For those who have to constantly wear glasses or contacts, LASIK surgery, or “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis,” is a popular treatment that effectively corrects vision, with results lasting multiple years or even decades. Ashley Lee (11) states how “she would like to get it in the future.” But how does it work, and what are the benefits and risks?

LASIK surgery treats conditions caused by the cornea, which is the clear film on the very top of the eye. When it refracts light into the retina (the back of the eye) incorrectly, issues such as astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness occur; these are the only vision impairments that can be treated through LASIK surgery.

What truly makes LASIK surgery so effective is that it directly addresses the root cause of certain vision issues. Using a laser, the doctor performing the surgery removes part of the cornea to adjust how it refracts light. The amount shaved off differs from person to person; eye condition, thickness of the cornea, and other conditions are all taken into consideration</. Additionally, the surgery can only be completed when prescriptions cease to change; as a result, most people get it done in their early to mid 20s. Results can last for years, but it is possible to get it done a second time, but only if the cornea is thick enough. Jasmine Moawad (10) was encouraged to get it in the future since “it worked extremely well for [her] mom,” however, she adds that “since she got it done with the older technology, I’m looking into the newer ones.”

The benefits are quite evident; the surgery removes the expenses of new glasses and contacts every year. There would be no need to have insurance on delicate glasses, no need to keep them free of cloudiness, no need to clean your contacts, and no need to worry about dropping your one-month contacts on the floor.

While this technology has been refined over decades and has been proved to be safe, it is imperative to ensure that the doctor you go to is well-qualified. It’s possible for complications to arise if the surgery isn’t performed correctly, such as the cornea being made too thin, or even damage to the eyelid muscles. However, as long as the doctor of your choosing is reliable, the chance of error is quite slim.

Additionally, post-care is the last and perhaps the most crucial step. Expect to constantly be wearing sunglasses outside for the amount of time your doctor instructs you to, and be cautious of bright lights.
LASIK surgery can be an extremely effective treatment if done correctly, with results lasting for many years. However, it is imperative to conduct research and speak with a trusted healthcare professional before getting it done.