LASIK

As it turns out, more than 17 million people worldwide have had some form of laser vision correction, a class of surgeries where a laser is used to reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors. More specifically, every year approximately 400,000 Americans undergo LASIK vision correction.

The numbers are staggering and speak to how popular the procedure has become. Not only is laser vision correction one of the most popular elective surgeries today but the LASIK vision correction procedure specifically has become the most widely performed and accepted form since it completed US clinical trials in 1999. LASIK patients also can’t say enough good things about it.

In one survey, 93% of patients who underwent the LASIK procedure were able to see at least 20/20 or better.

In another survey, 87% said they would recommend LASIK surgery to their friends.

But before you make any decisions about LASIK, first understand that several options exist under the umbrella phrase “laser vision correction” and that only certain eye conditions can be treated with this technology.

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Am I the Right Candidate for LASIK Vision Correction?

Laser vision correction is a proven procedure that has given life-changing results to millions of people, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everybody.

  • Start with a consultation. A surgeon can tell you if you and your eyes are ideal candidates and within the laser’s range. Educate yourself first and go in armed with questions to ask your doctor so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the options available. Sometimes, the initial consultation is even free of charge.
  • Make sure your vision prescription has been stable for at least the past year. If your vision is still changing, you may want to wait. Also, you must be at least 18 years old, and in some cases 21, to consent to the LASIK procedure.
  • Go over your medical history and any medications you may be taking with your doctor, as they may affect surgery. Certain eye conditions, such as thin corneas or dry eye syndrome, can affect your surgical options and need to be discussed.

How to Prepare for LASIK Surgery

Once you’ve decided on LASIK eye surgery and have chosen a doctor, you will have an initial consultation to discuss the pre-surgery details and follow-up care. This is the time to get to know your doctor and get firsthand answers to your questions. It’s also your opportunity to learn what outcomes you can realistically expect from your LASIK eye surgery.

Your doctor will probably ask you to follow a few simple directions leading up to your LASIK eye surgery, including:

  • If you currently wear contact lenses, you will likely be asked not to wear them for 2 to 4 weeks prior to your procedure. Contact lenses can change the shape of your corneas, so you’ll want to keep them out long enough for your corneas to assume their natural shape.
  • Keep your eyes free of debris. Your doctor may ask you to avoid using creams, makeup, or perfumes at least a day in advance of the procedure.
  • Your doctor may recommend that you wash the area surrounding your eyes with a mild cleanser (such as baby shampoo) for a few days prior to the procedure.

Find out more about the LASIK procedure.

You Have a Choice

When you need a hospital for your eye care, we hope you will choose one in your community such as Otsego Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital Grayling and Cheboygan Memorial Hospital. These hospitals are here for your convenience and they support your community and ultimately you – please make them your first choice. When you keep your business local:  businesses benefit, jobs benefit, schools benefit and the entire community benefits. We support our community and we hope you will too.