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LASIK Risks: A Straight Answer

LASIK is a popular vision correction procedure, but like any medical treatment, it’s essential to be aware of potential LASIK risks before making an informed decision. While complications are relatively rare, it’s crucial to discuss any concerns with your LASIK eye care professional to determine if LASIK is the right choice for you.

Here are some factors to consider and discuss with your LASIK surgeon or optometrist:

Dry Eye: Many patients experience temporary dry eye symptoms after LASIK, which typically resolve within a few months. Your doctor may recommend using artificial tears or prescribe additional eye drops to manage this side effect.

Infection Risk: Proper post-operative care and adhering to your doctor’s instructions are essential to minimize the risk of infection. If you experience any unusual symptoms, promptly contact your eye care professional.

LASIK risks

Residual Refractive Error: In some cases, particularly with higher prescriptions, patients may experience residual refractive error, which can often be addressed with a follow-up enhancement procedure.

Corneal Stability: Certain pre-existing conditions, such as keratoconus, may increase the risk of complications. Your doctor will perform thorough evaluations to assess your candidacy for LASIK.

Regression: While uncommon, some patients may experience a gradual regression of their vision correction over time. Many providers offer enhancement procedures to address this possibility.

Visual Disturbances: Some individuals may experience night vision disturbances, such as glare or halos, particularly in the initial post-operative period. These symptoms often diminish over time but can persist for a small percentage of patients.

Flap Complications: In rare cases, complications can occur with the corneal flap created during LASIK. Proper post-operative care and avoiding eye trauma are crucial for healing.

Vision Fluctuations: While rare, there is a possibility of vision fluctuations or potential vision loss following LASIK. Selecting an experienced surgeon and adhering to post-operative instructions can help minimize this risk.

Epithelial Ingrowth: In some instances, corneal tissue may grow under the LASIK flap, which may require an additional procedure to remove the ingrown tissue if it affects vision.

Remember, many of these considerations are rare, and your LASIK eye care professional will thoroughly evaluate your individual risk factors and provide personalized guidance. Open communication and choosing an experienced, reputable LASIK surgeon are essential for achieving the best possible outcomes.

When you think of applying makeup, you may not consider how it can affect your eye health. While it’s fun to achieve the perfect makeup look, you also want to make good choices when it comes to eye makeup products and techniques. It is especially important to consider proper eye care when it comes to using eye makeup such as eyeliner.

Regardless of whether a person wears glasses, contact lenses or has had LASIK eye surgery, there are some things to keep in mind when using eye makeup in order to maximize your eye health.

Never Share Your Eye Makeup

Sharing eye makeup can be risky because it can spread bacteria and viruses that can cause infections in your eyes. This is especially true for products that come into direct contact with your eye, like mascara and eyeliner. Your eyes are delicate and prone to infection. Even if someone seems healthy, they could still carry bacteria or viruses that can be transmitted through makeup, especially if the makeup is old or not stored properly. It’s always best to avoid sharing eye makeup and to use your own applicators.

Get The Best Products For Your Eyes

Read the ingredients on the eye makeup before you buy. Some brands will be marked as safe for contact lenses or hypoallergenic. These can be good options, but it’s still a good idea to test the makeup on your hand to see if it causes any sensitivities. The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your body, so you should avoid using anything that causes irritation.

Don’t Apply Eye Makeup To Your Waterline

The waterline is the inner edge of your eyelids—the flat area behind the root of your lashes. Using eyeliner on the waterline (referred to as “tightlining”) has become a common practice. While popular, this eye makeup technique is risky. You run the risk of blocking important glands like your tear ducts. This can lead to dry, uncomfortable, and red eyes. It also makes it easy to introduce bacteria into the eyes. When you tightline, some of the eyeliner will rub off onto the surface of your eye. If your eyeliner has any germs or bacteria, it will be transferred to your eye.

