THE PROCEDURE
It only takes about a minute and you are awake the whole time. An instrument called a microkeratome is used to create a thin, circular flap in the cornea. The surgeon folds the flap back out of the way, then removes some corneal tissue underneath using an excimer laser. Excimer lasers use a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove very tiny bits of tissue from the cornea to re-shape it. The flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the tissue was removed.
THE RISKS
Post-operative complications can include infection or night glare (starbursts or halos that are most noticeable when you’re viewing lights at night, such as while you’re driving). Rarely will people experience improvement then a gradual worsening of vision (called "regression"). If this happens, discuss it with your surgeon to determine if more surgery (called an enhancement or "touchup") is necessary.
THE EFFECTS
With LASIK, a person’s vision improves right away. But some find that their vision gradually improves even more over the next few days or weeks. Most achieve 20/20 vision or better. Though some patients may still need glasses or contact lenses following laser vision correction, their prescription will be much lower than before.
DOES IT LAST FOREVER?
Not really. As we grow older (between the ages of 38 to 42), we normally develop a condition called presbyopia, when distance vision remains clear—although seeing things up close becomes difficult without reading glasses or bifocal contact lenses.
IS IT FOR EVERYONE?
No. Some people may be perfectly happy using glasses and contact lenses. However, if you are highly motivated and understand the benefits and risks involved, this may be an option you want to take.
Read on for six tips that can save your sight.
Read these other articles for more health tips:
- Health Check: When Should You Get a Second Opinion?
- Health Check: 10 Things You Should Do before Visiting the Doctor
- Vitamin ABCs: Which vitamins should you really be taking?
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(First published in Good Housekeeping Magazine, Good Health section as "Health Check" in December 2005; adapted for use in Female Network)
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