FAQs about LASIK
- Posted on: Jul 15 2021
If you’ve been thinking about undergoing LASIK to correct your vision, you have probably started researching to learn more about the procedure and what it entails. Here are some frequently asked questions about the popular laser refractive surgery.
What does LASIK involve?
LASIK refers to laser eye surgery that corrects nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism in patients.
What is nearsightedness?
Also known as myopia, nearsightedness is a condition where you see nearby objects clearly, but when you look at distant objects, they are blurry. This is because the eyeball is slightly longer than normal or the cornea curves sharply, allowing light rays to focus in front of the retina, blurring distant vision.
What is farsightedness?
Also known as hyperopia, farsightedness is opposite of nearsightedness. With this condition, you see far objects clearly, but nearby objects appear blurry. Typically the eyeball is shorter or the cornea is too flat, and light focuses behind the retina and blurs near vision.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is overall blurry vision caused by a cornea that curves or flattens unevenly.
How is LASIK performed?
Before surgery, your surgeon will take detailed measurements of your eye. During the procedure, the surgeon will use a special cutting laser that precisely alters the curvature of your eye’s cornea. Often, the surgeon creates a flat in the cornea and then lifts the flap to reshape the cornea before closing the flap.
How do you know if you are a good candidate for LASIK?
Your surgeon will do a thorough examination to determine if you are an ideal candidate for LASIK surgery. It’s usually best for patients who have a moderate degree of refractive error but no unusual vision problems in addition to that. If you have a progressive eye disease that deteriorates your vision or thins your cornea, you may not be a candidate. If you have an eye injury, lid disorder, glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye or other eye conditions, you may not be a good candidate at this time.
To learn more about LASIK and whether you would be a good candidate, set up an appointment by contacting our Everett office at (425) 259-2020.
Posted in: Eye Conditions, LASIK