If you don’t want to avoid tightlining entirely, try to limit how often you incorporate this technique into your eye makeup routine, and be sure to use only clean products and applicators.

Keep Your Eye Makeup Tools Clean

The best way to support your eye health when it comes to eye makeup is to keep your tools, applicators, and eye makeup products clean. If you use a pencil eyeliner, sharpen it every time you use it. This way, you will have a clean surface. Don’t leave the caps off your eyeliners, as it exposes them to bacteria. If you use twist-up eyeliner, simply wipe the end or cut the tip off each time to expose a clean surface area. Any tools or applicators you use, such as brushes or liners, also need to be kept clean. Invest in a good cleaning solution and clean your tools often.

Get The Right Makeup Remover

You should never sleep in your eye makeup! When you go to remove your eye makeup at the end of the day, use the right makeup remover for your eye care routine. You can choose makeup remover cloths or a liquid remover but avoid oil-based eye makeup removers. These can block pores and glands in your eyes. Additionally, alcohol-based makeup removers (or those with an added fragrance) can be harsh on your eyes.

If you wear contact lenses, you also want to take extra care when removing your eye makeup. Contact users who like to wear a lot of eye makeup each day may want to switch it up and ask for disposable contacts to avoid product debris buildup on your lenses. When taking out contact lenses, it is important to wipe the lenses before putting them in the solution to ensure any makeup has been removed.

Those individuals who are tired of having to work around their glasses or contacts to apply their eye makeup may want to consider laser eye surgery, which can improve or correct a person’s eyesight. A LASIK surgery procedure consists of reshaping the cornea and changing the focusing power of the eye.

If you are interested in LASIK, talk to your eye doctor or schedule a consultation with a LASIK specialist.  Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. However, the number of those who are eligible continues to increase each year. Those who were once denied may now be candidates for the procedure.

If you’d like to discuss your options and find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, schedule a free consultation at a location near you.

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Whether you’re at work, at play, or relaxing around the house, there’s never a bad time to put the focus on your vision health. From eating well to making sure to have regular exams with your eye care professional, good eye health starts with awareness of what to do, and what not to do.

Eye Care 101: Tips for Maintaining Eye Health and Avoiding Vision Problems

Good Eating Habits for Eye Health

Eating well is one of the hidden keys to maintaining good vision health, and there are plenty of tasty options that also deliver vital nutrients. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there quite a few common foods that may provide a boost to eye health:

  • Antioxidants – Foods rich in antioxidants, including many types of fruits and vegetables, are common in many “healthy eating” guides. These flavorful foods may help reduce the risk of vision problems related to aging.
  • Leafy Greens – High in important nutrients including lutein and zeaxanthin, leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach may help lower the risk of common vision problems like cataracts.
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Enjoying a diet that includes popular fish like salmon and halibut is a good way to make sure you’re getting omega-3 fatty acids, which may help lower the risk of age-related vision problems.
  • Maintaining a Healthy Weight – Eating healthy and exercising are key to maintaining a healthy weight, which has many benefits for both vision health and overall health.

Protection from Sunlight and UV Rays

Spending time outdoors doesn’t have to be hard on the eyes, because proper eyewear can provide substantial protection from UV rays.

  • Simple Sun Safety – No matter how beautiful the scene, staring at the sun is dangerous to vision health. Even if you have a great pair of sunglasses, it’s never a good idea to stare at the sun.
  • 100 Percent UV Protection – You don’t have to stare at the sun directly for harmful UV rays to reach your eyes, so it’s also important to choose eyewear that offers 100 percent UV protection.

Eye Safety for Work and Play

Are you participating in an activity with the potential for eye injuries, whether at work or at play? Wearing the right protection and taking the time to stay sanitized are key in situations with a risk of eye injury.

