Since LASIK has become a household name, it is no wonder that people may see it as the ultimate vision procedure. While LASIK is successful at what it does, it can only correct refractive errors.
Refractive errors are problems with vision that usually occur because of misshapen corneas. If you have a refractive error, you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism. Keep reading to learn more about LASIK and the vision disorders it can treat!
What Are Refractive Errors?
Refractive errors occur in the cornea. When you have a refractive error, the cornea is too flat or too curved. If you have astigmatism, the cornea is merely misshapen.
A cornea that is flat causes light that passes through to be focused behind the retina. This results in farsightedness. If the cornea is more pointed, the light comes into focus before touching the retina.
This is what happens if you’re nearsighted. Astigmatic eyes focus the light on many points across the retina.
LASIK changes all this by altering the shape of your cornea. Small adjustments can make the shape of your cornea more uniform.
By reshaping the cornea, the light that passes through it can land perfectly on the retina. This is how LASIK fixes your refractive error.
How Does LASIK Work?
During LASIK, the tissue is removed from key locations in the center layer of the cornea. To access the middle layer, the surgeon has to open a flap in the cornea.
This is all done with precision lasers and computer software. The process of LASIK is incredibly safe and predictable.
After making the corrections, the flap is then closed and left to heal on its own. Recovery begins immediately and usually takes only about 3 months to complete.
To receive LASIK, you need to take a candidacy test. This will determine if you meet all the criteria necessary for LASIK to be as safe as possible. You can sign up for a LASIK consultation with Westlake Eye Specialists in Austin, TX to find out.
Other Vision Disorders
There are other problems that could occur with your vision that are more serious than refractive errors. If you are experiencing changes in your vision, don’t assume it’s a problem that LASIK can fix.
Set up an eye appointment right away to stay ahead of any of these potential problems.
Cataracts:
Cataracts occur when the lens inside of the eye becomes opaque due to proteins inside breaking down.
Glaucoma:
With glaucoma, increased interior eye pressure damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve handles sending information from the eye to the brain.
For many people with glaucoma, they don’t realize it until vision loss has occurred. This is because of the fact that there are almost no symptoms with glaucoma.
Once you have glaucoma, any vision loss that occurs is irreversible. This is why it’s so important to see your eye doctor for regular eye exams. Eye exams are the only way to diagnose a condition like glaucoma before vision loss occurs.
Macular Degeneration:
With macular degeneration, the center of the retina begins to deteriorate. This leads to problems with peripheral vision.
Keratoconus:
If you have keratoconus, the cornea swells and bulges, causing impaired vision.
Dry Eye Syndrome:
If you have dry eye syndrome, it means that you aren’t producing enough tears or your tears are low-quality. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. If left untreated, severe dry eye can cause permanent damage to your vision.
These are only a few examples of potential issues that LASIK cannot treat. Think you may be a good candidate for LASIK?
Schedule a LASIK consultation at Westlake Eye Specialists in Austin, TX now!
.png)
