3 Conditions That Can Be Corrected With Laser Eye Surgery

Posted on: 18 April 2022

Laser eye surgery corrects vision problems caused by a misshapen cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. A misshapen cornea causes light to bend (refract) improperly as it enters the eye, resulting in blurred vision.

Take a look at some of the common refractive errors that can be corrected with laser eye surgery.

Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a common vision problem that affects millions. If you are nearsighted, you can see objects close up, but they become blurry when they are far away. Nearsightedness can be caused by the eyeball being too long or the cornea (the eye's clear front surface) being too curved. 

There are two types of laser surgery commonly used to treat myopia:

  • Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). This surface treatment involves removing the outermost layer of the cornea. The ophthalmologist then exposes the inner tissue and reshapes it using a laser. 
  • Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). This procedure involves creating a small flap in the cornea. The flap is lifted, and the underlying tissue is then reshaped with a laser. After the tissue is reshaped, the flap is put back in place and allowed to heal.

Both procedures are typically outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day as your surgery. Recovery times vary, but most patients see a significant improvement in their vision within a few weeks.

Farsightedness

Farsightedness, also known as Hyperopia, is a refractive error that results in distant objects appearing blurry. Laser eye surgery can correct this by reshaping the cornea. The ophthalmologist uses a laser to create a small incision in the cornea. This incision changes the shape of the cornea, which in turn helps to focus light more effectively on the retina. As a result, patients who undergo laser eye surgery can enjoy improved vision.

After the surgery, you can reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The surgery is relatively quick and painless, and you can see significant improvements in your vision within a few days.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the eye cannot focus light evenly onto the retina. This problem results in blurred vision at all distances. An irregular shape of the cornea often causes astigmatism. However, it can also be caused by an irregular lens shape.

Laser eye surgery is a safe and effective way to correct astigmatism. During the procedure, a laser is used to reshape the cornea to focus light more evenly onto the retina.

Keep in mind that laser eye surgery is often not a one-time treatment. In some cases, you may need to undergo a second surgery to achieve the desired results.

For more information on laser eye surgery, contact a professional near you.

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