LASIK for Farsightedness, What Is Best For You?

Posted on: 06/9/17

LASIK for Farsightedness

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is a common eye condition in which a person can see distant objects better than objects that are near. Severe farsightedness can be as debilitating as severe nearsightedness. It can hinder your or ability to read see the text and images on a cellphone or computer screen clearly. The usual solution is to wear corrective lenses. But if you are looking for a permanent cure, then LASIK for farsightedness is a far better option.

What is LASIK surgery?

LASIK is the acronym for ‘Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis.’ It is a surgery of the eye to correct farsightedness (hyperopia),nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. The procedure is performed by a trained ophthalmologist using a high-precision laser instrument called femtosecond laser or fine mechanical tool called microkeratome. In the majority of cases, the procedure lasts no more than 10 minutes, and the patient can resume normal activities within 24 hours.

How is the surgery performed?

The LASIK surgery procedure has three phases: preparation, surgery, and recovery.

Preparation: An eye doctor checks your eyes and general health to ensure that you are fit for surgery. He then evaluates the tear film of your eyes. If you wear soft contact lenses, you will be asked to stop wearing them one week to 3 days before the LASIK surgery.

LASIK Surgery: While you are lying down, the surgeon administers an eye drop to reduce discomfort during surgery. Then he creates a very thin circular flap in the cornea using a femtosecond laser or microkeratome. He folds back the flap to access the cornea and removes some tissue from the cornea using an ultraviolet laser called excimer laser. To correct farsightedness, he raises the cornea and makes a steeper curve. After reshaping the cornea, he puts the flap back in its place and administers an anesthetic eye drop. No bandages or stitches are required in a LASIK surgery.

Recovery: You can resume your normal activities immediately, but the doctor may advise you to t rest for a few days to be on the safe side.

Does LASIK surgery have side effects?

LASIK surgery is a painless surgical procedure that requires topic anesthetics only. As an after effect of using laser to reshape your cornea, you may feel some percentile pressure in your eyes, and a mild burning or itching sensation in the operated eye for some time. Hazy or a blurry vision for a few days is also normal. Apart from these, you will not feel any discomfort or pain. LASIK surgery has no known side effects and as long as you take good care of your eyes, you will not have any infections or problems as a result of the surgery.

LASIK for farsightedness allows you to see well in the distance without glasses, very often with even better night vision than what you had while wearing glasses before LASIK. LASIK for farsightedness will improve your computer and reading vision as well, and how much depends mostly on your age.  After the surgery, you will not have to wear corrective lenses for distance, and most LASIK patients can do away with dependence on glasses for near and computer vision with specific laser correction strategies. This is why so many patients desire LASIK. Denver LASIK candidates choose Cutarelli Vision because of Dr. Paul Cutarelli’s experience and training.

If you have more questions about LASIK  in Denver or Fort Collins, please contact our office to schedule a free consultation.