  • Eye Safety for Sports – Looking to play your favorite sports, but worried about eye injuries? A pair of prescription sports goggles can provide ample eye protection.
  • Eye Safety at Work – If you work in a profession with the potential for eye injuries, it’s important to use the right protective goggles or eyewear for the task.
  • Eye Protection after LASIK – Your laser eye surgery specialist may provide protective eyewear after LASIK surgery, in order to help the healing process.
  • Clean Hands for Clean Eyes – Before you put in your contacts, always make sure to wash your hands thoroughly, which may help lower the risk of infection.

Don’t Smoke

Did you know that quitting smoking can have benefits for your eye health, in addition to the many potential benefits to your overall health? It’s never too late to make the decision to quit.

Regular Rest for Eyes

Spending too much time in front of screens can strain your eyes and lead to vision issues. Giving your eyes regular breaks is essential for maintaining eye health.

  • Avoiding Digital Eye Strain – Digital eye strain can come from many sources, including computer screens, TVs, and phones, so it’s important to be conscious of how much time you spend using these devices.
  • Following the 20/20/20 Rule – The 20/20/20 rule is one option that can help reduce digital eye strain. Every 20 minutes while using a screen, take a break to stare at an object 20 meters away, for 20 seconds.

Keeping Up with Eye Exams

In addition to the everyday steps you can take to promote eye health, it’s also a great idea to meet with your eye care professional at regular intervals for a comprehensive eye exam.

  • Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams – A comprehensive dilated eye exam provides a very deep look into your vision health, making it an important vision health tool for many adults and senior citizens.
  • Eye Exams after LASIK – Keeping up with your scheduled eye exams after a laser eye surgery procedure is a key step in the healing process, and an opportunity to ask questions about LASIK recovery and vision health.

There are many simple steps that can be taken each day to promote vision health and help avoid common vision problems. Speaking with your eye care professional is a great way to learn more about avoiding vision problems and get feedback from a trusted source on your unique eye health needs.

LASIK Benefits

For many, the benefits of laser eye surgery stretch far beyond improvements in vision quality. The biggest benefit may be experiencing newfound lifestyle freedoms. Freedom might mean enjoying a scenic view without worrying about whether you brought your glasses, doing what you love for a living without worrying about vision problems, or even hopping behind the controls of a fighter jet. The true benefit of LASIK eye surgery is that you get to decide how to enjoy those lifestyle freedoms.

Lifestyle Freedom

No matter how you like to spend your free time, being able to see more clearly is a big LASIK benefit. Sometimes, life’s little moments are the most special, and clearer vision helps you soak in every moment. Lifestyle freedom can mean enjoying your favorite hobbies with newfound enthusiasm, or trying new things with the benefit of crisper vision. Less time worrying about vision problems means more time for enjoying what you love most, and you get to decide what lifestyle freedom means to you.

Imagine Seeing Clearly Without Glasses and Contacts

Speaking of those daily inconveniences, wouldn’t it be nice to worry less about wearing glasses or contacts? While every individual is unique, many who have laser eye surgery are able to see better with less dependence on glasses and contacts after the procedure. No longer needing glasses or contacts to see clearly isn’t a guarantee after laser eye surgery, but having to rely less on those devices is one of the most frequently mentioned LASIK benefits among people who have had the procedure.

Seeing clearer without glasses and contacts can make it easier to enjoy your favorite activities, and might even have some benefits for the bottom line, as the cost of purchasing and maintaining glasses or contacts is often significant.

On The Job Freedoms

In demanding on-the-job situations, glasses or contacts are the last thing you want to be on your mind. The military agrees, and that’s one of the reasons why the military often recommends LASIK over glasses or contacts. In a study of NAVY pilots published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Refractive and Cataract Surgery, 95.9 percent of pilots said LASIK improved their performance, and 99.6 would recommend the treatment to others. While fighter pilots are a fairly extreme example when it comes to eyesight, clearer vision can lead to occupational freedoms for many different careers.

