05/12/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/12/2023 12:52
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery is the most common laser vision correction procedure. It can improve vision and reduce reliance on glasses and contact lenses for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
"LASIK surgery is a safe and effective procedure that corrects vision to mimic your glasses or contact prescription. Since LASIK surgery restores vision for one distance, most people still need corrective glasses for reading or nighttime driving as they age," says Lily Van Laere, M.D., an ophthalmologist at Henry Ford Health.
Vision problems that cause blurriness happen when the cornea (which lets light into your eye) is misshapen. The result is that light doesn't focus properly on the retina, the part of your eye that forms images. These vision problems include:
Glasses and contacts treat these conditions by bending (refracting) light and focusing it properly on the retina. With LASIK surgery, an ophthalmologist reshapes the cornea to duplicate your glasses or contact prescription.
There are two types of LASIK procedures:
LASIK surgery does not prevent age-related changes to the eyes. So you may still need to wear glasses for reading or driving at night.
"The main benefit of LASIK surgery is having good vision with less dependence on glasses and contacts," says Dr. Van Laere. "While it doesn't restore everyone's vision to 20/20, it does improve your vision to the level of your eye prescription."
The most common side effect after LASIK surgery is dry eyes, which improve over time. Other complications are rare but may include:
An ophthalmologist can assess your eye health and determine if LASIK surgery is a treatment option for you. Before your evaluation, the doctor will tell you when to stop wearing contacts so your cornea can return to its natural shape.
During your appointment, an ophthalmologist will:
If you have stable vision and good overall eye health, you may be a candidate for LASIK surgery. The procedure is not recommended for individuals who have:
"Even if you're not a candidate for LASIK surgery, other procedures may improve your vision. Talk with your doctor about treatment options that may be right for you," says Dr. Van Laere.
LASIK surgery is an outpatient procedure performed at a hospital or clinic. Just as you did prior to your evaluation, you'll be asked to stop wearing contacts before LASIK surgery so your cornea returns to its natural shape.
You'll be given medication to help you relax and be awake during LASIK surgery, which lasts about 20 minutes. The ophthalmologist will use computer-guided laser light to reshape your cornea to match your corrective prescription.
Most patients go home, rest and recover. You may experience some irritation or dry eyes immediately after the procedure. These symptoms improve over time.
Most people experience improved vision and return to work the day after surgery. It may take several weeks before your vision reaches its best level.
Reviewed by Dr. Lily Van Laere, an ophthalmologist who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center - Royal Oak and Henry Ford OptimEyes Super Vision Center - Southfield.