It may seem like everyone around you is getting some kind of laser surgery these days! All-laser LASIK eye surgery is extremely popular. However, LASIK does not fix all eye or vision issues. Continue reading to find out exactly what LASIK can and cannot correct.
What LASIK Cannot Correct
Amblyopia
Also known as lazy eye, amblyopia is muscle-related and typically found in children. LASIK is still a possibility if you have amblyopia – however, LASIK will only allow you to reach your best-corrected vision with the continued use of glasses or contacts.
Cataracts
Cataracts are typically found in people who are over the age of 65 and make your vision cloudy or foggy. Cataracts are a disease of the lens, and as such, LASIK will not correct them. If you have a cataract, you should be monitored by a cataract specialist, such as Dr. Trey Nunnery here at Providence Eye, to determine when cataract surgery would be appropriate. If vision correction is still required after cataract surgery, LASIK may be a possibility.
Glaucoma
According to the National Eye Institute “Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. However, with early detection and treatment, you can often prevent serious vision loss.” If you have glaucoma, a glaucoma specialist should carefully monitor your eyes and condition. If your glaucoma is under control, LASIK may be an option, however, please be aware that LASIK does not treat glaucoma itself – rather, it only improves vision.
Keratoconus
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology “Keratoconus is when the cornea thins out and bulges like a cone. Changing the shape of the cornea brings light rays out of focus. As a result, your vision is blurry and distorted, making daily tasks like reading or driving difficult.” If you have keratoconus, you should not have LASIK surgery, as it can exacerbate the situation. A cornea specialist should monitor your vision and keratoconus for treatment.
What LASIK Can Correct
LASIK corrects refractive errors. Refractive errors are the way the eye focuses light – an eye that can see correctly will bend light coming into it correctly, whereas an eye with a refractive error has difficulties doing so, resulting in blurred vision. Refractive errors are not an eye disease, because it is actually based on the way your eye is shaped or structured.
Myopia
Myopia is also known as nearsightedness and occurs when you CAN see near but cannot see far away. Nearsightedness is extremely prevalent and has been on the rise for the past several decades. Glasses or contacts with a minus (-) prescription correct nearsightedness.
