LASIK Can Be a Great Way to Treat Your Farsightedness
If you struggle with farsightedness (hyperopia), it can affect almost every aspect of your life. Ordinary tasks can be inconvenient, if not impossible. You dislike the appearance of your glasses, but you dread the daily routine of dealing with contact lenses. LASIK may be the optimal solution for your farsightedness. At our Chicago practice, we often use the advanced IntraLase® laser to perform this surgery with extreme precision. After your surgery, you may no longer rely on your corrective lenses. In many cases, you may not need them at all. Dr. Chandler will provide an exam and consultation to make sure that LASIK is right for you. If you are not a candidate, he can often recommend a more suitable procedure.
Understanding Farsightedness and Its Causes
Though less common that nearsightedness, farsightedness is a frequent complaint. This condition occurs when light cannot refract properly in your eye. Because your eyes are disproportionately short, light will focus behind your eye, rather than in the center of your retina. This makes objects at a close distance appear blurry. Many babies are born farsighted, though some grow out of it as their eyes develop. For others, however, hyperopia remains a lifelong concern. Glass or contacts are typically enough to address the condition, although corrective lenses have their own set of disadvantages.
Hyperopia should not be confused with presbyopia. Although the two conditions present similar symptoms, presbyopia is related to age.
How LASIK Can Treat Farsightedness
LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, may be the ideal solution for your hyperopia. Dr. Chandler will create a thin flap in your cornea. Though he can do this with traditional manual techniques, in most cases, he will use a computer-guided IntraLase® laser. He can create a thinner flap with a laser than he can with handheld instruments. The laser will make your treatment more precise. It will also speed your recovery. After lifting the corneal flap, Dr. Chandler will use an excimer laser to restructure your cornea. After LASIK, light will pass correctly through your eye, focusing on or near the center of your retina.
LASIK Recovery and Results
When he has achieved the desired results, Dr. Chandler will place the flap back down on your eye. These tissues will heal quickly on their own. For the first few days, you may experience a bit of sensitivity and irritation. You should rest your eyes and use eye drops as directed. If needed, a mild over-the-counter medication can ease your discomfort. Like most patients, you should be able to go about your normal routine the day after your LASIK procedure.
It may take a few months for your vision to stabilize completely. However, for the most part, you should enjoy a marked improvement within a few days of your LASIK surgery. Like some patients, you may still need glasses or contacts, especially for fine, detailed work. However, you will typically depend on corrective lenses far less heavily than you did before. On the other hand, you may enjoy 20/20 vision or better after LASIK, and you will not need glasses at all. Results vary for each patient. However, the vast majority of people report that they are satisfied with the effects of their surgery.
Contact Primary Eye Care Associates
If you struggle with farsightedness or a related vision aberration, you may be a good candidate for LASIK. Schedule an evaluation today to find out if this treatment is suitable for you.
