Deciding if LASIK surgery is right for you can be a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider, from the cost of the procedure to how comfortable you feel about undergoing surgery. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the key things to think about when making your decision.
So, if you’re considering having LASIK surgery, read on for helpful tips!
What Is LASIK and How Does It Work?
Before we look at how to decide if LASIK is right for you, let’s briefly review what the procedure is and how it works.
LASIK surgery is a type of refractive surgery that is used to correct vision problems. The surgery involves making a small incision in the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. A laser is then used to reshape the cornea so that light can be properly focused onto the retina.
What Are the Benefits of LASIK Surgery?
There are many benefits of LASIK surgery, including the following:
- It can correct a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- It can improve your vision so that you no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
- It is a relatively quick and painless procedure with a short recovery time.
- The results of the surgery are usually long-lasting.
What Are the Risks of LASIK Surgery?
As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with LASIK surgery. These include:
- Dry eyes
- Temporary visual side effects, such as glare, halos, and double vision
- Undercorrection or overcorrection of vision
- The need for a second surgery (known as an enhancement) to achieve the desired results
Deciding If LASIK Is Right For You
Now that we’ve reviewed some of the basics of LASIK surgery, let’s look at how to decide if it’s right for you.
As we mentioned earlier, there are many factors to consider when making your decision. These include:
- The cost of the procedure
- Your overall health
- Your age
- Your lifestyle
- Your personal preferences
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
The Cost of the Procedure
LASIK surgery is not covered by most health insurance plans. This means that you will likely have to pay for the procedure yourself. The cost of LASIK surgery can vary widely, depending on the type of surgery you choose and the geographical location.
Unlike other laser surgery centers, Berkeley Eye Center offers one price for LASIK no matter how severe your vision correction needs. We offer financing options as well through Care Credit and Alphaeon.
Your Overall Health
LASIK surgery is generally safe for healthy adults who have no underlying health problems. However, if you have certain health conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disease, you may not be a good candidate for the procedure.
Your Age
LASIK surgery is most commonly performed on adults aged 18 to 40. This is because vision usually stabilizes by this age. However, there are some exceptions. If you have a stable prescription for glasses or contact lenses, you may be a good candidate for the procedure.
Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle is an important factor to consider when making your decision. If you have a job or participate in activities that require good vision, such as driving or flying, LASIK surgery may be a good option for you.
On the other hand, if you work in a dusty or dirty environment, or if you play contact sports, you may be at a higher risk for complications after the surgery.
Your Personal Preferences
Ultimately, the decision to have LASIK surgery is a personal one. One of the most important factor to consider when deciding if LASIK is right for you is your personal comfort level with the idea of having surgery. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of having a surgical procedure, then LASIK may not be the best option for you.
However, in many cases, the fears that patients have about LASIK can be alleviated by simply speaking with an experienced surgeon and getting answers to all of their questions.
Schedule a FREE LASIK Consultation
If you’re considering laser eye surgery, the next step is to schedule a free consultation with our team of experienced LASIK surgeons. During your consultation, we will perform a thorough examination of your eyes and discuss all of your options with you. We will also answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
Call (713) 526-3937 today to schedule a free LASIK consultation or request an appointment online!
