Is LASIK Eye Surgery Right for You?

With LASIK eye surgery becoming more and more popular; here is some useful primer information on the procedure, the costs, and the factors you should consider to help decide if this type of eye surgery is right for you.

LASIK eye surgery is primarily for people who are tired of wearing eyeglasses and/or contact lenses. The procedure can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The end result is better vision (if not perfect vision) after the reshaping of the cornea.

Some things to keep in mind:

• LASIK patients need to be at least be 18 years of age and should have had prescription glasses for at least two years.
• Patients with eye infections should not undergo a LASIK procedure; this may be risky.
• Before deciding if you are a candidate for the procedure, a preliminary eye exam should be conducted.  The doctor should also review your eye history and discuss the impact of the LASIK procedure in your particular situation.

Pro vs. Con

Pro: Apart from the main benefit, which is perfect or near-perfect vision, patients no longer need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Con: Possible side effects include dry eyes and light sensitivity - these differ from one patient to another.

To help minimize the risk of side effects involved in LASIK surgery, be sure to research and select licensed eye care professionals who specialize in LASIK. Many specialists will provide free consultations and accept a wide range of insurance providers, which should help during the research process.