4 Signs You May Need LASIK Eye Surgery

Laser Vision correction has come a long way since its beginning in 1988. The first surgery was an experiment to perform the first photorefractive keratectomy, or the refractive surgery that corrects nearsightedness and farsightedness. In the 1990’s, eye doctors developed the method that would eventually evolve into the current LASIK by using a blade to cut a thin flap of the eye tissue underneath the corneal surface.

Now however, LASIK has developed a 100% bladeless eye surgery. Instead, it uses a laser to create the corneal flap more precisely.

Having a laser cut into your eye can seem quite intimidating, especially after using glasses or contacts comfortably for years. Luckily, the surgery is quite safe and improves patient’s vision up to 20/40. Most patients don’t even experience any pain.

But how can you tell if you need LASIK? Here are the top 4 signs you may need the surgery.

1. You’re Over the Specs

Some people absolutely adore wearing their eyeglasses. Others can’t stand them. If you have been frustrated with your glasses it might be time to consider LASIK.

Glasses are one of the most common items lost according to a study by My Nametags. It can be so easy to forget them in the store, in the café, or on buses or trains. It’s also incredibly easy to accidently crush them. They have a tendency of being dropped, chewed by pets, stepped on, and even sat on.

If you have ever reached for your glasses, only to find that they can’t be found or that they suddenly have a large crack across the lens, you understand how frustrating it is.

Not to mention glasses can be incredibly expensive. Yes, they can be stylish, but paying for brand name glasses can empty your wallet. Glasses can cost between $150 to $400 and that’s not even including the bonuses like non-glare coating and lenses that are resistant to scratches.

2. Contact Lenses are a Curse

Even if you avoid glasses, having contacts can be just as difficult. Those with astigmatism constantly feel the irritation of wearing contacts.

But even those without the affliction of astigmatism can deal with some major issues. Some of these issues can even cause serious health issues for your eyes. If you find that wearing contacts causes sensitivity to light, redness, blurred vision, or irritation, it could mean you have a corneal abrasion.

Corneal abrasions are a common issue with contact lenses. It occurs when some abrasive particle scratches the cornea and typically happens with hard lenses or RGP. Severe corneal abrasions can even lead to a corneal ulcer that threatens your vision.

Contact lenses also create the common problem of dry eye syndrome. This happens when your eyes can’t produce enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated.

Even conjunctivitis can be caused by contacts if they aren’t cleaned properly. If you simply forget to wash your hands or if you forget to clean and disinfect the lenses, you may get conjunctivitis on the inside of the eyelids.

3. The Outdoors are Your Jam

If most of your hobbies and pastimes are outside, glasses and contacts can be a nuisance.

For example, if you have ever had your contacts suddenly dry out on the ski slopes or on a run or if your glasses have become useless when you try to do anything in the rain, you know how it can be a major deterent to being active.

Even when they weather is nice, you have to decide weather to wear your prescription sunglasses or just your regular glasses, giving you two extra items to carry on your hike.

4. You Need Your Glasses For Everything

Another sign that it might be time to consider LASIK is if you need corrective eyewear for everything. If you are over 40, it is likely that you may experience presbyopia or the gradual loss of ability to focus on near objects. Though it’s a natural part of the aging process of the eye, it can be a huge pain to try and find your glasses just to look at the alarm clock or the menu.

If you aren’t excited to have your glasses with you at all times to read the screens of your phone or computer, or even for simple tasks like reading magazines or menus, it might be time to look at alternatives.

Though some of the above can have fairly significant health risks, typically there is a point where you have become annoyed by glasses and contacts. Either you lose them all the time, they aren’t comfortable, or they aren’t suitable for your active lifestyle.