LASIK surgery is a popular procedure designed to help people with imperfect vision. However, LASIK is hardly the only vision correction option. Before you opt for any type of procedure, always consider all of the alternatives & which one is right for your needs. A screening & eye assessment from an eye care professional can assist determine if you’re a good candidate for different types of procedures. After that, other factors such as the costs, recovery time & outcomes of the surgery will play a very major part in your decision.
Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?
While LASIK is one of the most popular surgical procedures performed today, not virtually everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. In order to qualify for surgery, most experts suggest that you be over the age of 18 & in good health. Additionally, your eye-sight should remain stable for at least one year prior to the surgery.
What factors might make you a poor candidate for LASIK? Extremely dry eyes, auto-immune disorders, multiple eye infections, pregnancy & eye scarring are all barriers to the procedure. In some cases, simply waiting for a period of time can give eyes a chance to stabilize, but other problems may permanently bar you from having this form of vision correction.
Alternatives to LASIK
If you are worried that LASIK is not the right choice for your needs, start considering a few of the possible alternatives. Right. While wearing glasses is always an option, there’re also a number of surgical & non-surgical options that do not involve spectacles. One option that is growing in popularity is known as implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery. In this procedure, an artificial lens is implanted in the eye to permanently correct vision. These implants perform the same function as a regular contact lens, but with long lasting results.
If you are wary of surgery, contact lenses can be a highly effective alternative. You can select from daily wear lenses, which must be removed each night, or extended wear lenses, which can be left in for up to 30 days before removing. Contacts have become increasingly comfortable & convenient in recent years, making them an affordable alternative to an expensive vision correction surgery.
Weighing Your Options
In addition to your basic health-related eligibility for any type of laser vision correction surgery, you also need to consider other factors such as cost, recovery time & outcome. And so… So far so good. While LASIK ads often boast of deep discounts, recent research shows that consumers should expect to pay between $1,000 & $2,500 per eye. Other surgical procedures are estimated to be in the same price range, even though some newer techniques are more expensive than traditional methods.
Many patients also expect perfect results immediately after surgery. In reality, it can take between one & three months to fully recover. Following surgery, expect a recovery period of at least 24 hours before you can return to work. While you may return to daily activities quickly, your eyes may remain sensitive & in a state of flux for weeks or even months. After the three month mark, your surgeon may even recommend additional surgery to correct any undertreatment or overtreatment that may have occurred.
LASIK surgery is an appealing option, but always remember that you have a number of alternatives to select from. Never select a procedure without thoroughly considering the risks, benefits & costs. Consult your eye care professional & think about your own completely unique needs before you decide if LASIK is the best form of vision correction for you.
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