While contact lenses provide convenience and comfort, LASIK represents the ultimate stage in vision correction. It is also not the first eye surgery developed for vision correction, but it is the most recent and popular option. Its results make it an ideal investment for those seeking permanent change.
But how does LASIK compare to other vision correction options?
What Is LASIK?
LASIK, short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a straightforward laser surgery for correcting refractive errors such as hyperopia, astigmatism, and myopia. The shape of the cornea causes these eye issues.
During LASIK, surgeons reshape the cornea using a special laser. They create a flap in the cornea, lift it, and remove part of the underlying tissue to reshape the corneal surface, altering how light refracts into the eye. The whole operation lasts less than an hour.
Qualifying for LASIK
Peak Overall Health
A patient's overall health plays a role in LASIK candidacy, especially for individuals with autoimmune diseases or diabetes. These conditions can significantly affect the surgery's effectiveness. It would be best to inform your eye doctor of any illnesses or medications you are taking before the procedure.
Age
To undergo LASIK surgery, individuals should be over 18 years old. This age restriction is in place because the eyes are still developing before age 18. Hormonal changes during puberty can affect eyesight, and LASIK requires stable vision. In adolescents, vision and prescription may continue to change after the procedure.
Stable Vision and Prescription
Even after reaching 18, vision prescriptions can still change. Such changes may impact the effectiveness of LASIK surgery. Your prescription should have remained stable for at least one to two years to qualify for LASIK.
Absence of Other Eye Conditions
Certain eye conditions may prevent individuals from undergoing LASIK eye surgery. Conditions like glaucoma and cataracts pose risks for surgery. Dry eyes can complicate the recovery process. Eye doctors typically conduct a comprehensive exam before the surgery to identify any existing eye conditions and suggest appropriate measures to address them. In some cases, controlling conditions like dry eye may allow for LASIK surgery.
Advantages of LASIK
LASIK may have a higher upfront cost, and insurance coverage may not always be available. However, considering the long-term benefits, LASIK can be more cost- and time-effective.
Cost of Replacement Eyewear
After LASIK, you will no longer need glasses or contacts, particularly if you have low-degree errors. The money you would have spent on glasses and contacts over twenty years can cover the cost of LASIK with additional savings.
Time Is Money
LASIK saves you time. The procedure takes less than an hour, and recovery typically requires only a two-day break from work, sometimes even just one day. Apart from regular eye exams, you will no longer need to spend time selecting glasses or contact lenses. This time saved translates to monetary savings.
Plenty of Financing Options
Many clinics offer financing options for LASIK. These include no-interest payment plans spread over 12 months. Some employers may also sponsor the surgery through flexible or health savings accounts.
Lower Chances of Accidents
Forgetting your glasses or contacts while driving increases the risk of accidents fourfold. LASIK eliminates such risks, allowing you to drive confidently in almost any condition. LASIK is also less risky than other laser eye surgery options, such as PRK.
For more on LASIK vs. other vision correction options, visit Grin Eye Care at our offices in Leawood or Olathe, Kansas, or Kansas City, Missouri. Call (913) 829-5511 or (816) 333-8600 to book an appointment today.