The benefits of LASIK eye surgery extend far beyond the job, and every individual has their own way of enjoying crisper, clearer vision. If you have any questions about the benefits of laser eye surgery, your LASIK specialist is the perfect person to provide answers. Whether you want to see more clearly without glasses or enjoy lifestyle freedoms, now is the perfect time to learn more about laser eye surgery benefits. Get started with a Free Consultation today!

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Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a prevalent vision condition affecting individuals worldwide. Characterized by the ability to see close objects clearly while distant objects appear blurry, myopia can significantly impact one’s daily life if left unmanaged. Let’s look into the symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, and management strategies associated with myopia.

Symptoms of Myopia

Identifying the symptoms of myopia is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention. Common symptoms include:

  • Blurry vision when looking at distant objects.
  • The need to squint or partially close the eyelids to see clearly.
  • Headaches.
  • Eye strain.
  • Tiredness when engaging in activities requiring distance vision, such as driving or playing sports.
myopia symptoms

Causes of Myopia

Understanding the underlying causes of myopia aids in better management and prevention strategies. While the exact cause remains elusive, myopia is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Key factors contributing to myopia development include:

  • Genetic predisposition, with a family history of myopia being a significant risk factor.
  • Prolonged engagement in close-up activities such as reading or prolonged screen time.
  • Inadequate outdoor exposure during childhood.
  • Ethnicity, with certain groups exhibiting higher rates of myopia than others.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing myopia, including:

  • Family history of myopia.
  • Extensive engagement in close-up activities.
  • Limited outdoor exposure during childhood.
  • Ethnicity, with certain populations showing a predisposition to myopia.

Complications of Myopia

While myopia is often manageable with corrective measures like glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, certain cases may lead to complications, including:

  • Cataracts.
  • Glaucoma.
  • Optic neuropathy.
  • Neovascularization.
  • Retinal detachment.

Pathological myopia, characterized by extreme nearsightedness, poses an increased risk of severe eye conditions, including retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Management and Treatment

Effective management of myopia involves a multi-faceted approach tailored to individual needs. Treatment options include:

  • Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors.
  • Orthokeratology, a non-surgical procedure involving the use of specially designed contact lenses to reshape the cornea.
  • Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, to permanently reshape the cornea.
  • Lifestyle modifications, including reducing screen time and increasing outdoor activities.

Regular eye examinations are essential for monitoring changes in vision and detecting any potential complications early on. Myopia is a prevalent vision condition with significant implications for affected individuals. By understanding the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and management strategies associated with myopia, individuals can take proactive steps to preserve their vision health. Early detection and intervention are paramount in mitigating the risk of complications and maintaining optimal visual acuity throughout life.

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Source:

Nearsightedness (Myopia) | National Eye Institute. (2023, July 25). https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/nearsightedness-myopia

You may have the notion that eye surgery is primarily for older individuals, and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. However, when it comes to LASIK eye surgery, undergoing the procedure early on can offer numerous benefits, a fact that many young adults are increasingly recognizing. If you’re contemplating LASIK eye surgery in your twenties, read on!

Here are 6 reasons why young people are opting for LASIK in 2024:

1.    Vision Prescription Stability

Typically, after the age of 25, your vision stabilizes, meaning significant changes cease. This stability often persists until around one’s forties, when age-related farsightedness may appear. This period of stability makes the twenties an opportune time for LASIK, allowing individuals to enjoy clear vision without relying heavily on corrective eyewear for an extended duration.

2.    Carefree Travel

LASIK surgery facilitates carefree travel. With no glasses to worry about breaking or misplacing, vacation time becomes more relaxed. There’s no need to pack contact lens solution or worry about the extensive list of items necessary for contact lens care. LASIK also enhances travel comfort, allowing spontaneous napping during journeys without the hassle of contact lens removal.

3.    Trust in Technology

Young adults, having grown up in a digital era, generally exhibit trust and enthusiasm for technology. This trust extends to LASIK, which utilizes advanced medical technology for precise vision correction. Moreover, elective surgeries like LASIK are increasingly normalized, with many public figures sharing their positive experiences, contributing to its popularity.

