Posted by: Carolinas Center for Sight in Eye Surgery
The vast majority of adults rely on some sort of vision correction to see clearly, and whether they use glasses full-time, part-time, or wear contacts, most might tell you that they can be troublesome to deal with at times. Neither glasses nor contacts are a permanent solution to visual issues, as they need to be replaced every once in a while and require regular care.
For some, it makes sense to obtain ideal vision through refractive surgery. Although this type of correction has been around for some time, technological advancements have made it so that refractive surgery is quick, painless, and easy to recover from. Let’s learn a bit more about it and discover if it might be right for you.
Refractive Surgery Basics
While there are different options available based on your specific needs, the most common types of refractive surgery are also referred to as laser eye surgery. Both LASIK andPRK tend to be most popular, and both are completed in somewhat similar ways. Your ophthalmologist will discuss each type with you to determine what’s going to best meet your visual and lifestyle needs.
Refractive surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes very little time to complete. LASIK andPRK work by using a laser to reshape the internal portion of your eye, allowing you to see clearly almost immediately. With LASIK, a flap is made on the outer portion of the eye and the laser reaches the tissue below your cornea. PRK does not utilize this flap and doesn’t reach quite as deep inside of the corneal area.
Can It Help You?
Sometimes people think that refractive surgery is only helpful for those who have mild visual issues, but because of the advancements in surgical technology, ophthalmologists are able to address a wide range of concerns. If you need glasses or contacts for seeing far away, refractive surgery is a great option. Those who have astigmatism or need glasses for multiple focal points may also be candidates for this type of procedure.
It’s important to remember that refractive surgery isn’t necessarily a quick way to get 20/20vision, as not everyone’s visual acuity can be corrected to perfection. There is a short recovery window directly after the procedure, but in most cases, people return to their normal routine within just a few days.
Undergoing refractive surgery, just like any type of surgery, does have the potential for complications, although the chances of any post-operative problems are very small. Some patients find that a second procedure might be required to “touchup” their visual acuity, but again, your ophthalmologist will discuss with you how your vision will improve after surgery and you’ll have informed expectations before you begin.
If you’re interested in refractive surgery and wonder if you’re a candidate, contact our office today. Our ophthalmologists are highly skilled in performing refractive surgery and can educate you on the procedure from start to finish. After a thorough evaluation, you’ll have a much better idea if this could unlock the door to better eyesight for the rest of your life!
