Yes, it’s time to throw away those glasses and move away from the dread of lost contact lenses. We have the technology, people!
Best of all? Most people who undergo the procedure happily emerge with 20/20 vision.
Are you are tired of using old-fashioned methods to live with your nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism? Read on to find out about the benefits of laser eye surgery and why this procedure could be right for you.
1. It Keeps Getting Better
A recent study reveals several, undeniable benefits of laser surgery.
The study compared satisfaction ratings of 1800 individuals. Subjects who underwent laser eye surgery reported increased satisfaction after 1, 2, and 3 years. We don’t blame them! Laser eye surgery makes life infinitely easier.
On the other hand, those who had opted for eyeglasses and contact lenses became more and more dissatisfied with their choice.
2. Improved Night Vision
Another one of the benefits of laser eye surgery revealed by the study was improved night vision.
Night vision was improved immediately in over 40% of the respondents. A further 20% reported that their ability to see at night increased after 3 years.
After LASIK surgery, only 1 in 3 patients reported having to wear glasses for night driving.
3. Better Long-Term Eye Health
During the study, respondents were asked to report any incidences of eye infections, abrasions, and corneal ulcers.
Once again, the control group who had opted for laser surgery claimed to have experienced half as many complaints as those who had continued to use contact lenses.
4. Other Benefits of Laser Surgery
One of the most noticeable benefits of laser eye surgery is how fast it works. In almost all cases, vision becomes completely corrected by the time you leave the hospital.
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For those who wear spectacles before the operation, the benefits of laser eye surgery are immediate and extremely rewarding.
Being able to drive, read and see in the distance again is supremely convenient. Never having to search for where you left your glasses again is pure joy. The good news is that your vision keeps getting better for up to 3 years after the procedure.
5. Laser Eye Surgery Broadens Your Horizons
Once you have regained 20/20 vision you can consider doing things that you never have before.
That pilot’s license you’ve always wanted is within reach. You could even consider a career in the military or any other profession that demands perfect eyesight.
Just think of all the extreme adventure holidays you can start planning…
The options are limitless. Just watch and see (get it?!)
How Does Laser Eye Surgery Work?
Years of research have refined the procedure of LASIK surgery to such a degree that the entire thing takes only 15 minutes.
The operation is painless. It works like this:
Before Surgery
Before you can experience the benefits of laser surgery first hand, your optometrist will examine your eyes. This determines if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Some kinds of vision impairment are better treated with other procedures but these are just as effective. If you qualify, you will be admitted to an eye clinic.
After a preliminary inspection and testing of your eyes, a nurse will place a few drops of numbing eye drops in your eyes. If you are very nervous, you may be given a sedative. That’s all the preparation that is needed pre-surgery.
Under the Laser
For your comfort, you will lie on your back for the duration of the procedure. You will be positioned so that the laser is directly above your cornea and a lid speculum will be applied to keep your eye open throughout.
Basically, the surgeon will mark out his guidelines on your eye and create a flap from the cornea. This flap is held in place with a suction ring while the surgeon adjusts the laser.
This all sounds very cringe-worthy but all you will notice is blurriness and the flickering light of the laser going to work. The laser is applied for 5 minutes before the surgeon repeats the procedure for the other eye.
What to Expect Post-Op?
After a few minutes of resting, you can go home and continue as normal, minus the contact lenses or spectacles that is. You can even go to work the next day but why not take the day off to celebrate?
Post-operative care includes antibiotic drops and steroid drops. These prevent infection and encourage a speedy recovery.
This post originally appeared on USA Today.