Vision problems can often be the result of aging, eye strain, or eye diseases. The cornea, which is the transparent layer covering the iris and pupil, is susceptible to some diseases which may result in the need for surgery. One of the most common surgeries done on the cornea, and a surgery that has gained popularity over the last several years, is LASIK.
Surgery to Correct Vision
Many people have corneal surgery in Grand Rapids to correct vision problems so they don’t have to wear corrective lenses. LASIK, which is an acronym for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, is a surgery that is done to reshape the cornea. By reshaping the cornea, a person who is near-sighted, far-sighted, or who has astigmatism can have clearer and sharper vision.
Although LASIK is a routine procedure, its outcome isn’t guaranteed and, as with any surgery, there can be complications. In fact, LASIK isn’t necessarily recommended for people who have generally good vision, whose job might be affected by this type of surgery, people who participate sports in which they could be hit in the head, or people who have age-related vision changes.
LASIK Complications
No surgery is without risks and corneal surgery is no different. Even common procedures like LASIK have their risks, which can result in:
* Vision returning to its pre-surgical condition.
* Overcorrecting vision, which is caused by removing too much tissue.
* Changes to or a loss of vision.
* Astigmatism caused if the tissue removal was done unevenly.
* Double vision, glares, or halos, usually noticed when driving at night.
* Dry eyes, which will typically result from LASIK for the first six months after the surgery.
* Damage to the eye flaps created during the surgery.
Most people that undergo LASIK do not suffer from any of these complications. However, surgical complications can increase if the patient has certain conditions, including:
* Autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis.
* HIV
* Dry eyes
* The vision that is unstable because of age, pregnancy or hormonal changes.
* Eye conditions, such as keratitis, uveitis, glaucoma, cataracts, and eye disorders or injuries.
Before LASIK Surgery
If you have decided to have this corneal surgery to help correct your vision, then there are some things you can do to prepare for it. The first thing is to stop wearing contact lenses if you have them. The lenses reshape the cornea, so it is important to stop wearing them for a few weeks before having the surgery so the cornea can revert to its natural shape.
Also, stop wearing eye makeup, creams or lotions the day before and the day of the surgery, and be sure to wash your eyelashes to minimize the risk of infection. LASIK surgery is routinely done for vision correction and it is usually performed successfully and without incident. However, as with any surgery, it is important to have as much information as possible about the surgery before choosing to have it.
