The Basics of LASIK

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is a type of eye surgery that uses a laser to reshape your inner cornea to improve your vision by enabling light to properly focus on the retina. It’s an alternative to traditional eyeglasses and contact lenses, and is the most commonly performed eye surgery to correct astigmatism, nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). To help you better understand what’s involved with the procedure, our optometrist lays out the basics of LASIK.

What You Need to Know About LASIK

For anyone who doesn’t enjoy wearing glasses or contact lenses, LASIK provides an attractive alternative. Yet there are some things you should consider before committing to the procedure.

• It’s irreversible. Once you’ve undergone the procedure, you can’t change it.
• While most people have successful surgeries, it may not be right for you. Granted, millions of people have undergone LASIK and seen the benefits, but that doesn’t mean that it’s right for you. You should talk to your doctor about the potential complications before scheduling your surgery.
• LASIK improves your vision, but doesn’t correct it. Most patients have somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40 vision. You’ll still be able to see better than you did before the procedure, but your vision may not be perfect.
• You should have realistic expectations. LASIK eliminates your need for glasses and contact lenses, which means that you save money in the long run. Yet, it doesn’t take care of all problems. You may still have to wear glasses or contacts in the future, especially as you age.

Determining Your Eligibility

Not everyone is eligible for LASIK. To determine if you’re a qualified candidate, our eye specialist will perform a comprehensive eye exam to ascertain how healthy your eyes are. Your eye doctor will also review your overall health and any medications you are prescribed.

If you’d like to learn more about LASIK or other services, our eyecare specialists at Vienna Eyecare Center can help you. We have over 30 years of experience and are ready to assist you with any questions or needs. Call us today at (703) 938-7633, or complete our online form to schedule a visit with an optometrist.