Why Not Give Yourself the Gift of LASIK This Holiday Season?

If you have terrible vision, clear eyesight can make a wonderful gift for you this Christmas! Several things make LASIK a perfect gift this holiday, the most important reason being that you will no longer need eyeglasses or contacts to see. LASIK may come in handy, especially if you have grown weary of wearing glasses or contact lenses.

 

They are good for you if you are tired of sitting out of all the activities you would like to be a part of. The treatment is very affordable (at $1900 per eye or $87/eye per month for 24months), and many eye clinics offer payment plans. Here is information on LASIK and why it could be the best gift for you this Christmas.

 

What Is LASIK?

LASIK, which is short for laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a common eye surgery. It corrects eyesight in people who have astigmatism or are farsighted or nearsighted. 

 

The surgery is one of many procedures that work by changing the shape of the cornea (clear outer area of your eye that is usually curved). It reshapes the cornea so that light can focus on the retina at the back part of your eye and enable you to see clearly. When the light fails to fall on the retina the way it is supposed to, your vision will become blurry. Ophthalmologists call it a refractive error.

 

Why It Is Done

LASIK eye surgery corrects the following eyesight problems (or refractive errors).

 

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Farsighted people see things that are far away more clearly, but closer things appear blurry. This happens when the cornea becomes flat, causing light to focus behind the retina rather than on it.

 

Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Nearsightedness is the opposite of farsightedness. If you are nearsighted, you see things better when they are near, but objects farther away look blurry. This happens when the cornea bends rather sharply and focuses light in front of the retina, blurring your faraway vision.

 

Astigmatism

Astigmatism makes both far and near objects blurry. It happens when the cornea flattens or curves unequally, disrupting the ability to see far and near objects.

 

Does LASIK Have Any Risks?

Our surgeons are so highly skilled and well trained over the course of decades that they tremendously reduce any risk you could encounter. However, just like with any other surgery, LASIK has its side effects. They include the following:

 

• Dry eyes
   

• Halos, glare, and double vision
   

• Vision changes – you may not see as clearly or sharply as before
   

• Sensitivity to light
   

• Itchy eyes
   

• Trouble seeing at night
   

• Bruising on your eye
  
   

These side effects usually clear up with time, and few people consider them to be long-term issues.

 

Is LASIK Surgery Right for You?

Talk to your ophthalmologist to know whether LASIK is suitable for you. LASIK may not be a good option if you:

 

• Are below 18 years of age
   

• Are breastfeeding or expecting a baby
   

• Have tiny or irregular corneas
   

• Have vision changes due to hormonal changes or certain medications
   

• Have eye diseases such as dry eyes, glaucoma, or cataracts
   

• Have rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or lupus
   

• Have age-related vision fluctuations
   

• Have a good general vision
  
  
   

To learn more about LASIK, contact Shepard Eye Center at our offices in Santa Maria, Lompoc, Orcutt, or Solvang, California. You can call our Santa Maria Center at (805) 667-0100 to book an appointment today.