What are the pros and cons of laser eye surgery?

Women might go for LASIK surgery for several reasons.

One is a universal one: “to get up in the morning and not have to reach for your glasses or spend a few minutes fitting contact lenses,” says a medical professional.

Most look forward to enjoying work and leisure with a clear vision, too.

But the concept of eye surgery — and being awake throughout it —can be terrifying. Neither is the procedure, that involves cutting a little flap in the cornea surface cells to reshape the cornea beneath it, right for everybody.

Others could hesitate by the price which usually is charged as price per eye and it can be expensive.

Because LASIK isn’t generally covered by health insurance, some women would possibly opt to save and pay for the surgery through their savings accounts.

Here, are some of the pros and cons of LASIK:

Pro: LASIK eye surgery is swift and safe

LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure; LASIK may take around twenty minutes — and most of the time is spent getting ready for surgery.

Patients, who stay awake during the procedure, might get nervous so they are given Valium to calm their nerves. For safety and peace of mind, the optical laser is made in such a way that shuts off when a patient’s eye makes any unexpected movements that would prompt error or injury.

Con: Every woman is not eligible

Those who are deemed unsuitable candidates are usually forty and older. The reason for this is that women over 40 may have hypermetropia, where the lens of the eyes becomes stiff and it hinders close-up vision (LASIK alters the tissue layer that is the cornea and not the lens).

There is another similar surgery- photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, which is deemed better for women with high prescriptions or women who have thin corneas. Their eyes lack enough residual cornea to be structurally sound for the flap-making that laser eye surgery involves.

Pro: Results can be seen quickly

It doesn’t take long for clear sight to come back. LASIK patients can notice a difference after a few hours. You will be able to see extremely well by the next day and you will most be able to resume activities within forty-eight hours.

Those who go for PRK, however, should expect an extended recovery — about a month — and a few minor pains because of corneal surface removal.

Con: Some potential LASIK risks 

Although LASIK could cause dry eyes for up to a few months (but it is often managed with artificial tears), the chances of it turning into a permanent issue are rare. Another uncommon side effect is nighttime glare or halos.

Still, the risk is not what it used to be anymore and the technology is much better now.

Pro: you'll live life without you needing glasses or contacts

Whether they select LASIK or PRK, several patients look at it as life-changing — and a way to enjoy basic and regular activities that were hindered by poor vision.

For most people, it is something that changes or prompts them to come in for the surgery. It can be either because they are tired of contacts owing to the dry dyes or they feel to ride their bicycle without any glasses.

Con: The flaps are often wounded

Flaps that are created during LASIK aren’t secured, thus patients should avoid rubbing their eyes while they heal. Any trauma to a flap (such as being poked by a finger or any other sharp object) may dislodge it — even years after the surgery. You should visit your oculist if such contact happens.

As no flaps are created during PRK, those women don’t have that risk. Women who are athletes and have an active lifestyle may possibly pursue the option to perform at their best.

Pro: Your vision gets greatly improved

LASIK patients are likely to regain 20/20 vision. But you simply shouldn’t expect godlike sight: At best, LASIK aims to attain what you are able to see with glasses or contact lenses.

For women with higher prescription glasses, that prospect could vary: The possibilities of women obtaining a 20/20 are around 20 or 30 percent. But they have a high possibility of functioning without glasses.

Con: There’s a chance of you needing LASIK one more time

Again, those having higher prescriptions before surgery can see a minor decrease in vision quality over time — a condition referred to as myopic regression.

There might be a tendency for it to drift back, but not to the same degree as before. However, this may need a doctor-patient discussion as a second LASIK surgery has higher and totally different risks.