4.    Active Lifestyles

The desire for an active lifestyle prompts many in their twenties to opt for LASIK. Engaging in sports and physical activities becomes more convenient without the hindrance of glasses or contacts. Many athletes choose LASIK to enhance their performance and overall experience in various activities.

5.    Independence

LASIK offers a sense of independence by eliminating the need for ordering contacts or replacing prescription eyewear. It suits individuals with busy lifestyles or those seeking reduced dependence on corrective lenses, providing a newfound freedom in daily life.

6.    Cost-Effectiveness

LASIK is now more accessible and affordable, with various financing options available. While the initial cost may vary, many patients find long-term savings compared to the recurring expenses of contacts, glasses, and prescription sunglasses. Additionally, LASIK qualifies as an approved expense under Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), with many young adults utilizing their employer-provided FSA funds for the procedure.

LASIK provides a lasting remedy for prevalent vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Opting for LASIK at a younger age offers an especially cost-effective route to vision correction since it allows for a longer span of enjoying clear vision without the burden of recurring expenses.

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, affects millions of individuals worldwide, impacting their ability to see distant objects clearly. This condition occurs when light entering the eye is not focused directly onto the retina but instead falls in front of it, resulting in blurred vision for distant objects. While myopia can develop at any age, it often emerges during childhood or adolescence and may progressively worsen over time.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing myopia typically involves a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an eye care specialist. The evaluation may include:

Visual Acuity Test

A visual acuity test assesses the sharpness of your vision at various distances using an eye chart. This helps determine the extent of myopia present.

Phoroptor Test

During this test, you’ll read an eye chart while looking through a device containing different lenses. This aids in determining the appropriate prescription for correcting vision problems.

LASIK vision test

Other Tests of Eye Health

Additional tests may be performed to assess pupil response to light, eye movement, peripheral vision, intraocular pressure, and the overall condition of the eye’s structures.

Exam of the Inner Eye

Using special equipment, such as a lens with a light, the eye care specialist examines the retina and optic nerve. Dilation drops may be used to provide a better view of the inner eye.

Myopia Treatment Options

Managing myopia involves improving vision clarity and monitoring for potential complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment. Treatment options include:

Prescription Lenses

  • Eyeglasses: These provide a simple and safe way to correct nearsightedness by compensating for the abnormal curvature of the cornea or the elongated shape of the eye.
  • Contact Lenses: Placed directly on the cornea, contact lenses offer an alternative to glasses and may correct multiple refractive errors.

Refractive Surgery

  • LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): This procedure involves reshaping the cornea using a laser to reduce dependence on corrective lenses.
  • PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Similar to LASIK, PRK reshapes the cornea’s surface but involves removing the epithelium before laser treatment.
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Treatments to Slow Progression of Myopia

Several approaches aim to slow the progression of myopia, particularly in children and adolescents until they are old enough for more permanent options.

  • Atropine: Low-dose atropine eye drops may help reduce myopia progression.
  • Increased Time Outdoors: Spending more time outdoors during childhood and adolescence may decrease the risk of developing myopia.
  • Dual Focus Contact Lenses: These lenses have shown promise in slowing myopia progression.
  • Orthokeratology: This therapy involves wearing rigid contact lenses at night to reshape the cornea temporarily.

Myopia management involves a range of treatment options tailored to individual needs. From prescription lenses to surgical interventions, advancements in eye care offer effective solutions for improving vision clarity and reducing dependency on corrective eyewear. With ongoing research into innovative therapies, the future holds promise for individuals seeking to address myopia and preserve their visual health.

Source:

Myopia. (n.d.). https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/myopia?sso=y

Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, is a common refractive error affecting millions worldwide. While the hallmark blurriness is widely recognized, there exists a spectrum of symptoms that often go unnoticed or are mistakenly attributed to other causes. In this article, we delve beyond the obvious to highlight the subtle signs of farsightedness, ensuring early detection and personalized care.

