LASIK has the ability to restore vision to 20/20 or even better for people suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This procedure provides a significant improvement in lifestyle and freedom from the hassle and irritation of lenses. Specific results depend on your eyesight – each result is unique to the patient.
Common Vision Problems LASIK Can Correct
There are three main parts of the human eye:
- The cornea
- The lens
- The retina
The retina is like the film in the camera. In normal vision, the cornea refracts (bends) light so it can be directed through the lens and focused onto the retina. Vision problems requiring glasses are usually the result of irregularities in the shape of the cornea. This causes an error in the refraction of the image and results in blurred or distorted vision. LASIK solves these issues by using a laser to reshape the curvature of the cornea and correct this refractive error so that normal, clear sight is obtained.
Nearsightedness – Myopia
Nearsighted people see close objects clearly, but not distant objects. In nearsightedness, the curve of the cornea is too steep or the eye itself is somewhat elongated. This results in images being focused in front of the retina. LASIK corrects this condition by flattening the curvature of the cornea so that images are precisely focused on the retina.
Farsightedness – Hyperopia
Farsighted people see distant objects better, but objects at medium to close distances are blurred. In farsightedness, the shape of the cornea is too flat or the eye is too short. This causes light rays to focus behind the retina. LASIK corrects this condition by reshaping the outer area of the cornea so that it focuses images correctly.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is the inability to focus clearly at any distance due to an irregular or misshapen cornea. With astigmatism, light rays focus at different points on the retina causing images to overlap and blur vision. LASIK corrects these irregularities and achieves clear vision.
LASIK vs Lenses
Glasses can scratch, break, fog up, fall off, and sometimes interfere with side vision. Contacts may irritate the eyes. LASIK has none of these drawbacks. LASIK is the ideal solution for eyes that cannot tolerate glasses or contacts, or for patients who simply want to be free from the burden of wearing and caring for corrective lenses.
After LASIK, Orange County patients can pass their driver’s test, swim and participate in other sports without corrective lenses. Myopic patients often find that their night vision improves after LASIK. Because they no longer have to depend on lenses, LASIK patients even enjoy broader choice of careers and athletic activities after they have the surgery.
