Could You Benefit from LASIK Eye Surgery?
If you’re suffering from poor vision, LASIK could be a life-changing procedure. Here’s how to determine if it’s right for you.
If you’ve ever explored laser eye surgery, you’ve almost certainly come across LASIK. The most popular type of laser eye surgery available today, LASIK can provide you with lifelong improvement to your vision without the need for contacts or glasses.
Like any surgery, however, LASIK is a big commitment. As safe and effective as it is, it’s still important to understand how the procedure works, how it can benefit you, and whether or not you’re a good candidate. As you explore your options, here’s some important information to keep in mind:
LASIK Explained
LASIK is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea. By increasing or decreasing its curvature, the cornea can begin to refract light properly, correcting common refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism in the process. The entire procedure usually lasts no longer than 20 to 30 minutes, and most patients can resume most everyday activities as soon as the day after surgery.
Eligibility
LASIK is an ideal treatment for most people with mild to moderate vision problems, but as with most surgeries, there are some requirements that every patient should meet before undergoing the procedure.
Most patients older than 18 with several years of stable vision are eligible for LASIK, though in some cases a patient must be 21 years of age for better results. Some patients with with unusually thin corneas, a history of eye infections, glaucoma, cataracts, or very dry eyes may not be eligible, but recent advances in LASIK technology such as bladeless lasers have made it a much safer option for patients with these conditions. Athletes in contact sports that result in frequent injuries to the eyes or face injuries may also not be suited for LASIK, though they should speak with an eye care specialist before making a final decision.
If you choose to undergo a LASIK procedure, your doctor may recommend that you forego contact lenses for two to four weeks prior, as contact lenses can change the shape of your cornea and may affect your results.
Cost
While LASIK isn’t covered by many insurers, most eye care providers offer favorable financing plans that enable patients to cover the costs of care on a timeline that suits them. Many patients can receive 0% financing without putting money down. Even patients with a poor credit history can usually find financing without much difficulty.
While many patients might still find LASIK a cost-prohibitive expense, it’s important to consider its long-term benefits. Indeed, the thousands of dollars you’d need to spend on contacts and glasses over the year can quickly dwarf the one-time cost of LASIK. In short, undergoing LASIK now can save you thousands in the long run, all while saving you the hassle of replacing glasses and reordering contacts.
Lasting Improvements
LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for any patient. In fact, most patients can expect 20/25 or even 20/20 vision for decades to come. Because it’s a minimally invasive procedure, LASIK results in few complications and doesn’t require any long-term lifestyle adjustments. For nearly every patient, LASIK can ensure a lifetime of clear vision.
If you’d like to discuss your vision and explore treatment options, the specialists at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers can help. We offer all patients a complimentary consultation during which we evaluate your vision, recommend a course of treatment, and develop a payment plan that suits your budget. Contact us today or give us a call at 800-714-2020.
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