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December 04, 2024
If you’re interested in reducing your dependence on glasses or contacts, one of the most popular options is LASIK. LASIK surgery corrects your eyes’ refractive errors, leading to better vision.
The eye specialists at OOMC have put together this page to explore the refractive errors that LASIK surgery can treat and who may be a good candidate for LASIK.
Refractive errors can happen in the eye when the eye is formed, changing the way that light filters and reflects on the cornea. LASIK treats most refractive errors in the eye, including:
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error caused by an eyeball that is longer than average. Sometimes, the cornea of your eye can also be curved too sharply.
Nearsightedness blurs objects in the distance, although one can see objects up close more clearly.
Hyperopia, also called farsightedness, occurs when the eye is shorter than average or the cornea is too flat to properly reflect light.
With hyperopia, light that enters the eye focuses behind the retina, which can make close vision blurry. Some people with hyperopia may have distant vision blurry as well.
Everyone’s eyes change as they age. Your eye’s lens loses flexibility with age, impacting how you see objects close to you. This is called presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness. Presbyopia starts in your 40s or 50s.
Traditional LASIK procedures may not be suitable for those with presbyopia, although Monovision LASIK can improve your vision. Monovision LASIK is surgery on just one eye in order to correct that particular eye’s vision so both eyes can work together to provide clear vision.
If you struggle to view objects from a distance, you may have something called astigmatism. Those with astigmatism often see halos of light or glares on objects such as streetlamps or car headlights.
An irregularly shaped cornea causes astigmatism and can occur in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
Although LASIK can treat a variety of refractive errors, not everyone with refractive errors in their eyes may be a good candidate for LASIK. An eye exam from an eye specialist can determine if LASIK may be right for you.
Good candidates for LASIK include:
Your activity levels may also impact if you are a good candidate for LASIK. Those with intensive physical jobs or those who spend a lot of time playing heavy contact sports may need to talk to their provider about other refractive error surgical options.
If you want to learn more about LASIK surgery and find out if you are a good candidate, schedule a consultation at your local OOMC practice. Your eye specialist can walk you through what to expect from LASIK, perform an exam to determine if you’re a good candidate, and answer any questions you may have. Contact OOMC to schedule your free LASIK consultation today.
