Glasses and contacts are common treatments providing clear vision when the eyes present refractive errors. But what if you want to do away with the need for lenses completely? A good alternative may be laser eye surgery like LASIK. But what are this procedure's benefits and drawbacks?

What Is the LASIK Procedure?

LASIK is one of the most popular procedures to correct refractive errors. These include astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. The goal of the procedure is to reshape the cornea. To do this, an eye surgeon makes a small flap to access the underlying cornea. 
 

They cut out microscopic tissue using a laser. The cornea can focus light more precisely as a result. After that, the eye surgeon repositions the flap without using stitches. After surgery, the vast majority of patients experience better vision. LASIK surgery has a lot of advantages, but it is not without disadvantages.

Advantages and Disadvantages

LASIK surgery is popular thanks to its low risk of complications and short recovery period. But like any surgical procedure, it has potential risks, including side effects or complications. Hence, it is essential to be well-informed about the surgery's benefits, drawbacks, and possible outcomes.

Advantages

Say goodbye to corrective eyewear. With LASIK eye surgery, you can see clearly without needing corrective eyewear. That makes it an attractive option for those tired of wearing corrective lenses. Some of the benefits include:

Safe and Reliable

With a high success rate, LASIK is a dependable method of correcting vision problems. Most patients who undergo the procedure report 20/25 vision or better. Although there is always a risk with any surgery, many people find permanent solutions to their refractive errors through LASIK.

Fast Recovery

Another significant benefit is its quick recovery time. Your vision may improve almost immediately, and you could fully recover in as little as 24 to 48 hours. It is even possible to treat both eyes on the same day. 

However, arranging for a ride home after the procedure is still essential. In conclusion, laser eye surgery offers numerous benefits. Yet, it is necessary to be aware of the potential adverse effects and complications of any surgery.

Disadvantages

There may be some minor side effects associated with the surgery. However, most of them are temporary and cause only mild discomfort. 

Halos and Glare

You may notice halos and glare around light sources, especially while driving at night, which can affect your vision. This problem typically lasts a few days to weeks and varies from person to person.

Dry Eyes

A common side effect is dry eyes, which can occur due to a temporary decrease in tear production as the eyes heal after the surgery. This dryness may last up to six months. 

Other Complications 

Although rare, there are potential complications that can arise from laser eye surgery. These include under-corrections or overcorrections, astigmatism, and flap problems. To make an informed decision about eye surgery, you must understand the pros and cons of the procedure. 

Conclusion 

If you are unsure if it is right for you, consult your eye doctor. If you are a good candidate, the surgery decision is ultimately yours.

For more on LASIK eye surgery, visit Look! Optometry at our Manhattan Beach, California office. Call (310) 796-5665 to schedule an appointment today.