The After Effects of Lasiks
LASIK eye surgery corrects vision for patients suffering from nearsightedness, astigmatism or farsightedness. The procedure alters the way light is reflected into the cornea to improve vision. An article published by ABC News estimates that each year in the U.S., 700,000 individuals undergo LASIK eye surgery to correct their vision.
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Improved Vision
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The majority of individuals who undergo LASIK eye surgey find that thier vision is improved. WebMD estimates that 80 percent of LASIK surgeries are effective. Many patients who choose LASIK surgery find that they do not need glasses or contact lenses once the procedure is completed. Individuals find that their vision is improved almost immediately, or within a few days of surgery.
Fast Healing
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Most patients who undergo LASIK surgery will experience little or no pain associated with the procedure, according to WebMD. Additionally, the procedure usually does not require special bandages or stitches to aid in healing. The eye is usually completely healed within a few days, so patients do not have to take extensive time off work for this procedure.
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Negative Vision Changes
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Most patients experience vision problems within the first few days after receiving LASIK surgery. These may include glare, seeing halos or starbursts around lights, difficulty seeing at night and dry eyes. Overall vision may also change rapidly during this time. While these symptoms usually go away after several days, ABC News reports that many patients suffer from these symptoms for months after undergoing the procedure, and for many others, the effects are permanent, prompting the Federal Drug Administration to investigate the safety of LASIK as of February 2010.
Dry Eye
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LASIK may result in dry eye, a condition in which eyes are not properly lubricated. Symptoms of dry eye include painful, red and irritated eyes, as well as blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Lubricating eye drops often provide relief, but many dry eye sufferers take daily medications to control their symptoms. Corrective surgery may be necessary in more extreme cases.
Additional Surgery
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LASIK surgery permanently changes the shape of the cornea, so the procedure cannot be reversed. If LASIK surgery causes damage to the eye, it can only be corrected by undergoing an additional LASIK procedure, according to WebMD. Additional LASIK surgeries may also be performed if your eyesight deteriorates after a successful LASIK surgery.
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References
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