LASIK is a very effective form of laser vision correction surgery. LASIK aims to correct blurry vision due to several types of refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
This procedure is not suitable for everyone, so you will need to visit your eye doctor for a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK. Keep reading to learn more about LASIK and what refractive errors it can treat!
What Are Refractive Errors?
You likely have a refractive error if your vision is blurry without glasses or contact lenses. Refraction occurs when the light rays bend as they pass through the lens of your eye.
Clear, sharp vision results from the lens correctly focusing light on your retina, a thin layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of your eye. The retina sits close to the optic nerve, which translates information from the retina to the brain.
When the lens has difficulty focusing light on the retina, this interferes with the visual information carried by the optic nerve. Instead of sharp vision, the images are blurry.
A refractive error occurs when the shape of your eye prevents the lens from accurately focusing light on your retina. An eye exam diagnoses refractive error, which can typically be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Types of Refractive Errors
Myopia is commonly called nearsightedness. This refractive errors is when distant objects appear blurry.
Hyperopia is commonly called farsightedness. Hyperopia is when close objects appear blurry.
Astigmatism affects both distant and close-up vision, making objects blurry. It is caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or the eye’s natural lens.
All three of the above refractive errors can usually be corrected with LASIK surgery.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia, a fourth type of refractive error, differs from the other three above. This type is due to the eye’s normal aging process and causes blurry vision in up-close work.
This affects middle-aged and older adults and cannot be treated with LASIK.
What LASIK Cannot Treat
Your eye doctor will measure the degree of refractive error in your eyes. Unless you have incredibly significant amounts of refractive error, you’ll benefit from LASIK vision correction surgery.
Other conditions that may not make you a good candidate for LASIK include
- Keratoconus
- Certain eye infections
- Dry eye
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
LASIK cannot correct vision issues caused by other eye conditions.
LASIK Consultation
Your LASIK journey begins with a LASIK consultation, which includes a comprehensive exam of your eyes and additional testing. The eye doctor will also dilate your pupils with drops so your eye doctor can make the best evaluation possible and ensure you’re a good candidate for LASIK.
Your eye doctor will examine your eyes to check for dry eye, pupil size, the degree of your refraction error, and any other concerns that may affect your procedure outcome. Even if you have dry eye symptoms, treatment before LASIK can enable you to have the procedure.
Your eye doctor will want to discuss your entire medical history to rule out conditions that could slow your healing, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases. Once approved for LASIK surgery, you’ll join the millions of others who’ve had this life-changing vision correction procedure.
LASIK has an extremely high satisfaction rate, and most people are pleased with their results.
Do you want to learn if LASIK may be right for you? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ, today!
