If you have trouble seeing distant things clearly, you’re not alone. Short-sightedness (myopia) is a common vision problem that many people face. It can make it difficult to drive, read street signs, and watch TV. If you’re tired of relying on eyeglasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery could be a solution. But does laser eye surgery work for short-sightedness?
This article will explore how laser eye surgery works, its benefits, and things to consider before deciding if it’s the right choice for you.
What Is Short-Sightedness (Myopia)?
Short-sightedness, also called myopia, is a common refractive error that makes it hard to see things far away. If you are short-sighted, objects in the distance will look blurry. Yet, things close to you, like reading a book or looking at your phone, will still be clear.
This happens because of the shape of your eye. When light reaches the eye, it doesn’t focus on the retina, causing blurry vision.
Myopia often starts in childhood and can get worse as you grow. By the time you reach early adulthood, your vision might stop changing, but it can still get worse as you get older.
People with short-sightedness have trouble reading, driving, or watching TV without eyewear. This is where laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, can help. It might be the right choice for people who want to see better without needing glasses or contacts.
Does Laser Eye Surgery Work For Short-Sightedness?
Laser eye surgery is a remarkable treatment that uses a focused laser beam to change the cornea’s shape, which is the clear front part of your eye. The goal is to help light rays focus on the right spot in your eye, on the retina, so you can see distant objects clearly.
People with short-sightedness usually have a cornea that is too steep. By reshaping the cornea, the laser helps the light focus directly on the retina, making vision clearer.
Types Of Laser Vision Correction
A few types of laser eye surgery can help with short-sightedness. Each uses a different method to reshape the cornea and help you see better.
LASIK Surgery (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK is a known type of laser surgery. During LASIK, the eye surgeon makes a small flap in the cornea, lifts it up, and uses a special laser to reshape the inside part of the cornea. After the reshaping, the corneal flap is placed back in its original position. The surgery is short, and most people recover quickly.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is another type of laser surgery. Instead of making a flap like LASIK, the eye surgeon removes a small layer of the cornea and then resorts to a laser to change the inner part of the cornea. PRK is often suggested for people who have thin corneas or other things that make LASIK not the best choice.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE is a newer type of laser surgery. It uses a laser called a femtosecond laser to remove a small piece of tissue from the cornea through a tiny cut. This method causes less change to the cornea and is more precise. It also has a faster recovery time compared to traditional LASIK.
The Role Of The Excimer Laser In Correcting Myopia
The excimer laser is an important tool used in many laser eye surgeries, like LASIK and PRK. This laser carefully removes small amounts of tissue from the cornea, changing its shape. This helps light focus correctly onto the retina, which improves vision. The excimer laser is very accurate and can be adjusted to fit each person’s unique eye measurements, making it a great choice for treating short-sightedness.
The Benefits Of Laser Eye Surgery For Short-Sightedness
Laser eye surgery can give you many great benefits if you have short-sightedness. Here are some of the main reasons why people choose this surgery:
Improved Vision
The main benefit of laser vision correction is precise vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Many people who have had surgery notice a big improvement in their ability to see things far away. This means they can enjoy everyday activities, like driving or watching TV, with much better vision.
Quick Recovery
Laser eye surgery is not as big as some others, and it usually has a fast recovery time. Many people start to see better just a few days after the surgery, so they don’t have to wait long to enjoy their improved vision.
Convenience
Once surgery is over, people no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses anymore. This can make many activities easier, like driving, exercising, or even playing sports. They no longer have to worry about losing their glasses or cleaning their contacts, which can make life much more convenient.
Long-Term Results
Laser eye surgery can provide a long-term fix for short-sightedness. Many people who have had surgery find that their vision has remained clear for many years. This can permanently fix short-sightedness and allow you to enjoy sharp vision without the hassle of eyeglasses or contacts.
Are You A Good Fit For Laser Eye Surgery?
Not everyone with short-sightedness can have laser eye surgery. There are a few things your eye doctor will look at to decide if the surgery is right for you. These include:
The Thickness And Health Of Your Cornea
Your eye doctor will check how thick and healthy your cornea is. This is important because the laser needs to reshape the cornea and perform the surgery.
Your Age
Your age can also affect whether you’re a good candidate for laser eye surgery. It’s best to have the surgery once your eyes have fully developed, usually around the age of 18 or older.
The Stability Of Your Vision Prescription
Your eye doctor will check how stable your vision prescription is. If your eyesight has been changing recently, it may not be the right time for surgery.
To find out if you’re a good candidate, your eye surgeon will give you a comprehensive eye check-up. This will include measuring the shape of your cornea, checking the health of your eyes, and talking about your health history. If you have other eye problems, like diabetic retinopathy or dry eyes, your eye surgeon may suggest other treatments.
Possible Risks And Side Effects Of Laser Eye Surgery
While laser eye surgery works well for many people, it is still a medical procedure, so there can be some risks. Here are some possible side effects:
Dry Eyes
Some people may experience dry eyes after the surgery. This can be uncomfortable but is usually helped by using lubricating eye drops. Your eye doctor will help guide you on how to manage this.
Blurred Vision
Blurred or hazy vision for a few days after surgery is normal. As your eyes heal, this usually clears up on its own.
Night Vision Problems
Some people may notice glare, halos, or starbursts around lights when driving at night. This is a temporary side effect, and most people see improvement as their eyes heal.
Under- Or Over-Correction
Sometimes, the surgery may not fully correct your vision or overcorrect it. In these cases, an extra procedure may be needed to fix the problem.
It’s important to discuss these possible risks with your eye doctor before deciding if laser eye surgery is right for you. Your eye doctor will help you learn the risks and make sure you have realistic expectations.
What To Expect During The Procedure
Laser eye surgery usually takes 15 to 30 minutes for each eye. Here’s what will happen during your surgery:
- Preparation: Before the surgery starts, your eye surgeon will put numbing eye drops in your eyes. This will ensure you don’t feel severe pain or discomfort during the procedure.
- Flap Creation (For LASIK): If you’re having LASIK surgery, the surgeon will create a thin flap on the surface of your cornea. They use a laser called a femtosecond laser to do this.
- Laser Reshaping: Next, the surgeon will use an excimer laser to reshape the inner part of your cornea. This helps light focus properly on your retina, improving your vision.
- Recovery: Once the procedure is done, your eye surgeon will check how your eyes are healing and give instructions on how to care for them. You may notice your vision getting better immediately, though it may take a few weeks for your eyes to fully heal.
Your surgeon will be there to guide you and make sure everything goes smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go back to my normal activities right after refractive surgery?
You may return to normal activities in a few days, but you must follow your doctor’s advice. To help your eyes heal, you should rest, avoid hard exercise, and stay away from bright lights for a little while.
Can laser eye surgery be done on both eyes at once?
Yes, you can have surgery on both eyes on the same day. Your doctor will talk to you about what is best for you.
Can I get laser eye surgery if I wear contact lenses?
Yes, you can still get laser eye surgery if you wear contact lenses. But your doctor may ask you to stop wearing them for a few weeks before the surgery. This will help them measure your eyes correctly.
Conclusion
Laser eye surgery can help many people with short-sightedness see better. It can reduce or even remove the need for glasses or contact lenses.
If you’re considering LASIK, PRK, or another type of surgery, talk to an eye doctor with lots of experience. They can help you choose the best treatment for you.
Laser eye surgery can improve your vision and life with the right care.
If you’re thinking about laser eye surgery in Melbourne, you’ve come to the right place! Contact Dr Anton Van Heerden today at (03) 9000 0389 to find out if laser eye surgery suits you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
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