Lasik is surgery on the eyes to improve the vision, often eliminating the need for contact lenses or eyeglasses. The word Lasik means laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, notes the Food and Drug Administration. This procedure modifies the shape of the cornea in the eye to improve vision. Many patients achieve excellent vision from Lasik ocular surgery.
Treats Numerous Vision Disorders
Lasik surgery will improve vision in patients with a myriad of vision problems. Lasik is used to treat nearsightedness, or myopia; farsightedness, or hyperopia; astigmatism and presbyopia, notes MayoClinic.com. An ophthalmologist will evaluate all aspects of vision to determine if Lasik is a good treatment option for the individual's vision problems.
Vastly Improves Vision
Lasik surgery typically improves the vision dramatically. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that over 90 percent of patients have between 20/20 and 20/40 vision after the procedure. It is advisable to ask the doctor for an idea of how much Lasik would improve your vision before undergoing the surgery.
Short Recovery Period
The Lasik surgery recovery period is typically short. Most patients have vision clear enough to drive themselves to the doctor for a checkup appointment the day after the Lasik surgery. Typically, a patient's vision will fully stabilize about three to 6 months after Lasik surgery, notes the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Eliminate Need for Glasses and Contacts
Many patients are able to see well enough after Lasik surgery to eliminate the use of glasses or contact lenses. Over eight of 10 patients who have had Lasik surgery are able to stop using glasses or contact lenses for most of their normal activities, notes MayoClinic.com.
Makes Sweating Less Problematic
Lasik surgery also often makes participating in physical work or sports easier. When Lasik improves the vision and the patient no longer needs to wear glasses or contacts, sweating is less annoying as sweat doesn't drip on the glasses or interfere with vision when it rolls onto the contact lenses.
Better Vision Boosts Reaction Time
Lasik surgery also provides a patient with a sense of security knowing that his vision is strong enough to function normally without the use of glasses or contacts. In certain circumstances, it is crucial to react suddenly without fumbling around trying to find your glasses or taking the time to insert your contact lenses. Thus Lasik surgery is an advantage for anyone who values quick reaction time for work or personal situations.
