What is LASIK Eye Surgery: Procedure and Benefits

The cornea shapes can change, resulting in vision problems such as astigmatism and nearsightedness. Laser eye surgery is a medical treatment that uses laser light to reshape this layer. It is important to visit an eye care center near you when you notice any changes in your vision.

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a refractive surgery that uses a laser to correct vision. LASIK surgery can treat various vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The laser procedure involves creating a small flap in the cornea. A laser is then used to reshape the cornea. The LASIK surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, so you will not have to stay overnight in the hospital.

Which Vision Problems Can be Treated by LASIK Eye Surgery?

Refractive errors occur when the eye’s light does not bend — or refract — correctly to focus on the retina. This is generally due to corneal shape. Over 150 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, use corrective eyewear such as glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors.

Farsightedness

Farsightedness is a refractive error where close objects appear blurry while distant objects appear clear. Hyperopia happens when the cornea has a little curvature, and your eyeball is too short. Farsightedness affects about 5 percent of the population.

Nearsightedness

Also called myopia, this is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects appear clear. This happens when your cornea has too much curvature. Myopia is a common eye problem, affecting about 30 percent of the population.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when your cornea — the front surface of your eye, is too curved, causing blurred near vision. Astigmatism affects about 3 percent of the population.

What Can You Expect During Your LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery. LASIK is done as an outpatient procedure, so you will not need to stay in the hospital overnight.

During LASIK surgery, your eye doctor will create a flap in your cornea with a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome blade. This eye flap is then folded back so that the excimer laser can access your cornea. The laser will emit brief pulses of ultraviolet light to remove small amounts of tissue from your cornea. By removing this tissue, your doctor can change the shape of your cornea and improve your vision.

After the excimer laser has reshaped your cornea, the flap is put back into place. LASIK surgery is bilateral, meaning it is done on both eyes simultaneously so that you can achieve optimal results.

Most people who undergo LASIK experience significantly improved vision and no longer need to wear corrective lenses such as glasses.

The surgery itself is short and takes only a few minutes to perform. However, you may need to remain at the doctor’s office for several hours after the surgery for monitoring.

What are the Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery?

There are many benefits of LASIK eye surgery, including:

• Improved vision
• A decrease in your dependency on glasses or contact lenses
• Lower risk of infections and other complications associated with wearing corrective lenses
• A quicker, easier surgery with a shorter recovery time

What are the Risks of LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is generally safe and effective. However, like any surgery, there are certain risks associated with the procedure. These risks include:

• Dry eyes
• Flap complications
• Glare, halos, or double vision
• Scratchy eyes
• Light sensitivity

Your doctor will most likely prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation and drops to keep your eyes moist. You may experience a burning sensation or blurred vision when you apply them. It is crucial to visit our optometrist in Castle Rock, CO, 80104, for assistance if these symptoms do not clear on time.

Schedule an Appointment

Call us or book an appointment with Founders Eyecare for more information about LASIK eye surgery in Castle Rock, CO, and what you can expect.