We all want 20/20 vision. But eye problems are on the rise as the country ages, and diseases like diabetes rage through the population. And ironically, technology, the very thing that was supposed to improve our lives, is taking a toll on our eyes as screen time leaves eyes strained and seeing poorly.
And macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy isn’t all that’s affecting our eyes. More than 24 million people over the age of 40 have cataracts, and 3 million over 40 have glaucoma. Another 2.9 million struggle with low vision problems. More than half of the U.S. population is struggling with some form of visual acuity problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, it’s no wonder people are looking for solutions that work.
The LASIK solution
LASIK is growing fast, especially in the U.S. And more people than ever turning to the popular, long-term refractive surgery to regain their vision and their lives. The industry is undergoing a massive CAGR growth of 6.5% between 2017 and 2022.
If you’re thinking about LASIK surgery for your eyes, there are a lot of things to consider. You can alleviate any concerns by talking to your eye care specialist beforehand to get the facts. Here are a few questions our team gets asked a lot, and that we believe you should be asking too.
Is LASIK right for me?
LASIK procedures are typically performed on healthy patients over the age of 18. However, your eyes may still be undergoing changes through 25. Other factors, such as aging, fluctuating hormones in pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause may also require that you wait for a more optimal time to correct your vision. Discussing your vision and LASIK candidacy with a LASIK specialist is vital to ensure that it’s right for you, and that it’s also the right time.
Will my results last forever?
LASIK lasts. That’s because it reshapes the cornea to correct conditions such as myopia and hyperopia. By eliminating corneal imperfections, you gain the ability to see clearly. But LASIK or not, the eye naturally changes over time. And while LASIK can improve your visual clarity for years, time will take its natural toll on your eyes. However, today’s technology has improved immensely, and a decade after their first LASIK procedure, only about 10% of patients need LASIK enhancements.
How long is the LASIK recovery period?
Unlike invasive surgeries, the LASIK recovery period is minimal. You shouldn’t perform any strenuous activity for about a week after the surgery. In most cases, you will be able to go back to work within a day or two. The procedure itself only takes about 5 minutes per eye. Typically, topical or local anesthetic is applied. And while bandages are not required during or after the surgery, you will not be able to drive until the doctor checks your eyes during the next day’s follow-up. Occasionally, it might be a few days before the doctor okays you to drive.
Are there other treatment options if LASIK isn’t right for me?
Yes! Depending on your age and eye health, there are a number of treatment options that can be recommended even if you aren’t a prime candidate for LASIK. Be sure to check with your eye doctor to discuss your specific circumstances.
What is the LASIK team’s experience?
Always check credentials and certifications in the National Practitioner Data Bank. Make sure they are also Board certified in their specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties. You should also look for someone with a solid track record of success, and thousands of procedures under their belt. Credentials and certifications are vital. But for your best results, make sure there is a real track record behind the plaques on the wall. One more thing: make sure the surgeon’s office is in a convenient location, as you’ll have to make a few visits between the consultation and post op follow-ups.
At IQ Laser Vision , we know that LASIK is a big step—and we believe it’s one you’ll be glad you took now and for the future. Schedule your free consultation today to see if you’re a candidate for LASIK. We’ll help you see just how clear your vision can be, and give you the chance to get all your LASIK questions answered by the experts.
(And when you get a moment, check out our blog for even more answers, and plenty of tips and tricks to keep your eyesight at its best.
