Are you considering laser eye surgery? If so, you may have questions about the procedure. This article answers some of the most common questions people ask about laser eye surgery.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a type of refractive surgery used to correct vision problems. The surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea, which is the eye's clear front surface. This procedure helps the eye focus light more accurately on the retina, the layer at the back of the eye that translates light into nerve signals sent to the brain.
Laser eye surgery can correct vision problems such as nearsightedness and astigmatism. The surgery can also be used to treat presbyopia, which is a condition that occurs as you age and makes it difficult to focus on close objects.
In most cases, laser eye surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day. The entire procedure usually takes a couple of minutes and is relatively painless.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery can be an effective way to improve your vision and quality of life. Some of the benefits of laser eye surgery include:
- Reduced dependency on glasses or contact lenses
- Clearer vision
- Improved safety during activities such as sports
If you're considering laser eye surgery, consult an experienced eye surgeon to learn more about the potential risks and benefits. Also, find out whether you're a good candidate for the procedure.
Keep in mind that not everyone is a good candidate for this type of surgery. For instance, people with certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, may not be good candidates. In fact, if you have diabetes, your surgeon may only recommend this surgery if your vision can't be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
What Can You Expect After a Laser Eye Surgery?
Most people experience little to no pain after laser eye surgery. However, it is not uncommon to have mild discomfort for the first few hours following the procedure.
Your eye surgeon will likely prescribe eye drops to help reduce any pain or inflammation. It is also common to experience temporary blurry vision and light sensitivity after the surgery.
These side effects should improve within a few days to weeks. Your surgeon could provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your eyes after the procedure.
You will likely need to take it easy for the first day or two after the surgery and avoid strenuous activities. After that, you can gradually resume your normal activities.