Is Laser Eye Surgery Your Answer?

Perhaps now is the time to look into laser eye surgery. While it is not a perfect solution 100% of the time it is pretty close and continues to get safer and more accurate as technology improves. Next time you have your annual eye exam ask about the benefits of laser eye surgery and how it could help to improve the quality of your life.

When a patient decides that they may want to look into laser surgery one of the first questions I receive is, “is it safe” followed by “will I ever need glasses again”? Like any surgery there are some risks involved. While there are very few major problems that result from the surgery it is important to talk both your optometrist and your eye surgeon about all risks and the how complications can be handled.

On to the question about glasses. While most corrective eye surgeries bring your eyes to better than 20/20 vision there is still the chance that you could need glasses after surgery or later down the road. It is impossible for the surgeon to be 100% accurate in predicting how your eyes will react to the surgery. There is the chance that following the surgery you still may need glasses to assist in seeing clearly. Most people however choose to have additional surgeries to get the errors corrected. Also as we age our prescription will change and you may find that years down the road you may either need to have surgery again or may find the need to wear glasses for either distance or close up.

While there are many different types of surgeries, talking with your optometrist can help determine the proper procedure for you. They also, being in the industry, can best recommend a surgeon who has a good reputation and specialize in the surgery you wish to move forward with. Remember, they are your eyes and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If your surgeon doesn’t answer your questions or avoids them, it may be time to move on and find someone who can.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.