How Does LASIK Work and Is It Right for Me?

While glasses and contact lenses certainly get the job done, it can get tiresome having to care for and keep track of eyewear every day. LASIK eye surgery offers an alternative option that corrects the underlying issues that cause the most common types of vision problems. In this post, a Marysville WA optometrist discusses how LASIK works and who’s a good candidate for this corrective surgery.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK, which is short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, has a long track record of results since it was first approved by the FDA in 1999. On average, most people who undergo LASIK eye surgery achieve 20/20 vision or better. 

The LASIK procedure is designed to correct the refractive errors that cause vision problems. Refractive errors result from eye irregularities that change the way your eye focuses images on the retina. Irregularities may appear in the length of the eyeball, the shape of the cornea, or the effects of age on the lens. 

Your optometrist can determine whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK based on your overall health and medical history. 

Eye Conditions LASIK Treats

LASIK eye surgery can correct the most common vision problems caused by refractive errors, including:

Astigmatism – This condition results from a curving or flattening of the cornea. Since the cornea is responsible for focusing light on the retina, any abnormalities can cause blurry vision when looking at near or distant objects.

Nearsightedness – Not being able to see clearly at far distances happens when your eyeball is longer (depth-wise) than normal or from a sharp curve along the surface of the cornea. This causes light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of on the retina.

Farsightedness – Not being able to see clearly at short or near distances happens when your eyeball is shorter than normal, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of on it.

Is LASIK Right for Me?

You’re likely a good candidate for LASIK if you meet the following criteria:

18 years old or older

Don’t have any eye diseases, such as retinal conditions, optic nerve diseases, keratoconus, or severe cataracts

No serious eye injuries or eye infections

No chronic health problems, like diabetes or any condition that compromises your immune system

Not currently pregnant or nursing

Your eye doctor can talk with you about whether LASIK surgery will work for you. Please feel free to call your Marysville WA optometrist to schedule a consultation if you have more questions.