Long Term Effects of Lasik Eye Surgery

For those who have lived with eye glasses all their life, the chance to throw them away and live without them is a big temptation. Contact lenses and glasses are expensive and inconvenient, particularly if lost or dropped. The long-term benefits of Lasik eye surgery need to be carefully weighed up against the alternative of living with eyeglasses or lenses on a daily basis.

For some people the practicalities of putting on glasses as the first things they do every day is a problem. For others who want to look their best, they may be dissatisfied with wearing glasses and Lasik eye surgery offers a viable alternative. Lasik surgery costs a considerable sum and is not available with most health insurance schemes, but glasses and contact lenses are expensive too, and need to be frequently replaced.

Patients who are considering lasik surgery should weigh up the long term benefits against the risks which are associated with eye surgery. Read all you can about the procedure. Ask friends and colleagues if they can recommend an ophthalmologist who specializes in Lasik surgery. If you are comfortable with what you learn, then make an appointment for an initial consultation with a Lasik specialist.

The vast majority of people who have Lasik surgery would recommend it wholeheartedly to others. After an initial few days of discomfort, sight is stabilized and old glasses and contact lenses can be permanently discarded.

There is some risk associated with any type of eye surgery, and the choice of a reputable surgeon who practices Lasik surgery on a regular basis is a must. The availablility of the very latest laser equipment is important as the procedure gets more and more sophisticated with better results and less risks. Provided aftercare is strictly adhered to, there should be no avoidable side-effects. Use the prescribed eye drops to avoid infection and dry eyes, and use night goggles to avoid rubbing the eye during healing.

Unfortunately even the most successful Lasik surgery is not a permanent process. The eyes continue to change and deteriorate as we age, and eventually reading glasses may have to be worn for close work. For sports players and those who want to escape from wearing contact lenses or glasses, Lasik surgery offers a big improvement in their quality of life. Complications are very rare and the healing is relatively painless and swift. Most lasik patients are happy with their decision and would happily recommend it to others.