Laser eye surgery helps many individuals see better without glasses or contact lenses. If you’re asking, “Can anyone get laser eye surgery?” you’re not alone. While it works for many people, it’s not for everyone. Some things decide if you can have the surgery, like your age, eye health, and health.
This guide will explain how laser eye surgery works, who can get it, and what you need to know before deciding.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
- Being too short-sighted (can’t see far)
- Being too long-sighted (can’t see close)
- Having an uneven cornea (astigmatism)
Can Anyone Get Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery doesn’t work for everyone. There are a few important things that can affect if you’re a good candidate.`
Age
You must be 18–21 years old to get laser eye surgery. This is because your eyes are still changing when you’re younger. Most people who get the surgery are between 20 and 50 years old. But age alone doesn’t decide if you can get surgery; your eye health is more important.
Stable Vision
Your vision should have remained the same for at least 12 months before the surgery. If your prescription (glasses or contact lens strength) has changed significantly, it’s better to wait.
Eye Problems
Laser surgery can fix common eye problems but doesn’t work for everyone. For example, if your cornea (the front part of your eye) is too thin, surgery might not be safe for you. You will need an eye test to see if your cornea is thick enough for surgery.
Eye Health
Your eyes need to be healthy. Laser surgery may not be a good option if you have eye problems like dry eyes, glaucoma, or cataracts. Your eye doctor will check on your eyes to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
General Health
Your health also matters. If you have serious health issues, it may affect the healing process after surgery. Your doctor will ask about your health to make sure you’re ready for surgery.
Laser Eye Surgery Eligibility
A good candidate usually:
- Is in good health and doesn’t have conditions that could affect healing.
- Has a stable vision for at least a year.
- Has an eye problem that can be treated with laser surgery.
- Has healthy eyes without infections or serious issues.
If you encounter these problems, laser eye surgery may help you get rid of glasses or contacts.
Types Of Laser Eye Surgery
There are different types of laser eye procedures. Each one helps with different eye problems. Let’s look at the main types of laser surgery:
LASIK Surgery
LASIK is the most common type of laser eye treatment. It’s quick and works well for many people. In LASIK, an experienced LASIK surgeon makes a tiny flap in the cornea, the clear front part of your eye. Then, the doctor uses a laser to alter the shape of the corneal tissue to help your eye focus better.
After that, the flap is back in position. The surgery doesn’t take long, and people may heal fast. This is a great option for many people who need vision correction.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is like LASIK, but it’s a little different. Instead of making a flap, the doctor removes the outer layer of the cornea. This makes it a good choice for people who have thin corneas.
After the surgery, the eye will take a little longer to heal, but in the end, it works well for improving vision. PRK is a good option for some people who can’t have LASIK.
PRESBYOND (Laser Vision Correction For Presbyopia)
PRESBYOND is a newer kind of surgery that helps with presbyopia, a condition that makes it hard to see things close up, usually when people get older.
If you have presbyopia, you might need reading glasses to see well. PRESBYOND helps you see both near and far without needing glasses. This surgery is perfect for people over 40 who need help with close-up vision. It makes life easier without the need for reading glasses.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE is a newer type of laser surgery. Instead of making a big cut, the doctor makes a small incision in the cornea. Then, the doctor uses a laser to remove a piece of tissue from the cornea. This is a gentler way of doing the surgery.
Compared to other types of surgery, it has a quicker recovery time and fewer risks, like dry eyes. SMILE is a good option for people who want a quicker recovery and less chance of having dry eyes after surgery.
How Does Laser Eye Surgery Procedure Work?
Laser eye surgery is quick and simple. Let’s look at the steps to see how it works:
Consultation
Before the surgery, you will sit with your doctor. This means you will visit the doctor’s office so they can check if your eyes are healthy enough for surgery.
The doctor will test your vision and look at the shape of your eyes. This will help them decide if you’re a good candidate for laser surgery. It’s a very important first step!
