We all have at least one friend or family member who has ditched contacts and glasses for a popular solution to poor eyesight: LASIK eye surgery. This laser procedure corrects poor vision by reshaping the cornea. And in many cases, the results are phenomenal.
Experts say that many who undergo the surgery end up with 20/25 vision afterward (or better). Further, more than 80 percent of people can see without contacts or glasses. And if you are just slightly nearsighted, you’ve got the best chance of success.
According to the Mayo Clinic, LASIK eye surgery, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, works by bending light rays in the eye so that they hit the retina in the correct place. It’s used for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
The LASIK Process
While LASIK eye surgery sounds like a lengthy procedure, it’s not. In fact, it’s performed on an outpatient basis. And best of all, you shouldn’t feel pain because your eye will be numbed with eye drops. However, the experience of LASIK eye surgery can be a bit scary for some. This is mainly because an eyelid holder will be used to keep the eyes open so that you don’t blink. It’s often startling to have something so close to your eye and not be able to close your eyes to protect yourself.
After your eyes have been secured, a suction ring will be used to lift and flatten the cornea. In this process, you might feel pressure, but it won’t be too uncomfortable. The American Academy of Ophthalmology equates this to how it would feel if someone pressed a finger against your eyelid. You won’t be able to see clearly until this device is removed, which is normal.