Unveiling Farsighted Symptoms:

LVI Farsighted symptoms
  1. The Blurry Close-Up Conundrum: Beyond the cliché, farsighted individuals may find themselves squinting or straining to focus on objects up close, like the fine print of a book or the text on a smartphone screen. This persistent blurriness can gradually escalate, impacting daily activities and causing frustration.
  2. Eyes Under Strain: Imagine your eyes as diligent workers constantly adjusting to maintain focus. In farsightedness, this task becomes strenuous, leading to eye fatigue and discomfort, akin to the weariness felt after a long day’s work. The eyes, striving to compensate for the optical defect, may exhibit signs of strain, manifesting as soreness or aching sensations.
  3. The Headache Hurdle: A silent yet significant symptom often attributed to myriad causes, headaches plague many farsighted individuals, particularly during tasks requiring close visual attention, such as reading or crafting. These headaches, stemming from the extra effort expended by the eye muscles to achieve clarity, serve as a subtle but telling indicator of underlying hyperopia.

Navigating Mild Manifestations

It’s crucial to acknowledge that not all farsightedness manifests with glaring symptoms. In milder cases, individuals may overlook the subtle signs, assuming visual discomfort as a norm or dismissing occasional headaches as stress-related. However, regular eye examinations emerge as the beacon of early detection, offering insights beyond mere visual acuity assessments. Through comprehensive evaluations, optometrists can unveil latent farsightedness, empowering individuals to embark on a journey towards clearer vision and enhanced quality of life.

Farsightedness extends beyond mere blurriness, encompassing a range of symptoms often overlooked. By acknowledging these subtle indicators, individuals can take proactive steps to alleviate discomfort and optimize their visual acuity. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, our eyes quietly convey their needs. Looking ahead, farsightedness no longer needs to be a constant inconvenience. At the LASIK Vision Institute, we specialize exclusively in LASIK surgery, with our LASIK specialists ready to assist you. Schedule a complimentary consultation to address your concerns and determine if LASIK surgery is suitable for you.

Every year, Earth Day reminds us of our responsibility to protect our planet. While grand gestures of sustainability are important, even small changes in our daily lives can make a significant impact. This Earth Day, consider a vision correction method that not only benefits your sight but also contributes to a greener future: LASIK eye surgery.

The Hidden Environmental Cost of Corrective Eyewear

Millions of people rely on contact lenses and glasses for clear vision. While these solutions are effective, they come with a hidden environmental cost. Here’s how:

  • Plastic Waste: Disposable contact lenses and their packaging generate a significant amount of plastic waste. Every year, billions of used lenses end up in landfills, taking hundreds of years to decompose.
  • Chemical Impact: Contact lens solution often contains harsh chemicals that can contaminate waterways if improperly disposed of.
  • Resource Consumption: The manufacturing and transportation of both contact lenses and glasses require significant resources and energy.
Earth Day and LASIK

LASIK: A Sustainable Vision Correction Option

LASIK offers a long-term vision correction solution that eliminates the need for disposable contact lenses and reduces reliance on multiple pairs of glasses. Here’s how LASIK contributes to a more sustainable future:

  • Reduced Waste: LASIK is a one-time procedure, significantly reducing plastic waste generated by disposable contact lenses.
  • Eco-Friendly Choice: Eliminates the need for the ongoing production and disposal of contact lens solution, reducing chemical waste.
  • Energy Efficient: By minimizing the need for new glasses and contact lenses, LASIK helps conserve resources and energy used in their production and transportation.

