LASIK Eye Surgery: What It Is, Pros, Side Effects, and Final Verdict?

One of the more popular eye surgery options is LASIK. But is it worth it? To be honest, it depends on your situation. So let’s look at what LASIK surgery is, who is eligible for the procedure, its advantages, and possible side effects.

What is LASIK eye surgery?

The LASIK procedure is a surgical alternative to glasses and contact lenses. In LASIK eye surgery, a laser reshapes your cornea to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. This procedure can also correct certain types of vision impairment called Presbyopia.

A surgeon makes a tiny incision in the cornea, then uses a laser to form a flap – like the wings on an aeroplane – across the surface of your eye. The flap is used to reshape your cornea to improve your vision.

Before LASIK surgery, you may have been told that you needed glasses or contact lenses for corrective lenses for distance vision. With the LASIK procedure, you no longer need glasses or contacts because the laser reshapes your cornea, so it has no optical power.

Who can undergo a LASIK eye procedure?

People who can undergo LASIK eye surgery include:

• People who have healthy eyes and wear glasses or contact lenses
• People who are at least 18 years old
• People who are legally allowed to drive in the US
• People who are not allergic to any of the laser components used during surgery
• People with a high enough refractive error (nearsightedness or farsightedness) qualify for the procedure

Top benefits of LASIK surgery

• It’s a safe surgery. The most important benefit of LASIK eye surgery is that it’s completely safe. There are no side effects or risks associated with the surgery. The only possible complications are mild discomfort and dry eyes following the procedure.
• It’s effective. LASIK surgery gives you the best vision possible in your lifetime. You enjoy 20/20 nearsightedness or farsightedness, with no need for glasses or contacts after surgery.
• It’s less painful than glasses or contacts. The procedure is painless and quick, so there is little to no discomfort during or immediately after the procedure. Most patients go home within an hour of their appointment, while some can see right away as early as 30 minutes later at the office.
• LASIK  is affordable. Most LASIK eye surgeries cost less than $2,000, which can easily be covered by insurance policies like Medicare and Medicaid if needed. This means that you won’t have to worry about paying out of pocket unless your insurance doesn’t cover it.

Possible side effects of Lasik surgery

Here are some of the temporary side effects:

• You may have some discomfort from dry eyes for a few weeks after surgery.
• You will have some light sensitivity for several weeks after surgery. This usually improves over time and usually lasts only about four months.

Final thoughts

It’s important to exercise due diligence and investigate all the facts before deciding as important as undergoing surgery. If you do, and you decide that Lasik eye surgery is right for you, then go for it. It has changed many lives for the better, and we would encourage anyone considering this eye surgery to try it. You may be surprised by how much it helps you.

Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.