Is LASIK Right for You?
LASIK is the most common elective surgery in North America. For the right candidate, this outpatient surgery has a quick healing time and provides dramatic results. At SoCal Optometry in Riverside, CA, we have given people greatly improved vision through LASIK and other surgical procedures. Is LASIK the right choice for you? Should you look for an "eye doctor near me?"
LASIK stands for ‘laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis.’ During this procedure, laser light is applied to specific parts of your cornea to reshape it. A reshaped cornea will refract light differently, changing the way you see.
What Does the Surgery Involve?
Your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops. The surgeon will then create a flap in your corneal tissue and fold it out of the way. Your vision will become dim and blurry at this stage, and you may see the fixation light of the laser flash. A computer will pulse a cool laser onto your cornea, gently reshaping that inner layer. After that stage, the flap will be repositioned so your eye can heal.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Your eye surgeon will look at many factors before making a final decision. These include:
- Candidates need to be at least 18 and in good general health.
- Certain illnesses or medications that compromise your immune system may make you a poor candidate.
- You should be free of eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.
- People who have chronic dry eyes or unstable vision may be excluded from this procedure.
- The thickness of your corneas.
LASIK is not right for everyone. If you fall into that category, your eye doctor can discuss your other options with you. These might include a different kind of surgery, prescription glasses or contacts, or perhaps coming back for a second consultation after you address a health issue.
What Results Can You Expect?
LASIK can be used to reduce or correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Many people will experience 20/25 vision or better. Others with very severe myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, may find their vision improved enough that they can wear a light prescription. Your eye doctor can discuss what results you may get from the surgery.
Looking for an "Eye Doctor Near Me?"
SoCal Optometry is the premier eye care center in the Riverside, CA, area. Our highly trained team, led by Dr. Bryan Mirone, has years of training and experience performing all different kinds of eye treatments, including pre- and post-op evaluations of LASIK surgery. If you’re interested in learning more about LASIK eye surgery, give us a call at (951) 687-7100 to set up an appointment and we'll get you started on your journey to better vision.