Considering LASIK eye surgery? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines LASIK as “a procedure that reduces a person’s dependence on contact lenses or glasses.” Millions of people have had LASIK eye surgery to improve their vision. People who are unable to see well with glasses or contacts can opt for LASIK. This elective procedure is popular among people who have vision issues. However, it may not be right for all. LASIK is only able to correct vision for people who have certain vision issues.
What LASIK Surgery Can Correct
Are you having trouble reading, seeing at distances or up close? You may have a refractive problem. Refractive error occurs when your eye doesn’t bend light properly, leading to blurred images. It is most likely caused by an eye problem, such as a misaligned cornea or lens. These errors are very common. The National Eye Institute estimates that over half of Americans have a refractive problem. The most common refractive errors can be corrected with LASIK or any other form of vision correction surgery, including presbyopia, hyperopia (farsightedness), and myopia (nearsightedness).
Nearsightedness (myopia): People with myopia can see well up close, but struggle to see objects further away. Myopia is most common in childhood. Contacts, glasses and refractive surgery can correct it.
Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness or nearsightedness, is a condition in which people are more able to see farther away than they can up close. Similar to myopia and hyperopia can be corrected by contacts, glasses, or LASIK.
Astigmatism: The cornea (or clear front of the eye) is more like a soccer ball than a basketball, which causes blurred and distorted images. Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contacts or laser vision correction. Specialty contact lenses may be required for severe astigmatism or irregular astigmatism.
Presbyopia is a condition that occurs naturally to people over 40. The flexibility of the cornea becomes more limited as you get older, which can affect your ability to see and read close-up. You can read closer with reading glasses, bifocals, or other surgical options. Chu Vision Institute has a variety of surgical options, including the KAMRA corneal insert lay. This improves reading vision.
The technology for vision correction has advanced a lot. Glasses were once the only method to correct refractive errors and maintain clear vision. There are now many ways to correct presbyopia, myopia and astigmatism, including contacts, glasses and refractive surgery. LASIK Colorado Springs offers customized laser vision correction and reading vision correction to help you reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts. To schedule your complimentary screening, click here.