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Have you ever wondered what your life would be like with improved vision?
If you're tired of wearing glasses and cleaning contact lenses, then you may have considered LASIK, a procedure that uses a laser to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Nearly 5 million Americans have had LASIK surgery, and nine out of 10 have reported an improvement in their daily routines as a result of the surgery, according to a recent survey from the Eye Surgery Education Council to determine the quality of life impact of LASIK.
Almost half of survey respondents expressed that LASIK represents a renewal in their lives. About 65 percent said LASIK improved their confidence and 69 percent felt personal safety was less of a concern after the surgery. Three out of four wished they had done LASIK earlier.
Though LASIK is successful for most, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery recommends that those considering the procedure educate themselves on the risks and benefits, have a thorough eye exam by a board-certified ophthalmologist and have a realistic expectation of the results.
ASCRS provides the following facts to help you determine whether you are a potential candidate for LASIK:
* You should be at least 18 years old, since the vision of those younger continually changes.
* LASIK is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing, as these conditions might change the measured refraction of the eye.
* Patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, herpes infections of the eye or cataracts should talk to their doctor first.
* Certain prescription drugs like Accutane, steroids or oral prednisone can prevent proper healing.
As with any surgery, there are risks. If you're considering LASIK, ASCRS recommends discussing the procedure with your ophthalmologist and asking about any discomfort or problems you might expect afterwards, such as dry eyes or halos around bright light.
Medical technology and surgical techniques are continually improving. During the most recent round of trials for the advanced wavefront-guided LASIK lasers, all of the systems met or exceeded safety guidelines by the U.S Food and Drug Administration, with 94 percent of patients receiving 20/20 vision.
To learn more about LASIK and whether it's right for you, visit www.eyesurgeryeducation.org. - NU |
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