causes the eye’s focal point to miss its mark, which leads to nearsightedness in most people, and farsightedness in some. LASIK surgery fixes the incorrectly shaped cornea and restores the eye’s proper focal point for improved visual acuity.
LASIK surgery has been done for decades and has continuously improved over time. The procedure is less invasive and faster than ever, which minimizes any health risks while greatly improving the process.
Who Can Get LASIK?
Not everyone who has vision problems is a candidate for LASIK surgery. You need to have enough corneal tissue to reshape the cornea and restore the focal point for correct vision. Your eyes also have to be healthy.
How Does the Procedure Work?
The LASIK procedure is very quick and often only requires a couple of seconds of laser sculpting on each eye. The procedure typically results in better vision right away. Before LASIK surgery, we will put numbing eye drops in your eyes so the procedure is not painful. The procedure may cause minor eye irritation that goes away after a couple of days. Our optometrists will give you prescription eye drops after the procedure to aid recovery. You should avoid rubbing your eyes for a week.
Why Choose LASIK?
LASIK surgery can restore vision rapidly. The procedure makes it possible for someone who typically wears corrective lenses to go through the remainder of life without them. Over time, you may save money by not having to purchase contacts.
Are There Any LASIK Risks?
LASIK does come with several risks, including a longer recovery time. Other possible issues include dry eyes and double vision, but these typically go away over time. The surgery might also overcorrect or under correct your vision. It’s also possible that your vision could regress back to its original prescription, but this is rare.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you think LASIK may be a good option for you, we can help. At AssureVision in Arlington Heights, IL, our optometrists can determine if LASIK is right for you and your condition. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us today.
