In this guide, we’ll break down the truth about laser eye treatment. We’ll explain how it works, why it’s kind of permanent (we’ll get sciency for a second), and what might affect your vision down the line. We’ll also answer all your burning questions and help you decide if laser eye surgery is the right move for you. Let’s dive in!
Why Is Laser Eye Surgery Considered A Permanent Procedure? Shedding Light On The Science
Laser eye surgery, also known as laser refractive surgery, isn’t magic (although it might feel that way when you wake up seeing clearly!). It’s a precise procedure that uses a laser to permanently reshape the cornea, the clear dome at the front of your eye.
Here’s the key to why laser eye surgery is considered permanent: the removed corneal tissue simply doesn’t grow back. Think of it like moulding clay—once you reshape it, it stays that way. In this sense, the initial correction achieved through laser eye surgery is a permanent alteration of the cornea’s shape.
Issues And Eye Diseases Laser Eye Surgery Can Treat: Not A One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Laser eye surgery has become a popular option for correcting vision problems, but it’s important to understand that it’s not a cure-all. This amazing technology can effectively address several common foes of clear vision:
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Struggling to see distant objects clearly? Myopia makes faraway objects appear blurry, while close-up vision is usually fine. Laser eye surgery can be a great solution for ditching those distance glasses.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Is focusing on near objects like reading a nightmare? Hyperopia makes close-up vision challenging, while distance vision might be okay. Laser eye surgery can help you see those reading materials without squinting.
Astigmatism
Experiencing blurry vision at all distances? Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, distorting light rays entering the eye. Laser eye surgery can reshape the cornea for clearer vision at all distances.
While laser eye surgery tackles these common vision problems, it’s important to remember that it’s not a treatment for all eye diseases. Laser surgery does not address conditions like cataracts, which cloud the lens inside the eye, or age-related macular degeneration, affecting the central vision. If you have any concerns about other eye conditions, discuss them with your ophthalmologist.
What To Expect When Getting Laser Eye Surgery: A Peek Behind The Scenes
So, you’re interested in laser eye surgery and wondering what the experience is like? Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect:
First things first, a comprehensive eye examination by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional is essential. They’ll be your eye detectives, meticulously evaluating your suitability for laser eye surgery. This exam will assess your corneal thickness, overall eye health, and the specific refractive error you have. Think of it as gathering information to ensure the surgery fits your eyes perfectly.
If you’re a good candidate and decide to proceed, the laser eye surgery procedure is typically an outpatient adventure, performed with local anaesthetic eye drops. Different laser eye surgery procedures are available, with LASIK surgery being the most common.
During LASIK, a thin flap is created on the cornea’s surface, kind of like opening a tiny book. This allows the laser to access the underlying tissue for reshaping, like a skilled sculptor working on a masterpiece. The flap is then gently put back in place and heals naturally.
Following the procedure, it’s normal to experience some temporary discomfort, blurry vision, and light sensitivity. Think of your eyes as superheroes who just saved your vision; they need a little time to recover from their amazing feat! Most people experience a significant improvement in vision within a few days, with continued improvement over the following weeks.
Not A Magic Shield: Other Eye Issues To Keep On Your Radar
Laser eye surgery is pretty cool—it can ditch those glasses and give you sharp vision, like a superhero upgrade for your eyes. But it’s important to remember that laser surgery isn’t a magic shield that protects you from all future eye problems.
Here are a few eye foes you might encounter down the road:
Cataracts
Ever notice your favourite grandma struggling to see because things look cloudy? That’s cataracts in action. Cataracts are a common age-related condition in which the lens inside your eye gets cloudy, making the world look a bit foggy.
The good news? While laser surgery can’t fix cataracts, a different surgery can! Ophthalmologists can swap out the cloudy lens for a shiny, new, artificial one, and your vision is back in business.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD can blur your central vision and distort straight lines, like looking through a funhouse mirror. There’s no cure yet, but early detection and treatment can help manage AMD and potentially slow it down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is laser eye surgery permanent for everyone?
The initial procedure itself is permanent in terms of reshaping the cornea. However, age-related changes like presbyopia and other factors like potential regression can influence your long-term vision needs.
Can I still need glasses after laser eye surgery?
Absolutely! Laser eye surgery corrects refractive errors but doesn’t address presbyopia, the age-related decline in near vision. So, you might still need reading glasses for close-up tasks like reading that amazing new book you just bought.
What are the risks of laser eye surgery?
Like any surgical or invasive procedure, laser eye surgery carries risks. These can include dry eyes, temporary discomfort, and, in rare cases, slight vision imperfections. It is important to discuss these risks in detail with your qualified eye surgeon to understand what to expect.
Is surgical vision correction right for me?
This is a personal decision! A comprehensive eye examination by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional will determine your suitability for laser eye surgery. They’ll assess your eye health and corneal thickness and discuss your needs and expectations.
Where can I find more information about laser eye surgery?
Talk to your eye doctor, who can answer your questions and provide personalised advice. Reputable sources like professional ophthalmology associations can also be a great resource for learning more about laser eye surgery.
Charting Your Course To Clear Vision
Remember, your eyes are precious! Maintaining clear vision is key to taking care of them with regular eye checkups and a healthy lifestyle. So, whether you choose laser eye surgery or keep rocking your glasses or contacts, prioritise your eye health and enjoy the beauty of the world around you!
Contact Dr Edward Roufail, Melbourne, VIC, at (03) 9071 0180 to enjoy a successful laser vision correction and restore your 20/20 vision.
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:
Baird, Paul N., et al. “Myopia.” Nature Reviews. Disease Primers, vol. 6, no. 1, Dec. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-020-00231-4.
“Farsightedness – Symptoms and Causes – Mayo Clinic.” Mayo Clinic, 16 June 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/farsightedness/symptoms-causes/syc-20372495.
National Eye Institute. Astigmatism | National Eye Institute. 8 Oct. 2019, www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/astigmatism.
Research, Center for Biologics Evaluation And. “What Should I Expect Before, During, and After Surgery?” U.S. Food And Drug Administration, 11 July 2018, www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery.
Sakimoto, Tohru, et al. “Laser eye surgery for refractive errors.” Lancet, vol. 367, no. 9520, Apr. 2006, pp. 1432–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(06)68275-5.
Website, Nhs. “Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).” nhs.uk, 18 Nov. 2021, www.nhs.uk/conditions/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd.
“What Are Cataracts?” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 16 Oct. 2023, www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts.
