Laser Eye Surgery

Millions of Americans are turning to laser eye surgery as a means of improving their vision and eliminating their need to wear glasses or contact lenses. Laser eye surgery can correct vision problems that are caused by refractive errors – problems caused by the way the eye focuses light on the retina. These include myopia (also called nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (blurred or distorted vision at all distances). Recently, improvements in the technology used for laser eye surgery have allowed for the development of a procedure that can treat presbyopia (difficulty seeing nearby objects that arises from the normal aging process).

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. Laser eye surgery involves using a laser to change the shape of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil and inner parts of the eye).
  2. Most eye surgeons will give you the option of having both eyes treated on the same day or having each eye treated individually. Generally, it’s recommended that you have the second eye treated about a week after the first.
  3. The vast majority of laser eye surgeries are successful. Over 90 percent of patients achieve 20/20 vision (or better).
  4. Some patients choose to have their eyes treated differently. One eye can be corrected for distance vision and the other for seeing objects close up. This is called monovision. Before you choose this procedure, it’s a good idea to try two different contact lenses to see if you can get used to switching between eyes.
  5. Many medical health insurance plans don’t cover laser eye surgery.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks involved with laser eye surgery?
  2. How much pain will I experience during and after the surgery?
  3. How long will it take before my eyes have healed from the surgery?

Also Known As: Ocular surgery, ophthalmic surgery, refractive surgery

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