Advantages of Lasik Eye Surgery

Many people experience vision problems such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism. These conditions typically stay with an individual for his entire life, and can become worse over time. There are many ways to combat these problems---glasses or contact lenses---however, Lasik eye surgery has emerged as a permanent, convenient, accurate way to improve vision and rid individuals of burdensome vision accessories.

Immediate Results

• One big advantage Lasik has over other corrective procedures is that its results are almost immediate. According to MedicineNet.com, many patients experience a significant improvement in their vision as soon as the procedure ends and they are able to open their eyes. Others may experience a gradual improvement that occurs over the next 24 or 48 hours, allowing most individuals to get back to their daily routines in less than a week. It typically takes a Lasik patient anywhere from two weeks to six months for their vision to fully improve.

No Accessories Needed

• Individuals who undergo successful Lasik eye surgery will never need to carry around glasses again. Many people with vision problems must carry around a set of prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses, or reading glasses or bifocals. They may also need glasses cases and wipes to keep lenses clean and protected. Even those who wear contact lenses have to ensure that they have a carrying case for the lenses, along with eye drops and a cleaning solution. Those who undergo Lasik no longer have to carry around so many accessories to ensure that they'll be able to see close up, far away and in light and dark environments. They may, however, still have to carry around non-prescription sunglasses, to protect eyes from the sun.

  Though Lasik can correct vision ailments that leave one unable to clearly see objects that are either nearby or far away, the procedure cannot prevent vision degeneration that results from normal aging, according to the Federal Drug Administration. Therefore, reading glasses or bifocals may be needed as one gets older and experiences the normal ailments that occur with age.

Quick Procedure

• Lasik eye surgery is a fast procedure. In most cases, it only takes 10 minutes and lasts the rest of the patient's life. The pain and discomfort following Lasik is usually relatively minor and may consist of a slight burning or itching sensation, according to EyeCare America. The organization also notes that over-the-counter ibuprofen is usually enough to take this pain away. Most individuals have their follow-up appointments within 24 hours and are able to return to their normal lives after that, though they should refrain from any activities that may endanger the eye, including sports like baseball, basketball and tennis.

Self-Confidence

• Many people feel self-conscious taking their glasses on and off all day to adjust for changing conditions. This can affect one's social, professional and dating life. Poor vision can also affect sports, traveling or arts and crafts, as glasses and contacts can be cumbersome and, sometimes, impossible to wear during these activities. Lasik ensures that your vision remains excellent no matter what you're doing.

High Success Rate

• According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Lasik eye surgery has a 90 percent success rate, meaning that 9 out of 10 patients achieved between 20/20 and 20/40 vision. The organization also noted that the procedure has a "low" rate of complications and a "high" rate of satisfaction.