Individuals who struggle with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism can benefit from laser eye surgery. These are refractive errors that occur due to an irregularly shaped cornea, hindering the proper focusing of light on the retina and causing issues like blurry vision. Laser eye surgeries use a laser to shape the cornea and improve how light enters the eye. Here are a few reasons to choose laser surgery for your eye condition:

How Laser Eye Surgeries Work

There are several types of laser eye surgery depending on your situation. LASIK is ideal for individuals with thicker corneas, and it involves creating a corneal flap to expose the underlying tissue. The laser surgeon then shapes the tissue using an excimer laser, replaces the flap, and allows it to heal naturally. PRK, another type of laser surgery, suits people with thinner corneas. It involves removing the epithelium and reshaping the exposed tissue using a laser. The surgeon doesn't create a flap with PRK; they use a soft contact lens to cover the area as the epithelium regrows. An eye specialist can help you determine the right procedure for your needs and situation.

Reasons To Choose Laser Eye Surgery

1. Effective Improved Vision

Refractive errors will affect vision, making simple tasks like reading and driving challenging. Laser surgery is an effective treatment for these problems. Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism occur when light can't focus properly on the retina due to your cornea having an abnormal shape. Reshaping the cornea using a laser allows light to focus better on the back of the eye. Laser surgery has a patient satisfaction rate of over 95%, proving its effectiveness in treating refractive issues.

2. Quick Procedures With Short Recovery Times

LASIK takes only a few minutes for each eye, while PRK also takes several minutes to complete. They are all outpatient procedures, meaning you can get them and go home to relax. The recovery time for laser surgery is also short. With LASIK, many patients experience improved vision almost immediately and you can resume your daily activities within several days. Vision may take a few days to stabilize for PRK, but you can resume regular activities within a day very quickly.

3. Permanent Vision Correction

Eyewear prescriptions change over time. Laser surgery makes permanent changes to the cornea, allowing you to enjoy better vision without glasses or contact lenses. That also means long-term savings because you won't need to use money to replace glasses or contacts. You may need a follow-up procedure if your vision doesn't improve, but that is not a common issue.

4. Freedom To Engage in Various Activities

Glasses and contact lenses hinder you from participating in activities like swimming, running, etc. If you have poor vision, removing your eyewear may not do you any good because you may not see well and perform your best. Laser surgery gives you the convenience of not having to carry glasses around. 

5. Minimally Invasive and Painless

Laser surgery is a minimally invasive and quick procedure. The surgeon only creates a flap on your cornea to expose the underlying tissue for reshaping using a laser. They then replace the flap to allow for natural healing. The whole process only takes a few minutes and you can go home. For people who fear traditional surgeries, this easy solution is ideal. Laser surgery is also painless as the surgeon will put numbing drops on the eye before surgery.

6. Increased Affordability

Some people fear getting laser surgery because of the costs. Technology has advanced over the past few years, and this procedure has become more common. You can now enjoy better vision with reduced costs. Visit an eye clinic that offers laser surgeries to discuss your budget and determine if they offer payment plans. You also enjoy money savings because you no longer need to regularly replace eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Choose Laser Eye Surgery for Your Eye Condition

If you have been experiencing nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, visit an eye care specialist to know whether you're a suitable candidate for laser surgery. It's effective, provides long-lasting vision correction, reduces or eliminates the need for corrective eyewear, and is minimally invasive. By working with an experienced surgeon, you can get high-quality results.