Who Is A Candidate For LASIK?
Not everyone is eligible for LASIK, and certain conditions may affect the outcome. Ideal candidates are:
- Are over 18 years old with stable vision for at least a year
- Have healthy corneas without scarring
- Do not have severe dry eyes or chronic eye diseases like glaucoma
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding (as hormonal changes can affect vision)
Benefits of LASIK Surgery
LASIK offers numerous advantages, hence making it a preferred choice for vision correction:
- Most patients experience clear vision within 24 hours.
- The procedure is painless, with only mild discomfort.
- No dependency on corrective glasses.
- Once it is heale,d the results remain stable for many years with minimal chances of a relapse.
- Most people resume normal activities within a day or two.
Potential Risks And Side Effects
While LASIK is generally safe, it does have some risks, such as:
- Dry Eyes are temporary and common but usually resolves with eye drops.
- Some may experience night vision disturbances.
- In rare cases, additional enhancements may be needed due to under or overcorrection
- Improper healing of the corneal flap can lead to long-term issues.
- Some people may notice blurriness before full stabilization.
Long-term Results
LASIK provides long-term vision correction for most patients, significantly reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, individual results can vary based on factors such as age, eye health, and lifestyle.
While many people have clear vision for many years, other people may experience gradual changes over time. One of the most common age-related conditions is presbyopia, which typically develops after the age of 40-45.
This occurs due to the natural loss of flexibility in the eye’s lens, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects, usually requiring reading glasses despite successful LASIK surgery.
Additionally, some patients may experience mild relapse, where their vision slightly shifts over the years, particularly if they had high prescriptions before LASIK. In such cases, alternative procedures may be an option for vision correction. Lifestyle factors such as prolonged screen time, excessive UV exposure, or chronic dry eye syndrome can also impact long-term visual clarity.
To maintain the best possible results, regular eye check-ups are necessary as these help detect minor vision changes early, allowing for corrective measures if needed. Following post-surgery care guidelines, such as wearing protective sunglasses, maintaining eye hydration, and avoiding eye strain can also play an important role in the benefits of LASIK.
Alternative Vision Correction Options If Lasik Is Not Right For You
For those who aren’t eligible for LASIK, other options include:
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Suitable for people with thin corneas.
- ICL (Implantable Collamer Lenses): A reversible solution for people with myopia and astigmatism.
- Refractive lens exchange: Ideal for age-related vision correction where the natural lenses are removed and an IOL (intraocular lens) is added.
Mumbai has established itself as a centre for advanced eye care, offering quality LASIK treatments. The city is home to experienced ophthalmologists and advanced laser technology, ensuring precision and safety in vision correction. If you’re considering vision correction, the best LASIK treatment in Mumbai provides advanced facilities and excellent patient outcomes.
LASIK is a procedure that offers freedom from glasses and contacts, but it’s essential to weigh the benefits and risks before making a decision.
Consulting an experienced eye surgeon, understanding your eligibility, and following post-surgery care can help ensure the best results. While LASIK is highly effective for most, exploring alternative treatments is important for those who may not be suitable candidates.
References:
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25050-implantable-collamer-lens-icl-surgery
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24840-refractive-lens-exchange
- https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/l/laser-vision-correction/procedures/prk.html#:~:text=PRK%2C%20or%20photorefractive%20keratectomy%2C%20is,tissue%20at%20the%20microscopic%20level.
- https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/pros-and-cons-lasik-are-risks-worth-cost
- https://prasadnetralaya.com/the-benefits-and-risks-of-lasik/
