Farsightedness, or hyperopia, causes distant objects to appear clearer than close ones, making nearby vision blurred. Tasks like reading may require reading glasses or contacts. LASIK for farsightedness, a popular vision correction method, reshapes the cornea with Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. This procedure adjusts light entering the eye, allowing proper focusing on the retina and restoring clear vision. Learn how LASIK can improve your quality of life by enhancing your near vision.
What Causes Farsightedness?
Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is primarily caused by the shape of the eye. In a normal eye, light rays entering the eye are precisely focused onto the retina a light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. However, in individuals with hyperopia, the eyeball is often too short or the cornea has insufficient curvature. This altered eye shape results in light rays focusing behind the retina rather than directly on it. As a consequence, people with farsightedness experience difficulty seeing objects up close, leading to blurry near vision, eyestrain, and headaches, especially during activities like reading or working on a computer. While genetics play a significant role in the development of hyperopia, it can also result from aging, eye injuries, or certain underlying eye disorders. Understanding the causes of farsightedness is essential in determining appropriate vision correction options, such as LASIK for those seeking to address this common refractive error.
Candidacy for Farsightedness LASIK
Candidacy for LASIK to address farsightedness or hyperopia is determined through a comprehensive evaluation by an experienced eye surgeon. While LASIK can be highly effective, it is generally considered most suitable for individuals with moderate to high degrees of farsightedness. Key factors in determining candidacy include ensuring that the patient’s refraction has remained stable for at least 1-2 years, as fluctuations can affect the accuracy of the procedure. Evaluating corneal thickness is crucial, as LASIK involves reshaping the cornea. Patients with very high hyperopia or thin corneas may not be ideal candidates, as there may not be sufficient tissue for reshaping. Additionally, age can be a consideration. For patients over 50-55 years old, lens-based surgeries like refractive lens exchange may be a more suitable option to address both farsightedness and presbyopia, a common age-related vision condition. Ultimately, a thorough assessment by an eye surgeon will determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual.
How LASIK Corrects Farsighted Vision
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a highly effective procedure for correcting farsighted vision, or hyperopia. It achieves this by reshaping the cornea the clear, front surface of the eye using an excimer laser. Here’s how LASIK corrects farsighted vision:
Excimer Laser Reshaping: LASIK involves the precise use of an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. This laser emits a cool, ultraviolet light beam, allowing for exceptionally accurate and controlled tissue removal without heat, burning, or cutting.
Flattening the Corneal Curve: In the case of farsightedness, the cornea may be too flat or misshapen, causing light rays to focus behind the retina. LASIK addresses this by removing small amounts of corneal tissue strategically. This reshaping process is aimed at steepening the cornea slightly, thereby altering the way light enters the eye.
Adjusting Focusing Power: By subtly changing the curvature of the cornea, LASIK reduces the eye’s focusing power. This adjustment allows light rays to properly focus on the retina, ensuring that both near and distant objects can be seen clearly.
Precise and Non-Invasive: LASIK’s precision is remarkable. The excimer laser erodes microscopic layers of corneal tissue with incredible accuracy, leaving surrounding areas untouched. This precision contributes to the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
Real-Time Tracking: During the LASIK procedure, a computer continuously tracks the movement of your eye thousands of times per second. This tracking system ensures that the laser is directed precisely where it needs to be, even if your eye moves slightly.
The LASIK Procedure Step-by-Step
The LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) procedure is a precise and swift process that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the LASIK procedure:
Pretreatment Measurements and Evaluation: Before the procedure, your eye surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation of your eye, including measurements of its shape and refractive errors like farsightedness. This assessment ensures that the LASIK treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs.
Anesthetic Eye Drops: To ensure your comfort during the procedure, numbing or anesthetic eye drops are applied to prevent pain or discomfort.
Protective Contact Lens: A protective contact lens is placed on the eye to shield and safeguard the cornea during the procedure.
Positioning Under Laser Apparatus: You’ll be comfortably positioned under the laser apparatus, typically in a reclined chair.
Suction Ring: A suction ring is placed on your eye to stabilize it and prevent any eye movement during the procedure. This ensures the laser can deliver precise and accurate treatment.
Corneal Flap Creation: Using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser, the surgeon creates a thin, hinged flap on the outer layer of the cornea. This flap is carefully folded back to expose the inner cornea.
Excimer Laser Treatment: The excimer laser, which emits a cool ultraviolet light, is then used to reshape the exposed inner cornea. The laser’s precision allows for microscopic tissue removal, effectively altering the cornea’s curvature to correct the refractive error. The treatment is tailored to your eye’s unique measurements and prescription.
Flap Repositioning: After the corneal reshaping is complete, the hinged flap is gently repositioned over the treated area. It adheres naturally without the need for stitches.
Conclusion
The LASIK journey includes a recovery phase where patience and adherence to post-operative guidelines are key. During the initial 24 hours, you may experience mild discomfort and blurred vision, but these effects typically subside quickly. Over the next 2-6 weeks, your vision should gradually improve, leading to clearer and sharper eyesight. Throughout your recovery, it’s essential to refrain from rubbing your eyes and avoid strenuous activities. The use of prescribed medicated eye drops and regular follow-up exams with your surgeon play crucial roles in ensuring a smooth healing process. Your vision is expected to stabilize within 3-6 months, although some individuals may still require glasses or contacts for specific tasks. As you consider the possibility of undergoing LASIK or any laser eye surgery in 2023, it’s essential to be aware of the factors that can influence the cost of the procedure. The question of “How much does laser eye surgery cost in 2023” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer, as pricing can vary based on location, the surgeon’s experience, the technology used, and other factors.