There are many concerns to consider before you decide on having LASIK. Among them are the risks of developing cataracts or glaucoma.
Other concerns include dry eye syndrome and presbyopia. If you consider having LASIK, you should also be aware of the benefits.
Presbyopia
When treating presbyopia, there are several options to choose from. For example, some people wear glasses or contacts, but some undergo a lens implant or LASIK eye surgery.
Eye exams are a great way to keep your eyes healthy. They help to catch problems early on. Also, eating a balanced diet and protecting your eyes from the sun can delay the onset of presbyopia.
The good news is that most age-related vision issues can be easily treated properly. In particular, refractive lens exchange is an ideal procedure for treating presbyopia.
Other common vision conditions may also be treatable. For example, cataracts and dry eyes. You should also schedule an annual eye exam to monitor your vision and prevent any serious problems from arising.
If you're over 40, you're at risk of developing presbyopia. This condition occurs when the lens of the eye loses its flexibility. Instead, it becomes stiff and rigid, which interferes with your ability to focus. As a result, you'll experience blurry near-vision, requiring you to use reading glasses or contact lenses.
Presbyopia is a common and natural aging problem. Your eye care provider can identify it and recommend a treatment plan. Whether you opt for a lens implant, LASIK, or corrective procedure, keep a record of your symptoms.
Using the appropriate technology, your eye care provider can detect and correct most vision problems. However, some aging eye problems may require additional treatments. These include corneal inlays and the Raindrop(r) Near Vision Inlay.
Both of these have been proven to dramatically improve near and intermediate vision.
Cataracts
There have been cases of cataracts after LASIK, but this is not common. Cataracts are caused by a build-up of protein fibers inside the lens, which gradually breaks down.
As a result, the lens becomes opaque and thicker. This results in blurred vision, decreased light sensitivity and fading colors. Some symptoms include difficulty seeing in the dark and halos around headlights.
Typically, cataracts are found in people over 60 years of age. However, they can also be caused by trauma, medication, or radiation exposure.
When a patient has a symptom of cataracts, it is recommended that they see a doctor. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens, which causes vision to blur. It can develop in one or both eyes. Depending on the type of cataract, it may require multiple surgeries to remove it.
If a patient has a symptom of a cataract, it is important to discuss whether they should have LASIK. This is because LASIK can increase the risk of developing a cataract.
Before having LASIK, a general eye doctor might measure the thickness of the cornea. That can help the surgeon choose the best intraocular lens. Then, depending on the severity of the cataract, the surgeon might need to re-correct the lens.
The presence of cataracts after LASIK does not make LASIK more expensive, and it doesn't affect the outcome of LASIK. In fact, a good surgeon will consider all factors to produce optimal clinical results.
If you have experienced an early cataract after LASIK, you must file a MedWatch report with the FDA. You can do this by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or faxing the required documents.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that is caused by high pressure in the eye. This can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. A surgical procedure known as LASIK can help to decrease pressure. However, there are other options for people with glaucoma.
Glaucoma is often treated using a lens implant to correct nearsightedness or astigmatism. However, in some cases, people over 50 may be able to get LASIK to reduce their glaucoma.
The procedure is performed by making a small hole in the iris. After surgery, the new opening allows fluid to drain out of the eye. Although the process may be painful, recovery is usually pain-free.
Patients who have undergone LASIK for glaucoma will still need to wear reading glasses. If they need distance vision, they must have a separate prescription.
People who suffer from glaucoma, cataracts, and presbyopia can all benefit from refractive surgery. Patients should consult a glaucoma specialist.
One type of refractive surgery, PRK, is less risky than LASIK. This is because it does not use a suction ring, which can cause damage to the optic disc.
Other options include monovision LASIK, which corrects one eye for near and another for distance vision. Additionally, multifocal contact lenses can be used for patients who need far and near correction.
LASIK for glaucoma is controversial, but it is a good solution for some patients. For others, however, it is not a solution.
If you are a candidate for LASIK, you will need to undergo testing and monitoring to ensure you do not have an elevated IOP. It is also important to remember that you will need to adjust future measurements of your IOP to ensure you are getting an accurate reading.
Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a common post-LASIK complication. In most cases, the symptoms go away with time. However, if symptoms persist, you should see your doctor.
Before you undergo LASIK surgery, you should have a thorough ocular examination. Your surgeon will evaluate your corneal health and the risk factors for dry eye syndrome. If the exam reveals dry eye symptoms, you will likely not be a good candidate for LASIK.
LASIK involves cutting the nerves and tissue beneath the cornea. These nerves are essential for the body's ability to produce tears. Cutting these nerves can cause your eyes to be less sensitive. It can also reduce the number of tears your eyes produce.
LASIK may also alter the amount of mucin on your eye's surface. Mucin is crucial for tear stability. Without it, your tears will not spread evenly over your eye. This can lead to blurred vision.
Dry eye symptoms can occur immediately after LASIK, and they can get worse after months. You should see your doctor if the dry eye symptoms continue.
Dry eye syndrome can occur in people with autoimmune conditions. This means your body has an immune response that damages the tear glands and makes your eyes more likely to dry out.
A person at risk for developing dry eye should be started on a lubrication regimen before LASIK. There are also specialized contact lenses available that can help.
LASIK is a surgical procedure that can help you achieve the clear, sharp vision. In addition, the system will change the shape of your cornea. During the healing process, your corneal nerves will regenerate.
When you receive LASIK, you should follow your doctor's eye drop routine. Typically, lubricating eye drops should be used throughout the day. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe medication to aid with the healing process.
Monovision LASIK
Monovision LASIK is a general eye correction procedure. It involves reshaping the eye's corneas to correct one eye for near vision and the other for distance vision.
Most physicians recommend this type of LASIK. This surgery can improve your vision and eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, there are some downsides.
Monovision LASIK involves using a laser to alter the cornea to see objects up close while also allowing you to see distant objects more clearly. As a result, you can expect discomfort during the healing process, but it is generally not extended.
Monovision LASIK is a good choice for anyone with mild to moderate nearsightedness. It can help you to achieve the same crystal clear vision you had when you were younger, without the need for contacts or glasses.
One of the most critical factors in achieving monovision is patient education. The more you know about the procedure, the more likely you will receive satisfactory results. Educating patients about what to expect and what is the best treatment for their needs saves time and makes it less likely that a patient will become dissatisfied with the results of their surgery.
Although there are better solutions than this, it is better than relying on glasses or contacts to maintain good vision. Adapting to monovision in some situations, such as night driving, can be challenging.
It may be hard to tell if monovision LASIK is right for you, but if you are over 50 and need help with reading, it might be time to consider monovision. After all, you have more options for treating presbyopia than ever before.
The good news is that no one is too mature for laser vision correction. You may be able to schedule LASIK surgery after age 50. You should know that not everyone is a candidate for LASIK surgery. While the minimum age for LASIK surgery is 18, technically there is no age limit for laser vision correction.
Candidacy for LASIK surgery generally does not depend on age, but on the stability and health of the eye. However, there are certain requirements that any patient must meet to be determined to be a good candidate for the procedure. LASIK is approved by the FDA for anyone 18 years of age or older. This is the only strict age limit rule for this procedure, but since adult vision is typically healthiest between the ages of 19 and 40, anyone who falls within this range is a great candidate.
While you've received a lot of information about whether LASIK eye surgery or RLE may be right for you, the only person who can determine that is a doctor who specializes in eye surgery, such as the eye doctors at the Southwestern Eye Center. They will perform a comprehensive exam and evaluate if LASIK eye surgery or RLE can change your life for the better.
