Is LASIK Right for You?

Why You Might Need LASIK

If you are considering LASIK surgery, you probably already wear glasses or contact lenses. LASIK can surgically correct the refractive errors that are typically improved with glasses and lenses. Refractive errors LASIK surgery can correct include:

• Nearsightedness: A condition where you can see objects up close clearly, but objects far away are blurry. This happens when the focal point of an image is in front of the retina instead of on it. A longer-than-normal eyeball, from front to back, typically causes this issue.
• Farsightedness: A condition where you can see objects at a distance clearly, but objects up close are blurry. In this scenario, your eyeball is too short from front to back, creating a focal point that is behind the retina.
• Astigmatism: A condition where the cornea is not smooth and curved equally in all directions as it should be. This abnormal curvature makes light focus on two different places in the eye, causing objects at all distances to appear blurry.

How Does LASIK Work?

The shape of your cornea — the curved, outermost layer of your eye — plays a critical role in how well you see. When formed correctly, the cornea bends or refracts light in just the right way that allows it to land properly on the retina at the back of your eye, where it is translated into a clear image. Distortions in the shape of the cornea lead to common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism — or, more generally, what is called a “refractive error.”

LASIK reshapes the cornea using a special cutting laser to precisely change the shape of your cornea to eliminate the distortions, correct your refractive error, and give you better vision. It replaces having to wear glasses or contact lenses on a daily basis in order to see clearly.

How Successful Is LASIK in Correcting Vision?

LASIK is a quick and effective treatment for vision issues. Not everyone is eligible for LASIK, so it is important to get a consultation with a doctor who understands the procedure. If you are eligible, LASIK can improve your vision and results will show quickly.

In general, most people achieve 20/20 vision or better following LASIK surgery. Over time, you may eventually need glasses for driving at night or reading as you get older.

Ultimately, the success of your LASIK procedure depends on your refractive error and other factors. People with mild nearsightedness tend to have the most success with refractive surgery, while people with a high degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness along with astigmatism have less predictable results.

Benefits of LASIK

Imagine not having to wear glasses or contacts. Imagine the feeling of freedom in knowing your vision is the best it can be. Imagine the money you will save in prescription eyewear, contact products, and more.

LASIK can correct a wide range of refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It does this by reshaping the cornea with a laser so light can pass through the lens of your eye in an optimal way, giving you clear vision.

In most cases, the results are immediate with significantly improved vision the day after surgery. Most patients can also resume normal activities as soon as the day after surgery with no pain or discomfort.

Improved self-confidence is another benefit of LASIK. You will also feel more comfortable, active, and spontaneous, and you will never miss constantly looking for or cleaning your glasses.

Whatever your prescription, you owe it to yourself to come in for a free LASIK screening* to see if LASIK is right for you. Now more than ever, there is a great chance LASIK can help you.

Safety

Our Surgeons are experts in the field of eye health and LASIK procedures, and the Dean McGee Eye Institute is one of the top eye institutes in the nation. Our surgeons pioneered the LASIK procedure more than 20 years ago when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved the procedure. Our surgeons remain at the forefront today, using the most advanced and proven technology available.

LASIK is one of the safest, most studied, and most common procedures for vision correction. While any surgery carries some risk, LASIK is widely considered to have a low rate of complications and a high rate of safety. Side effects like dry eye or glares can occur, but are almost always temporary and resolve in a few weeks.

The Stephenson Refractive Surgery Center team at the Dean McGee Eye Institute is here to answer all your questions and help you feel comfortable with your decision to have LASIK surgery.

Cost Savings

More than 45 million Americans wear contacts or glasses, which adds up to $22.8 billion annually for the eye industry. The average eyeglass wearer buys new glasses every one to two years, spending $200 to $600 per pair. People who need to have more than one pair of glasses, such as readers or prescription sunglasses, shell out even more money.

Contact lenses are even more expensive than glasses with the average person spending $250 annually. In addition to the cost of contacts, you will have to spend money on cleaning solution, contact lens cases, and more. Prescriptions and annual eye doctor visits are additional costs, not to mention the added expense of being fitted for contact lens.

While LASIK may seem expensive on the surface, you will be pleasantly surprised by how much money you will save in the long run compared to a lifetime of spending on glasses and contacts.

When it comes down to it, LASIK is an investment in your health and quality of life.

20/20 Vision

When was the last time you had 20/20 vision? Do you remember the freedom of being able to see clearly without the need for glasses or contacts?

Having LASIK does not just improve your eye health and vision, it improves nearly every aspect of your daily life. According to a report from the FDA, more than 95% of participants were satisfied with their vision following LASIK surgery, and many have reported improvements to their overall quality of life.

Having 20/20 vision can make athletic activity easier without the inconvenience of glasses and contacts, but you do not have to be an athlete to reap the benefits. LASIK can help you enjoy an active lifestyle, making activities like hiking, swimming, traveling, jogging, camping, and dancing easier when you do not have to worry about losing glasses or disinfecting lenses.

Vacations are also easier and more enjoyable after LASIK. You will never have to worry about forgetting your cleaning solution or losing your glasses overboard when you travel again. Plus, you can wear normal sunglasses instead of expensive prescription lens on the beach.

Self-confidence also gets a boost from improved vision. You will never have to feel self-conscious again because of your large frames or struggle to constantly push your glasses up when they slip down your nose. Your improved vision can give you a newfound confidence you never thought was possible.

Determining If You are a Candidate for LASIK

The first step is to determine if you are a candidate for a LASIK. When you initially contact us, we will ask you a few questions that help determine if you fit the criteria for LASIK.

We will want to know if you are at least 21 years of age. We will also ask if you have diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, or suffer from an eye disease, as LASIK may not be recommended when these other conditions are present. If you are pregnant, we will schedule you to come in for your free LASIK screening* sometime after your baby has arrived.

At this point, we will schedule you to visit the Stephenson Refractive Surgery Center for a free LASIK screening.* During this screening, our expert staff will gather a more in-depth health history and check your current vision prescription to see if it lands within the range of refractive error that LASIK can correct. In addition, we will conduct corneal topography — the mapping of the surface of the cornea — to determine if there is any evidence of disease, deformation, or scarring that might indicate LASIK will not work for you.