Two decades is a long time in medical science. For those hindered with short or long-sightedness, 20 years is long enough for major advances to be made in the field of laser eye surgery.
Laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis – more conventionally known as LASIK – is perhaps the most common form of laser eye surgery and believe it or not, it only became a surgical option in the early 90s. The technology has been fine-tuned for the best part of 20 years now and today LASIK is more affordable than ever and, crucially, safety and success rates are making it the most viable option for those seeking to ditch their lenses for natural 20/20 vision once again.
Bad eyesight occurs when the cornea changes shape which can happen for a number of reasons. Laser eye surgery restores the cornea to its former glory and is normally recommended for those with short-sighted/long-sighted vision, or for those with astigmatism. Whilst LASIK is the most popular form of surgery due to reduced pain and an enhanced visual recovery period, LASEK (Laser-assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) surgery also has its benefits, such as reduced risk of suffering a dislocated corneal flap.
Before any laser eye surgery, a consultation period will take place which will help determine the suitability of a patient for laser surgery and whether LASIK or LASEK is the most suitable option. For those with thin corneas or who play contact sports, LASEK will normally be the best option.
However, one of the main technological developments of LASIK in recent years has been the introduction of a laser when creating a flap in the cornea, something which was traditionally done with a blade. This improved precision means reduced risk and could mean even more people will be suitable for LASIK in the future.
Those considering laser eye surgery may simply be doing it for vanity reasons, but others may have a more practical reason for having it done. Tiger Woods, for example, has had laser eye surgery to help improve his game, as have many other sportspeople, particularly those in high-paced, physical contact sports such as rugby.
In the earlier days of laser surgery, procedures tended to have higher costs because clinics had invested considerable sums of money in the technologies, but over time – as is the case across most facets of society – as more people pay for something and the technology is improved, the costs come down.
However, safety is more important than laser eye surgery cost. Always make sure you go to a reputable clinic, do a bit of background research on them and make an informed decision. After that, there’ll be no looking back- figuratively speaking, of course.
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Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.