Laser vision correction is more widely accessible today than ever before. Eyeglasses and contacts can be a thing of the past with just a few clicks, a consultation, and simple surgery. Vision correction with a laser is the most common surgery in the United States. Roughly over 600,000 laser eye procedures are done every year. Not only is it the most common surgical procedure, it is the most successful as well. Laser vision correction is performed in an attempt to cure Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism.
There are two main types of laser vision correction which include LASIK and LASEK (PRK). One is not better than the other. The right treatment to correct your vision will depend on your diagnosis, age, and lifestyle. In general, the differences include:
LASIK – This is a type of refractive surgery that is used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. A microscopic protective flap is created to allow access to the inner cornea. After this is done a laser light is used to reshape the cornea surface gently which alters focusing power and will improve your vision. The protective flap is then positioned to protect the eye and help in the healing process. Patients most often report an instant improvement in their vision after treatment.
LASEK (PRK) – This type of surgery is similar to LASIK however uses a different method to expose the cornea for treatment. Instead of a flap like in LASIK, LASEK is done directly to the surface of the eye and then the laser is applied. To protect the eye and provide protection after surgery a bandage contact lens is put over the eye. Vision improvements occur over time in a gradual process. The bandage contact lens is taken off about a week after surgery.
Both LASIK and LASEK are considered safe medical procedures. There are risks however they have significantly lower complications then other procedures. They have been proven to be safe procedures. 20+ million people since 1996 have had some type of laser vision treatment to correct vision impairments. As with all medical procedures as technology advances the risks involved lessen. Technological advancements make laser vision safer, less invasive, and quicker recovery times.
Many laser vision correction candidates want to know about the likelihood they will go blind after LASIK and LASEK. Although there are risks involved, there has never been a case where LASIK was the primary cause of blindness to a patient. That is not to say it can’t happen however there is a likelihood of 1 in 5 million that LASIK would be a primary cause of blindness. If you think about it in other terms there is a 1 in 1.2 million chance of becoming a movie star, 1 in 3.75 million chance of being bit by a shark, and 1 in 12,000 of lightning striking you.
Common side effects of laser vision surgery include:
- Dry Eyes
- Glare
- Halos
- Starbursts
- Ghosting
Most of the side effects experienced will disappear as healing occurs. It is important to take care of yourself during the healing process in order to experience the best outcome.
As with anything, your odds of something going wrong decrease significantly when you choose a reputable facility such as Rohr Eye and Laser Center and top laser correction surgeons like Dr. Rohr. When you are looking for a local laser vision correction facility it is critical to look for experience, technology, and reviews.
Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs. As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses. More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.