If you’ve been dealing with eye issues for a while, then you have probably explored the idea of getting laser eye surgery. It could be a good way to get rid of your vision issues and enjoy life without glasses or contacts again. You should know, however, that having poor vision doesn’t automatically make you a good candidate for this kind of surgery. You also have to know some of the drawbacks of the surgery, because there are a few of them. Let’s take a closer look at whether laser eye surgery is the right option for you.
Are You Ready for the Risks?
The first thing you have to be aware of is the risks associated with laser eye surgery. Complications are extremely rare with modern laser surgery if you go with a reputable doctor, but they do happen, so it’s better to know what the possible complications and side effects are before you go through with your decision.
There have been rare cases where people have seen their vision regressed after getting the procedure. Some people have also suffered from things like astigmatism because of uneven tissue removal. There’s also the possibility that an infection forms.
This is why you have to take your time when looking for a private ophthalmologist. If we were to give you one recommendation for an ophthalmologist, it would be a clinic like the Circle Health Group. They have been performing this type of procedure for decades and are one of the most respected eye clinics in the country. They will sit down with you and tell you exactly what to expect from the procedure and some of the most common side effects that you might experience.
How Old Are You?
You should also know that laser eye surgery is not recommended or possible for people of all ages. Most doctors will not perform this kind of surgery on someone who’s under 20 years old or someone who’s over 40. So, if you fall into this category, you will need to consult with an eye doctor and see which other options might be open to you.
How Stable is Your Vision?
Another thing you should know is that laser eye surgery only works if your vision is stable. This is why most doctors will require that your prescription be stable for at least one year to treat you. This is understandable since laser eye surgery is a permanent procedure and you can’t keep going back for more corrections every time your vision changes. Vision problems can be caused by all sorts of issues such as diabetic blood sugar issues or age. Laser eye surgery won’t change anything in those cases.
What’s Your Budget?
Laser eye surgery is a significant investment, and you have to evaluate if you have the money for it and if it’s worth it for your case.
Contacts aren’t that bad after all. If you are absolutely sick of them or they bring you intense discomfort, then you may have no choice but to go for surgery. Your occupation may also make them difficult or impossible to use. In those cases, getting surgery might be the only option.
However, if it is only for vanity, then we would suggest you think twice about going through with it unless you can cover the cost comfortably and are ready to deal with some of the risks associated with the procedure.
If it is urgent and budget is an issue, consult a few clinics and ask them how much you can expect to pay. Also, see if they offer some sort of financing program. You may also have heard that you can get the procedure done for free through the NHS, but this is only true for a few conditions. Essentially, the condition would have to potentially lead to vision loss for you to be eligible for free laser treatment. These include diabetic retinopathy, some kinds of age-related eye degeneration, severe cataracts, and specific cornea diseases, among others.
How Good is Your Health?
If you’re generally unhealthy or suffer from certain chronic diseases, there is a strong chance that you won’t be able to get laser surgery. If you suffer from an autoimmune disease like lupus, for instance, or rheumatoid arthritis, you are at a greater risk of suffering from dry eye disease, or you may have trouble with healing, so you might get rejected. People with glaucoma, diabetes, or cataracts may also get turned down in certain cases. In addition, you should not have any type of eye infection at least one year before the procedure to be eligible.
Laser eye surgery could be a great solution if you have the money for it and are a suitable candidate for the procedure. You still have to know what to expect and to be aware of the risks before you follow through with it.
