Are you tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision? Perhaps you’re thinking about getting laser eye surgery- imagine waking up every day being able to see clearly! Millions of people have enjoyed the benefits of laser eye surgery since it was first approved 20 years ago. However, it’s still important to fully understand the procedure and set realistic expectations before committing to surgery.
Here are six things we think you should consider before getting laser eye surgery.
How Do I Find A Qualified Surgeon?
Laser surgery should only be performed by a licensed ophthalmologist. Their experience can determine the success of your procedure, so make sure to take your time when evaluating different surgeons and consider the following:
- Their experience level
- Success rates
- Any pre-and post-operative care available
- Patient reviews and referrals
Am I A Good Candidate For The Procedure?
Laser eye surgery is usually used to treat vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Certain conditions, such as severe dry eyes and corneal diseases, can prevent you from getting laser eye surgery. To determine whether you’re a suitable candidate, you should see your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a thorough eye examination.
What Is The Success Rate?
Ninety-nine percent of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better and no longer need glasses after laser eye surgery. However, factors such as severe prescriptions may limit what can be achieved with the procedure. While you’re likely to experience significant improvements in your vision, you may still need glasses for truly clear vision. To avoid disappointment, make sure to discuss and set realistic expectations with your ophthalmologist before surgery.
How About The Risks?
It’s always important to weigh the risks and benefits before moving forward with any medical procedure. Laser eye surgery is considered an invasive procedure, and though it is relatively safe, there’s still a one percent chance for possible complications. Some include:
- Severe dry eye syndrome
- Glare or double vision that affects vision at night or in fog
- Loss in vision that cannot be corrected with eyewear
- Temporary dry eye or blurry vision that can last up to six months
What Are The Side Effects?
Serious complications are very rare. However, you’ll likely experience the following side effects during the healing process:
- Dry eyes
- Halos around bright lights
- Light sensitivity
- Blurry or fluctuations in the quality of vision
- Tearing
The good news is that there’s no downtime required after the procedure. You can go back to work the very next day!
When Can I Go Back To Playing Sports?
To avoid potentially damaging your eye, you’ll need to avoid any contact sports or physical activity for four to six weeks.
Orangeville Optometric Centre is your vision care centre of choice. From diagnostic to advanced treatment services, our experienced team of optometrists are here to provide you with the highest standard of eye care. Call us to schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists in Orangeville today!