Beyond Environmental Benefits: The Advantages of LASIK

While environmental responsibility is a compelling reason to consider LASIK, the benefits extend far beyond:

  • Unmatched Convenience: Imagine a life free from daily contact lens routines or misplaced glasses. LASIK offers the freedom and convenience of clear vision without the hassle.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Though LASIK has an upfront cost, it eliminates ongoing expenses associated with contact lens replacements and new glasses purchases.
  • Improved Quality of Life: LASIK can enhance your enjoyment of everyday activities, from swimming and exercising to simply the comfort of waking up and seeing clearly.

Celebrate Earth Day with a Clear Vision for the Future

This Earth Day, consider taking a step towards a more sustainable future and achieving clear vision through LASIK surgery. Consult with a qualified LASIK surgeon to discuss your candidacy and explore how LASIK can benefit both your eyesight and the planet.

Together, we can celebrate Earth Day by making a conscious choice for a clearer and greener future.

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Source:

Contact Lens Fast Facts. (2021, December 30). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/fast-facts.html

What is Myopia or Nearsightedness?

Medically, myopia (my-OH-pee-uh) is an inability to see far away. A synonym is “nearsightedness.” Someone who is myopic can see near, but not far away. LASIK eye surgery can correct this common condition.

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision problem that affects a large portion of the world’s population. It is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry, while objects that are nearby remain clear. This is because the eye is unable to focus light correctly onto the retina, resulting in a blurred image being formed on the retina.

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia is caused by a focusing errors that can be corrected by changing the shape of the cornea. The cornea transmits light through various eye parts internally toward your retina, which interprets an image. When your cornea is too steep, the image gets distorted, and you have a myopic prescription. (When the cornea is too flat, the image also gets distorted, but this is considered a hyperopic, or farsighted, prescription.)

The causes of myopia are multifactorial, with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role. Studies have shown that if both parents have myopia, their child is more likely to develop the condition. Additionally, factors such as prolonged near work, lack of outdoor activity, and low levels of light exposure have been linked to an increased risk of developing myopia.

Myopia typically develops during childhood or adolescence and can progress over time, with the degree of nearsightedness varying from person to person. Mild myopia may not require vision correction, but moderate to high myopia can cause significant visual impairment and impact daily activities such as driving, sports, and school work.

Learn More About Myopia Symptoms

Myopia and Vision Correction

Luckily, myopia is a common vision problem that can be diagnosed at an eye exam. The most common method of correcting myopia is through the use of glasses or contact lenses. These devices work by refracting light in a way that compensates for the eye’s focusing error, allowing for clear vision. However, many individuals may find glasses or contact lenses inconvenient or uncomfortable to wear, and may seek alternative options for vision correction.

Learn More About Myopia Treatments

Myopia and LASIK

Refractive surgery, such as LASIK surgery, is a popular and effective method of correcting myopia. LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, works by reshaping the cornea to correct the focusing error that causes myopia. During the procedure, a laser is used to remove a small amount of tissue from the cornea, which changes its shape and improves the eye’s ability to focus light.

LASIK is a safe and effective procedure, with a high success rate and minimal downtime. However, not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. Individuals with certain medical conditions or eye problems may not be eligible for the procedure. Additionally, LASIK is not always covered by insurance and can be expensive.

Other refractive surgery options for myopia include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), implantable collamer lenses (ICLs), and refractive lens exchange (RLE). These procedures also work by reshaping the cornea or replacing the eye’s natural lens, allowing for improved vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Each of these procedures has its own benefits and risks, and a comprehensive consultation with an eye surgeon is necessary to determine which option is best for each individual.

In conclusion, myopia is a common vision problem that can be effectively corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. LASIK is a popular and safe option for myopia correction, but other options are available as well. Regular eye exams are important for early detection and management of myopia, and individuals who are interested in vision correction should consult with an experienced eye surgeon to determine the best course of action. By doing so, they can achieve clear vision and improve their quality of life.

If you’re interested in learning about LASIK, schedule a free consultation.

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Source

Nearsightedness - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2024, April 19). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nearsightedness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375556

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