Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

LASIK For Astigmatism: Will It Work For You?

Nellie Ryan

Many eye patients have a condition known as astigmatism, where the eye is abnormally shaped, resulting in blurry or unclear vision. LASIK laser surgery has long been a popular solution for people with failing eyesight without an astigmatism, but in recent years the surgery has also been available for those who have astigmatism. If you're considering getting LASIK to correct your eyesight and you have an astigmatism, read on to learn more about how it can help.

Can LASIK Work for Astigmatism?

In most cases, LASIK surgery can be performed on eyes with astigmatism, but it can depend on the type or shape of the eyes as well as the astimagtism's severity. The procedure helps to reshape the cornea into a "normal" shape so that the patient can see much more clearly. It involves using a tiny laser that gently cuts the cornea and reshapes its inner layer. This helps to correct the way light enters the eye, which allows the patient to have better, more improved vision. Careful evaluation of the eyes should be performed by a licensed eye surgeon or LASIK specialist to help determine exactly how the eye is shaped, and what can be done to correct it before the LASIK begins. 

Is LASIK Surgery Painful?

For most people, the LASIK process is fairly quick and painless. Eye drops containing a local anesthetic are applied directly to the eyes before the lasik is performed to help "numb" the eye and the surrounding area. The eyes must be held open with a special instrument so that the surgeon can administer the laser. There may be a slight pressure or mild discomfort, but overall the process is usually quick and most people do not feel anything. 

After LASIK surgery, patients are advised to wear protective eye coverings or glasses to avoid getting any dust and excess sunlight into the eyes. Someone should be there to drive the patient home afterwards as a safety precaution. The patient should apply special eye drops as prescribed, sometimes as much as three times per day up to a month or longer. Most people do not experience many side effects other than slightly itchy and dry eyes. There have been instances where people may notice a "halo" effect when they look at lights, particularly at night. If your vision is not markedly improved after your LASIK surgery, you should contact your doctor immediately for an evaluation. 


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About Me
Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

As an adult in my 50s, I find that my body isn't as strong as it used to be. But I don't let that stop me from enjoying life! In fact, I make every effort to get the treatments I need from my doctor to improve my health. I know that I'm not a senior yet, but I do all I can to prevent the health problems that affect that age group. Because of this, I put together a health blog for people over age 50. My blog isn't a review of what you can easily find on the Internet. It's a plethora of unique information designed to help you find the services you need fast. What my blog doesn't do is tell you what to do for your health. Instead, it offers guidance and options. Please, enjoy the blog and happy reading.

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