LASIK is a non-invasive eye surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, allowing patients to become less dependent on glasses and contact lenses. The number of LASIK surgeries performed annually in the U.S. increased by 124,000 between 2015 and 2020 and is projected to grow annually by a rate of 6.48% between 2021 and 2025.
As LASIK continues to be prevalent among the U.S. population, surgeons will develop more advanced solutions for vision correction.
Keep reading to learn more about this non-invasive procedure. This breakdown will help you understand how LASIK works and what conditions it treats.
How Does LASIK Work?
LASIK surgery involves two main steps:
- Making a flap
- Using the laser to reshape the cornea underneath the flap
The goal of the procedure is to reduce or eliminate the dependence on glasses and contact lenses. LASIK eye surgery starts with a topical drop placed on the eye that numbs the eye. The patient is usually given a sedative as well. The sedative has a calming effect and will help the patient sleep after the procedure. The process only takes about ten minutes to complete.
What Does LASIK Surgery Correct?
For those asking if LASIK can fix astigmatism, the answer is yes. LASIK is non-invasive eye surgery and uses the excimer laser technology to reshape the cornea. treating common vision disorders such as:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia)
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
How Old Do You Have To Be To Get LASIK Surgery?
You might be wondering how old you must be to get LASIK. While you can get LASIK at any age—The FDA states that patients should be at least 18 years of age when pursuing LASIK—most patients are between the ages of 30 and 45. Patients will experience the aging effects of presbyopia when they are around age 40, whether or not they have had corrective eye surgery.
What Vision Changes Occur After LASIK?
Vision changes after LASIK surgery—which has an 85% to 90% effectiveness rate—involve alterations in refractive error, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and glare. The reshaping of the cornea during surgery flattens it and decreases any distortion that could cause nearsightedness, thus reducing the need for corrective lenses after surgery.
While LASIK is effective in fixing common vision problems, you can still develop age-related eye conditions after undergoing this procedure. Possible eye conditions include:
How Long Does LASIK Eye Surgery Last?
The question, “How long does LASIK last?” doesn’t have a definite answer. While the effects of LASIK surgery are permanent, the benefits can decrease over time. For most patients, the results of LASIK will last a lifetime. About 10-12% of patients nationwide will need an enhancement surgery because of anatomical changes to the eye/eyes.
Will I Need LASIK Enhancement Surgery?
If the benefits of LASIK surgery decrease significantly over time, you can seek LASIK enhancement surgery to restore your vision to full capacity. LASIK enhancement surgery is a procedure that improves the results of LASIK surgery. It can be used to correct residual refractive error and reduce regression risk.
Take Our LASIK Self-Test
As Cleveland’s top LASIK surgery provider, Cleveland Eye Clinic is dedicated to treating every patient with cutting-edge eye care technology and unmatched customer service. Before surgery, our doctors will conduct various eye tests so they can create a treatment plan tailored to your unique vision correction needs. When it comes to something as vital as your vision, you want the top-notch care that only Cleveland Eye Clinic can provide.
Before scheduling an appointment, take our LASIK self-test to determine whether LASIK is right for you.
