For people wanting to improve their vision and enjoy freedom from wearing glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery may be the perfect solution. As with any surgical procedure, there are many things to consider before making the decision to have laser eye surgery. Here is some important information about the procedure itself, costs, risks and what to expect.
Before the procedure, your surgeon will give you a baseline evaluation to determine whether or not you are a good candidate. Contact lens wearers should stop wearing lenses at least two weeks before the baseline evaluation.
During the actual surgical procedure, a flap is cut in the top layer of the eye and folded back. Then, a laser is used to reshape the surface of the eye. The flap is then put back in place. The procedure typically takes no longer than 30 minutes.
Laser eye surgery has an average cost of about $1,000 per eye, though with improvements in technology, prices are starting to come down. The procedure is not usually covered by insurance.
There will be some discomfort after the surgery. Eyes may burn, itch or feel like there is something in them. Tearing and watering is also common, but it is very important not to rub your eyes during your recovery. Sensitivity to lights, glares and halos around lights may also occur, but should diminish in time.
It can take as long as six months for vision to stabilize. While most patients report improvement in their eyesight, not everyone has their eyes corrected to 20/20 vision. Some patients may even have to continue wearing corrective lenses after the procedure. Results may diminish with age and require further surgery.
There are some risks involved with laser eye surgery. Some patients lose vision or suffer from severe dry eyes. Permanent glare, halos, and double vision can occur, especially at night.
If you want to improve your vision without corrective lenses, laser eye surgery may be for you. Talk to a qualified and experienced surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate and to discuss the potential benefits and risks involved.