Preparation
On the day of your surgery, the doctor will prepare your eyes for the procedure. They will put specific eye drops in your eyes to make them numb. This means you won’t feel immense pain during the surgery. Sometimes, the doctor may also give you a light sedative.
This medicine helps you feel relaxed and calm while you’re getting the surgery. It helps you feel comfortable and not nervous.
Surgery
The laser is gentle, and the surgery takes 15 to 30 minutes. It’s a quick and simple process. The doctor will guide the laser to the right areas of your eye to ensure everything is right.
Recovery After Surgery
People should start to feel better within a few days to a few weeks after their laser eye surgery. You might have some dryness or a little irritation in your eyes at first, but don’t worry! These feelings usually go away soon and get better over time.
Everyone heals differently, but you may notice your vision improving each day. It’s very important to follow your doctor’s advice after surgery. Your doctor will tell you what to do and what not to do. This will help your eyes heal in the best way possible.
If you follow their instructions, your healing process should go well. You might need eye drops to keep your eyes moist and help them heal.
Possible Risks
Although laser eye surgery is very advanced, there are a few small risks and side effects to consider. These are rare, and most people don’t have any problems.
Yet, some people might experience:
- Dry eyes: Your eyes may feel slightly dry initially, but this usually gets better with time and eye drops.
- Glare Or Halos Around Lights: After surgery, you might see bright lights or halos for a little while. This usually goes away after some time.
- Need For Glasses For Close-Up Vision: you may still need glasses to help with reading.
These side effects often disappear after a short time. Your doctor will be there to guide you if you have any problems. This way, they’ll ensure you don’t experience any long-term issues.
Managing Your Expectations
Laser eye surgery can help you see better, but it’s important to know that not everyone will get perfect vision. Some people may still need glasses or contacts for reading. But for many people, the surgery helps them see much better than before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive right after laser eye surgery?
You will need to rest for a little while after surgery. After a few days, you may feel comfortable driving again. Your doctor will tell you when it’s fine to drive based on how well your eyes are healing.
Is there a maximum age for laser eye surgery?
There’s no strict maximum age for laser eye surgery. But as you get older, your eyes may develop other conditions like cataracts. Conditions like this may affect your eligibility. People over 40 may get PRESBYOND, while others might get refractive lens exchange (RLE).
Can laser eye surgery fix my vision if I have a high prescription?
Laser eye surgery may not work well if you have a high prescription. It depends on the thickness of your cornea and your eye health. If you have a very high prescription, your doctor might recommend PRK or SMILE. Sometimes, they may suggest RLE.
How much does laser eye surgery cost?
The cost of laser eye surgery often depends on the type of surgery and the clinic you choose. Many eye clinics offer payment plans to help make the procedure more affordable. It’s a good idea to check with your eye doctor for specific pricing.
Can I still wear makeup after the surgery?
It’s best to avoid wearing makeup around your eyes for a few days after the surgery. This helps prevent infection and allows your eyes to heal properly.
Conclusion
If you’re a good candidate, laser eye surgery can give you clearer vision and even help you live without glasses. It can be a big step to make your life easier. Always talk to a doctor to see if laser surgery is a good choice for you. They will help you understand what’s best for your eyes and ensure you are ready for the surgery.
If you want to find out if laser eye surgery is right for you, Dr Ed is here in Melbourne to help! Contact Dr Edward Roufail today at (03) 9071 0180 to book an appointment. He’ll answer your questions and help you understand what’s best for your eyes. Take the first step to see clearly without glasses or contacts!
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
Sources:
Ames H 2021. What to Know About Laser Eye Surgery. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/laser-eye-surgery [Accessed November 26, 2024]
Boyd K 2023. Laser Surgery Recovery Tubert D, editor. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/laser-surgery-recovery [Accessed November 26, 2024]
Cleveland Clinic 2023. SMILE Eye Surgery. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery [Accessed November 26, 2024]
Zimlich R 2022. Laser Eye Surgery: What You Should Know. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/laser-eye-surgery [Accessed November 26, 2024]
