Eye Information

Destroying Misconceptions about LASIK and Other Laser Vision Correction Procedures

Misconceptions about LASIK and other laser vision correction abound. Laser vision correction, when performed on appropriate candidates, is a safe and effective procedure that has gotten countless people out of glasses and contact lenses.   But LASIK is not for everyone.  Even if your eye surgeon tells you that you qualify for the surgery, it may not achieve all of your visual goals.  Below are some of the more common considerations when thinking about whether laser vision correction is right for you.

The easiest way to think about LASIK is to consider it like putting on a permanent pair of contact lenses. Like contact lenses or glasses these “contact lenses” improve the focus of the eye.  But unlike contact lenses they never need to be put in or taken out.   They never need to be cleaned;  and you can swim in them.  Imagine waking up in the morning and being able to see the alarm clock without putting on your glasses. Laser vision correction achieves this by using a laser to gently reshape the front of your eye (cornea).

What laser vision cannot do is correct for disease or natural aging of the eye.  For instance, people who are not seeing well because of cataract (a cloudy lens) can achieve LASIK-like results only by having the cataract removed.  Those in their forties and up may enjoy not having to wear glasses at distance after surgery, but they will need glasses for reading.

In short, LASIK / laser vision correction is a great procedure for properly chosen candidates who understand its benefits and limitations.

I hope this helps.

Below I’ve compiled some common misconceptions about laser vision correction:

I can’t get LASIK because I have astigmatism

Not true.  LASIK surgery can help nearsightedness, farsightedness and people who have astigmatism.

My eyesight is too bad for LASIK eye surgery

Laser vision correction has undergone rapid technologic advancement since its introduction in the mid-1990s.  Today, even people with high glasses prescriptions are potential candidates.  Only an ophthalmologist can determine if you qualify.

I’m too old for LASIK surgery

To determine whether or not you are a candidate for LASIK does not depend on your age.  There is no fixed upper age limit for LASIK.  However, older people may be better served by cataract surgery.  Advances in cataract surgery allow for LASIK-like results while elimintating the cloudy lens in the eye at the same time.

I’ll have to wear glasses after LASIK anyways

Many people who have LASIK surgery do not need to wear any prescription glasses after the procedure.  Those in their mid-forties and older typically need reading glasses for fine print and near work but function without glasses for most other tasks.

I can’t risk LASIK, my job depends on my eyesight

eyeLASIK surgery has been approved for pilots, firefighters, military personnel and astronauts, all of which rely on their eyesight to perform their job.  These professions have found that glasses can be broken and contacts lost so surgically corrected eyesight is actually a benefit.

I was told I am not a candidate for LASIK

Even if you were told many years ago you were not a candidate for LASIK it is very likely that you are now.  The technology continues to improve and with the latest advances more and more people are benefiting from the procedure. (more…)

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Fall Allergy Season is Here

Fall allergy season is almost here and that means red itchy eyes for many of us.  Fall and Spring are typically the worst time of year for eye allergies in Florida, but allergy sufferers can be affected any time of year.  In addition, indoor allergies from dust mites and animal dander can present a year round problem.  Avoidance of allergens is recommended, however it is not always practical (see link below).  Fortunately there are other steps you can take to make your eyes more comfortable. (more…)

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Questions and Misconceptions about Cataracts

Questions and misconceptions about cataracts abound.   Below I’ve answered some of the most common questions and misconceptions about cataracts and cataract surgery.

Q. What is a cataract?

A. A cataract is what we call the natural human lens when it gets cloudy.  Like a camera, the eye uses a lens system to focus light.  When the lens gets cloudy it is like getting a smudge on the lens of a camera.  No matter how much you try to focus the camera the image remains cloudy.  Likewise, when you develop a cloudy lens in the eye, at some point a change in glasses won’t be able to overcome the cloudiness. (more…)

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Am I a Good Candidate for Lasik Eye Surgery?

lasikLASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is a safe and effective eye surgery used to correct refractive errors, improve your vision and reduce your need for contact lenses and prescription eye glasses. During Lasik surgery, a trained eye surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea of your eye (a clear covering that protects your eye from damage and helps your see clearly) and correct your vision. Most people are good candidates for this surgery, but Lasik surgery may not be suitable for everyone. More specifically, Lasik surgery may not be effective if you have severe refractive errors, especially if you have been diagnosed with myopia and presbyopia (i.e. nearsightedness) up to -12D, hyperopia (i.e. farsightedness) up to +6D and astigmatism up to 6D.

Why? Well, it is very difficult, if not impossible, for most ophthalmologists and eye surgeons to rectify severe refractive errors. It is also important to note that although, (more…)

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