Are you dreaming of a life free from corrective eyewear? Imagine waking up and seeing the world clearly without reaching for your glasses.
If you’re frustrated with the limitations of glasses or the daily hassle of contact lenses, LASIK might be the solution you’re looking for. LASIK is a life-changing procedure that reshapes your cornea, potentially reducing the need for glasses or contacts.
This quick and effective procedure has transformed the lives of millions. Keep reading to learn if LASIK could be right for you!
What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK is a type of refractive surgery used to correct vision problems. During the procedure, a specially trained LASIK surgeon uses a laser to precisely reshape the cornea.
The cornea is the clear, round dome at the front of the eye that helps focus light to create an image on the retina. The LASIK procedure typically takes less than thirty minutes for both eyes and is performed while you are awake.
Numbing drops are used to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure. The laser treatment itself usually takes less than a minute per eye and you will be able to go home the same day.
How Much Does LASIK Eye Surgery Cost?
When considering whether or not LASIK is worth it or right for you, cost is often a primary concern. While the price tag may seem steep at first glance, it’s important to view it as an investment in your long-term visual health and quality of life.
On average, LASIK costs about $2,000 per eye. However, don’t let this deter you from exploring your options.
Many eye care practices, including Eye Care Specialists, offer flexible financing plans to make LASIK more accessible. By breaking down the cost into manageable monthly payments, you can fit this life-changing procedure into your budget without compromising your financial stability.
Am I a Candidate for LASIK?
While LASIK has helped countless individuals achieve better vision, it’s not suitable for everyone. A comprehensive LASIK consultation is essential to determine if you’re an ideal candidate.
Several factors influence your eligibility:
Age
LASIK is FDA-approved for individuals eighteen and older. However, many LASIK surgeons prefer patients to be in their mid-twenties or older.
This is because your vision tends to stabilize in adulthood. For the best results, your prescription should remain unchanged for at least a year prior to the procedure.
Corneal Integrity
The health and thickness of your corneas play a crucial role in LASIK eligibility. Certain eye conditions such as glaucoma, corneal scarring, or extremely high prescriptions may disqualify you from LASIK.
Additionally, if your corneas are too thin, alternative procedures like PRK might be more suitable.
Realistic Expectations
An often overlooked aspect of LASIK candidacy is your mindset. While LASIK boasts an excellent safety record, it’s still a surgical procedure.
Understanding the potential risks, benefits, and limitations of LASIK is crucial. Your eye doctor will discuss these factors with you, ensuring you’re well-informed and comfortable with your decision.
What Does LASIK Fix?
LASIK can correct several common vision problems, including:
Nearsightedness (myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
Farsightedness (hyperopia): Difficulty seeing close objects clearly
Astigmatism: Blurred vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea
By reshaping the cornea, LASIK allows light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Who Should Not Have Laser Eye Surgery?
While LASIK is safe and effective for many people, it’s not suitable for everyone. Some factors that may disqualify you from LASIK include:
Age: If you’re under 18 or have unstable vision due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, or certain medications
Certain medical conditions: Including autoimmune disorders, diabetes, or conditions that affect wound healing
Eye conditions: Such as severe dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, or a history of certain eye infections
Thin corneas: LASIK requires a certain corneal thickness to be performed safely
Very high refractive errors: Extremely strong prescriptions may not be suitable for LASIK
Active participation in contact sports: People who regularly engage in sports with a high risk of eye injury may want to consider alternatives
Pregnancy or nursing: Hormonal changes can affect eye shape and healing
It’s essential to have a thorough eye exam and consultation with a qualified LASIK surgeon, like those at Eye Care Specialists, to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness about LASIK. Open communication with your eye care professional is key.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns – a reputable LASIK surgeon will address them thoroughly, helping you feel confident in your choice.
The Eye Care Specialists serve Wilkes-Barre and surrounding Pennsylvania areas with LASIK Eye Surgery, take our LASIK Self-Test and schedule a consultation with us today!
Do you want to learn if you might be a candidate for LASIK? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Eye Care Specialists in Hazleton or Kingston, PA, today!
