Eye Surgery Basics

Washington is a stunning state, from its national parks to its bustling cities, and you deserve to see it all with crystal clarity. If your vision isn’t perfect, an eye surgeon in Gig Harbor can determine whether you might be a candidate for laser eye surgery.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK is an abbreviation of Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, which is a surgical procedure that uses lasers to shape the cornea for the purpose of improving one’s vision. The first experimental laser vision correction procedure was performed in 1988. Since then, technology and surgical method have improved by leaps and bounds. Significant advances have been made in safety, customization, and healing process.

In the past, doctors used a microkeratome blade to cut a flap in the eye, which would then be folded back to make way for the laser. Today, doctors use a different type of laser to make a smoother and more precise cut. Another laser then makes permanent alterations to the cornea, the flap is lowered back into place, and the healing process begins. Although this procedure is complicated, it is typically painless and may not require much rehabilitation therapy afterwards.

What Conditions Can It Treat?

LASIK surgery may be recommended for a variety of vision problems. Among the most common are to myopia, also known as near-sightedness, and hyperopia, or far-sightedness. The surgery reshapes the cornea to fix these issues. LASIK can also be used to treat astigmatism, which is an error with how the eye focuses light on the retina that can cause blurry vision at any distance. Laser surgery can often more effectively correct this condition than glasses or contact lenses.

What Questions Should You Ask?

If you are seriously considering undergoing laser eye surgery, there are certain questions you will need to be sure to ask your doctor. The first and most important question is, "Am I a good candidate for LASIK?" There are many factors that determine whether LASIK is the right fit for your eyes, including your age, the stability of your vision, any medications you are taking, and pre-existing medical conditions. Your doctor will perform a thorough exam to determine if any of these factors could preclude you from having LASIK.

If you find that you are a good candidate, you will want to ask your doctor about the results you can reasonably expect given your current situation. You may also want to discuss what can be done if your vision after surgery isn’t as good as you and your doctor were expecting. In some cases, you may be able to have additional corrections performed. You should also ask about aftercare and be sure you are willing to perform all necessary steps to ensure optimum recovery.

The decision to undergo laser eye surgery is an important one, but it should not be anxiety inducing. Make sure to do your research, find an eye surgeon in Gig Harbor you feel comfortable with, and ask your doctor all your burning questions. You should be able to make the decision with confidence and the knowledge that LASIK can improve your quality of life.

John Trinh has been writing for 10+ years. Since then, John has enjoyed writing about technology, business, marketing, and anything that he thinks he should write about.