Ever wondered about the buzz on LASIK surgery in Orange County and across Southern California? LASIK is a popular eye treatment for people with vision problems. If you are considering undergoing laser eye surgery, be sure that you know all the fine details first. Let us discuss the things you need to know about LASIK.
What is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis. It is one of the various surgical techniques that are used to reshape the cornea and correct vision problems. This procedure is designed to reduce vision problems. During the surgery, an excimer laser gently reshapes the cornea with computer-controlled precision.
cor·nea
: the outermost layer of the eyeball that covers the iris and pupils
: it is a highly organized tissue that acts as a barrier against dirt, germs, and other particles that can harm the eye
Certain conditions, such as injuries, allergies, and dryness, affect the cornea; thus, causing vision problems. Thanks to LASIK surgery, common vision problems can now be easily resolved. Many people in Orange County consider laser eye surgery as a revolutionary procedure as it eliminates the need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses in performing everyday tasks.
What are the advantages of LASIK surgery?
With laser eye surgery, common vision problems are becoming less of an issue. In Orange County, LASER eye surgery is mostly performed on individuals who are near-sighted, farsighted, and/or have astigmatism. Here are some of the advantages of undergoing laser eye procedure.
- No Bandages or Stitches
LASIK is associated with little to no pain. Another advantage is it requires no bandages or stitches, hence living no marks of eye procedure on your face. - Improved Vision
For some, the best or highest degree of vision can only be achieved by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Most patients in areas, such as Orange County, who have undergone LASIK surgery have reported a dramatic decline in eyeglass or contact lens dependence. A large number have also said that after surgery, they no longer need vision support at all. - Safe Procedure
LASIK eye surgery has been around for over 25 years. Around 96% of patients who have undergone this surgery have achieved their desired vision. With further enhancements and the latest technologies, this percentage will increase.
Although many people have gained the benefits of undergoing eye procedure, a big population is also clueless about it. LASIK is commonly confused with cataract surgery. Do not be confused, though. Let us differentiate the two.
LASIK vs. Cataract Surgery
Laser eye surgery and cataract surgery are two different procedures.
How do they differ?
LASIK is the most common laser eye surgery. This procedure is typically performed on both eyes in the same session. LASIK surgery is not an option for individuals with cataract.
On the other hand, as most people in Orange County know, cataract surgery is a treatment applied to the lens of the eye. Unlike LASIK, cataract surgery corrects near-sightedness and farsightedness but not astigmatism. Its primary function is to remove the cloudy lens inside the eye and replace it with a clear plastic implant.
How are they the same?
Both procedures incorporate lasers in at least some of the surgical steps, providing patients with 20/20 vision or even better. These two procedures are also performed under local anesthesia while the patient is awake. Lastly, there is no recovery time for these two procedures.
Answers to Common LASIK Questions
To end our discussion about LASIK, here are answers to frequently asked questions about the procedure.
- LASIK is a safe procedure. It was approved in 1995 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and since then, no laser vision correction surgery complications have yet been filed.
- It is a pain-free procedure. Many patients are surprised to not feel any pain during their surgery. This is because anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye before the surgery.
- Depending on your condition. You can resume normal activities the following day. Most patients are able to see clearly a day or two after the surgery.
Now that we’ve discussed everything you need to know about LASIK eye surgery, the next thing you need to do is to consult your doctor before undergoing the procedure. Do you have more questions? Schedule a consultation with our resident doctor, and learn more about the procedure.
