Each year improvements in laser eye surgery make vision improvements safer and more accessible. However, it is essential to be aware of both the pros and cons before deciding to undergo laser eye surgery, no matter how commonplace the procedure is today.
Pros
Laser eye surgery improves visual acuity, with most patients noticing an immediate improvement often within 12 to 18 hours of the procedure to nearly being able to see as well as they did before wearing glasses or contact lenses.
No more lost or forgotten glasses post laser eye surgery. Now the only eyeglasses you’ll be wearing are those selected for fashion purposes alone, eliminating a costly expenditure if you experience changes in your vision or lose or break your eyeglasses.
When it comes to enjoying your favorite sports wearing glasses or contact lenses can hinder your activity and prevent you from competing on a level playing field. In addition, injury can occur if you take a hit to the face with your glasses or if they fall off during extraneous activity and you cannot see clearly. Laser surgery has a swift recovery time allowing you to get back to your active lifestyle.
Laser eye surgery is a permanent solution to your vision problems. With the investment of 15 minutes of your time for each eye, you can move on without the need for repeated visits and the cost incurred to purchase new glasses.
Con
Some patients report a nighttime glare, halos, and sensitivity to bright light after their LASIK laser eye surgery procedure. These issues typically resolve within three months but can persist for more than a year.
Occasionally, patients will have subconjunctival hemorrhages or red spots on the white of the eye post laser eye surgery. These red spots are cosmetic and caused by the suction ring used to hold the eye in position during the procedure. They can last for a week or up to a month but do not affect your vision.
Another potential, short-term condition sometimes caused by laser eye surgery is an acute dry eye that can last for between one week and three months. Topical artificial tears alleviate most of the symptoms, but patients experience dry eyes for more than a year in rare cases.
The most significant deterrents to laser surgery are the cost and downtime post-procedure. It is a considerable investment, but in the long run, more economical than purchasing glasses and contact lenses throughout your lifetime.
Laser eye surgery can improve your quality of life. You need to understand the pros and cons of any surgical procedure before making your decision. To find out if laser eye surgery is for you, contact us online at New Vision Eye Center or call 772-257-8700 for more information or to schedule a consultation with our World-Class Eye CareSM team.