Myopia, or nearsightedness, affects millions of people, leaving them unable to clearly view objects far away. This common eye condition usually develops during childhood and persists into adulthood. While myopia can be corrected with glasses and contact lenses, some opt for a more permanent solution: myopia surgery.
Myopia surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is a corrective eye procedure that permanently improves eyesight. It involves reshaping the cornea, the clear outermost layer of the eye, using laser technology. This reshaping changes the way light enters the eye send focuses accurately on the retina. The process takes less than 30 minutes and can result in significant visual improvements.
The most common form of myopia surgery is called LASIK, which stands for laser in situ keratomileusis. During this procedure, a laser is used to painlessly remove microscopic pieces of tissue from the top layer of the cornea. This reshapes it into a more perfect sphere and corrects the nearsighted vision. After the LASIK procedure, a bandage contact lens is placed on the eye until the following morning, when the patient returns for follow-up care.
An increasing number of people are benefitting from myopia surgery as a permanent solution to their vision problems. Candidates for this procedure typically are over age 21, but candidates as young as 18 may be considered if their vision has remained stable for at least three years. Certain conditions and diseases make some people inappropriate candidates, so it’s important to talk to a qualified eye doctor before making any decisions.
The immediate results one may experience after operation myopie are usually dramatic. Most patients benefit from clearer and sharper vision than they ever had before, whether glasses or contact lenses were used to correct vision. For most people, glasses or contacts are no longer necessary, and, even if they are, the prescription strength is usually much lower.
The risks associated with myopia surgery include infection, refractive instability, overcorrection or undercorrection, loss of vision, halos around bright objects, dry eyes, glare and night vision loss. Sometimes a procedure may need to be repeated if the patient does not achieve desired results.
Myopia surgery typically provides life-long vision results, although vision may change over time due to aging or due to specific health conditions. Follow-up visits with an eye doctor over the years are recommended to ensure that vision is maintained at its best level.
Myopia surgery is typically covered by health insurance, although additional costs such as vision supplements, eye drops, sunglasses and follow-up exams may not be. If you’re considering myopia surgery, speak with your doctor to discuss what costs are covered and if it’s right for you.
