Medical Ophthalmology

If you are considering Laser vision correction surgery or Lasik you should find a good, reputable surgeon. They will examine your eyes to determine if you need the surgery and how much laser ablation would be required.

Laser vision surgery is done on an outpatient basis meaning you will be in and out of the hospital or clinic the same day. A computer is used to adjust the laser and you will be instructed to gaze at a target. The laser will then reshape your cornea and you will not feel any pain. The procedure usually takes no more than 5 minutes but the results will last a lifetime.

As an alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses, laser correction surgery is being chooses by many people now that did not have the option just a few years ago. Advances in laser technology are now helping people that have myopia and hyperopic.

Myopia or nearsightedness is when objects nearby are clear and faraway objects are blurry. Hyperopic is when objects nearby are blurry and far away objects are seen clearly. Astigmatism is when the objects are distorted due to an irregular shape of the eye. These conditions previously required glasses or contact lenses but now can be treated with laser vision correction surgery.

Everyone that wants this procedure done may not be good candidates for it. Laser vision correction surgery may not be available for people with certain diseases, both medical and ocular and patients with seriously high refractive errors that the laser cannot correct. Potential candidates also must be at least 18 years old.

There can be a potential for complications to occur in laser vision correction surgery as in all types of medical procedures. In correction surgery it would be either intraoperatively, while the procedure is being done, or postoperatively, during the healing phase. Part of the procedure of laser vision corrective surgery is the making of the flap by the microkeratome. They can be incomplete or irregular and usually can be corrected with a follow-up treatment.

Laser vision correction surgery is an important decision and can have benefits for those with vision problems. Choosing the right doctor and discussing your options are part of the process. If the procedure is right for your vision problems you may be able to put those glasses away for good.