LASIK has been used as a surgical technique for almost 30 years. It treats common vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by altering and  reshaping the cornea so that light can refract correctly, giving the patient a clear image. 

If you’re looking for permanent eyesight correction, you may be wondering if LASIK is the right solution for you. 

Continue reading to learn more about the long-term effects of this type of surgery. 

Who can benefit from LASIK?

The procedure is recommended for people between the ages of 18 and 65. Before the operation, your ophthalmologist will perform an eye exam to ensure that your eyes are in good enough condition for the intervention. The shape and thickness of your cornea, the size of your pupils, and refractive errors are some of the elements that are evaluated to confirm your eligibility.

However, certain eye conditions, such as severe dry eyes, conjunctivitis and other types of eye infections, as well as rheumatological conditions could affect your eligibility. Furthermore, if your cornea is deemed too thin, another treatment will be recommended to correct your vision.

Are there side effects to LASIK?

If you think you are an eligible candidate for LASIK eye surgery, you may be wondering if this procedure has long-term side effects. As with all medical interventions, there are risks to consider.

Some side effects include dry eyes, glare, and difficulty with contrast. Affecting 1 in 5 people, these symptoms typically occur 3 months after the procedure and disappear after 6 to 12 months. However, it’s not always the case. It is worth noting that people who experience these side effects insist that they would still undergo LASIK surgery.

Furthermore, as much as this permanent procedure benefits its patients with clear vision for over a decade, vision may change over time. LASIK cannot prevent vision problems that may appear with age, such as presbyopia and cataracts. In rare cases where vision does change (1 in 10 people), an adjustment may be recommended.

What are the long-term advantages to LASIK?

The quickness of the intervention (approximately 10 minutes), a speedy recovery (24 to 36 hours), and the immediate effects of the procedure are some obvious short-term benefits. That being said, there are several of long-term benefits to LASIK as well. This is undeniable, considering that 96% of its millions of patients confirm being satisfied with their treatment.

Of these millions of patients, 90% confirm having not only improved but perfect vision following their surgery, rendering the wearing of glasses a thing of the past.

Indirectly, this means more freedom during day-to-day life as well as during physical activities. Furthermore, certain professions even require a vision threshold to be met without glasses or contact lenses.  

There is also an economic advantage to LASIK. Whereas prescription glasses and contact lenses need to be changed regularly, entailing certain costs, LASIK can provide perfect vision in one payment. On average, it is estimated that LASIK eye surgery pays for itself in just 4 years. 

Is it the right solution for me?

LASIK eye surgery is available at the Cliniques Michel Pop. If you’re looking to correct a vision problem such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, LASIK can be the solution for you. Schedule an appointment with the Cliniques Michel Pop for an eye exam.

We are here and happy to help ensure your eyes’ health!