Choosing to have laser eye surgery is a big decision, and with it comes a lot of questions. Laser eye surgery can be an excellent option for people who can’t wear or no longer wish to wear glasses or contacts or have poor vision that cannot be corrected with glasses and contacts. But before you decide to go ahead with laser eye surgery, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of the procedure. For starters, laser eye surgery does not correct your vision overnight. It can take weeks or even months before you can see clearly again. And like many other medical procedures, laser eye surgery can have complications, including temporary or permanent blindness.
The laser eye surgery craze that has swept the country in the past few years may be closer to reality than some realize. While laser eye surgery is not without risks, it has also been proven to be a safe and extremely effective way to correct the vision in your eyes. However, like any surgery, it does have its risks, which is why patients must be honest with their doctors about their health history.
The Pros
No more lost or forgotten glasses
Imagine. You wear glasses every day and need corrective lenses to see clearly. You forget them somewhere, or they fall off and break. Then, you have to buy a new pair. This is frustrating; ask anyone who wears glasses or contacts how heavy a burden they are. Many glasses-wearers know they dread losing their glasses, and the constant fear of misplacing them is enough to drive some people crazy. But losing a lens is the ultimate frustration for those who wear contacts, making activities like swimming and exercising downright impossible.
The freedom to enjoy your favorite sports
Laser eye surgery can greatly improve your vision, make your glasses and contact lenses obsolete and change your life forever. Laser eye surgery offers a better alternative to glasses and contact lenses that correct vision, but are there any downsides? The benefits far outweigh the disadvantages, though; the procedure is much less invasive than it used to be. Laser eye surgery has helped millions of people enjoy the freedom to play sports, play musical instruments, drive, and participate in other activities without glasses or contact lenses.
A permanent solution
A lot of people are excited about laser eye surgery these days. The benefits of getting LASIK eye surgery are numerous. You can finally ditch the glasses and the contact lenses you have been wearing for years, but did you know that laser eye surgery is actually also a permanent solution to your vision? With the help of laser eye surgery, you no longer need to wear glasses.
The Cons
It is a big investment
Having eye surgery is a big deal, and you must be absolutely sure you’re making the right decision. You don’t want to spend the money and go through the procedure and end up with bad results or complications. Eye surgery is exciting. Having your vision corrected through laser eye surgery improves your vision and makes you more confident and outgoing. But along with being excited, you’re also going to need to make an investment. The cost of LASIK surgery can be anywhere between $2,000 and $7,000, depending on your chosen surgeon and facility.
The Side Effects
Eye surgery comes with a host of side effects. Before ever considering surgery on your eyes, it is important to understand the effects after surgery. Eye surgery is generally safe, but like with all surgery, some side effects can occur. Eye surgery is extremely helpful in correcting vision issues and restoring sight, but in some cases, the surgery can also have serious side effects. The most common cataract surgery does not pose any serious risks. However, the LASIK procedure (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) does have some risks, including:
- Inflammation in the eye
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Dry eye
- Disturbances in night vision
- Blind spots
It is Not a Miracle Cure
Sometimes, the only way to correct vision problems is surgery. But, eye surgery is not a cure-all. For people who have experienced vision loss, the idea that surgery can restore their sight is nothing short of a miracle. But eye surgery is not a miracle cure. While eye surgery can correct many vision problems not caused by cataracts or other conditions, it cannot be used to treat the underlying cause of vision loss, such as macular degeneration. It can’t turn back the clock, either. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, your eyesight will likely worsen again after surgery.
