After years of wearing eyeglasses or contacts to correct your vision, you may decide to try LASIK eye surgery to improve your sight. If so, you may have questions about the safety and effectiveness of this procedure. These FAQs from Helena Vision Care in Helena, AL, provide the answers you need to make wise eye care decisions.
What is LASIK surgery?
Routine eye exams will determine if you have refractive errors. LASIK is a surgical procedure designed to correct refractions to eliminate your need for glasses or contacts for optimal sight. The process involves the use of a laser to reshape the cornea of your eye to give you clear, sharp sight.
Is LASIK a good option for me?
Not everyone qualifies for LASIK surgery. Dr. Jamie Reid, your Helena optometrist, will test your eye health and vision to determine if LASIK is a good fit for you. The general qualifications for this procedure are:
- Being 18 years of age or older
- Having no eye conditions or diseases
- Being in good general health
- Having a stable eye prescription for at least one year
If you’re pregnant or nursing, you should wait to have this procedure as your eye prescription may frequently change due to hormonal changes in your body during this time.
Can you be too old for LASIK surgery?
Although there’s no age restriction for LASIK surgery, routine eye exams may uncover eye conditions in older people, disqualifying them from this procedure.
Will LASIK surgery give me 20/20 vision?
LASIK surgery will drastically improve your vision, but there’s no guarantee of an outcome of 20/20 vision. Most people can see clearly enough to partake in daily activities without using contacts or prescription eyeglasses.
How soon can I resume my normal activities after LASIK surgery?
Most people notice clearer vision between 24 and 48 hours after their procedure, allowing them to resume normal activities shortly afterward. Your vision will continue to improve in the months that follow. Our Helena optometrist will monitor your progress to ensure your eyes are healing properly. We recommend not swimming or engaging in contact sports for several weeks following your surgery to protect your eyes.
Is LASIK safe?
Working with an experienced eye surgeon will increase your chances of having a safe, successful procedure. At Helena Vision Care, we offer pre- and post-op care for LASIK surgery and can guide you to a trusted eye surgeon for the procedure.
Visit Us for a LASIK Consultation in Helena, AL
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jamie Reid to see if you’re a good candidate for LASIK, contact Helena Vision Care at 205-664-7577 today.