Lasik Eye Surgery Pros and Cons

You might have heard of lasik eye surgery, as one of the vision correction procedures, that is fast gaining momentum. It is a latest entrant, as far as surgical vision correction procedures are concerned. Other such procedures include photorefractive keratectomy and radial keratotomy. In case of lasik eye surgery, laser is used for the surgical correction of vision problems. Let us take a look at the various aspects of this surgery, including lasik eye surgery pros and cons.

More About Lasik Eye Surgery

Lasik eye surgery has now, emerged as one of the popular and effective vision correction procedures. The technical term for this surgical procedure is laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis. This procedure can be divided into three parts - The first step involves the creation of a small, thin flap (about the size of a contact lens) from the cornea. This thin flap is folded upwards, so that, access to deeper layers is facilitated. The second step is the remodeling of certain tissues, beneath the flap, with the help of laser. The extent and type of remodeling depends on individual vision problems. Thirdly, the cornea flap is repositioned, so that it can heal on its own.

The procedure of lasik eye surgery isn't time-consuming, as only a few hours of hospital stay is needed. It takes only 10 to 15 minutes for an expert eye surgeon to finish lasik eye surgery of an eye. This surgical procedure is mainly used for treating patients with myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. However, the doctor may try to fix the vision problem with other methods, before opting for lasik eye surgery. This surgery is generally not recommended for those, who are happy with using contact lenses or eye glasses. The following paragraphs deal with the pros and cons of lasik eye surgery.

Pros and Cons of Lasik Eye Surgery

For most of the people, who have undergone this surgical procedure, lasik eye surgery benefits outweigh the risks. Like any other technology, lasik eye surgery too, carry its own risks and complications. Recent surveys show that around 90% to 95% of patients are satisfied with the results of surgery. However, it is always better to evaluate, lasik eye surgery pros and cons, before opting for this method. The following are some of the lasik eye surgery pros and cons.

Advantages of Lasik Eye Surgery

As the rate of successful lasik eye surgeries are much higher than the failed ones, we shall start with the advantages of this procedure. The most important among the advantages include regaining good vision, that too at a very fast pace. Immediate results can be seen in patients with mild vision problems. In most cases, it is a one-time procedure, which is almost painless and is done within a matter of minutes. Lasik eye surgery can be a boon for those, who are allergic to contacts and those, who want to get rid of eye glasses or contacts. In case of lasik surgery, recovery is also very quick, as compared to other vision correction surgeries. Unlike other vision correction surgical procedures, only a small gap is made in the cornea. However, there are some cases, where this technology fails, as it carries some risks too. So, before choosing this technology, you must have a basic idea about the common lasik eye surgery risks, which are as follows.

Disadvantages of Lasik Eye Surgery

Now, you have a fair idea about lasik eye surgery benefits. The following are some of the risks associated with this vision correction surgery. Lasik eye surgery is expensive and most of the insurance companies do not cover this procedure. Apart from that, there are some complications, which can happen after this surgery. They include, dry eyes, over or under correction, corneal scarring and infection, astigmatism, hazy or blurred vision, pain, light sensitivity, red patches on the cornea, etc. While, under correction is remedied with further surgeries, over correction is often remedied with contact lenses or glasses. Some people require glasses or lenses, even after the surgery. Some of the patients may develop double vision, halo or glare. Whereas some others have flap problems, like, the outermost layer of the cornea growing underneath the flap, created for surgery. It has also been observed that patients, who have had successful lasik eye surgeries, had to wear eye glasses or contact lenses after a certain age. Above all, there are certain conditions, which have to be fulfilled, in order to be deemed fit for this surgery. This surgery is not performed on patients under the age of 18, pregnant women, who are taking certain medications, who are having health problems, like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, etc. those with cataracts, glaucoma and other such eye diseases, those with large pupils and thin corneas.

In short, lasik eye surgery has to be performed, only after discussing each and every aspect with your eye surgeon. The above said lasik eye surgery pros and cons can help you in this task.