Are you tired of reaching for your glasses or fumbling for your contact lenses every morning? The prospect of clear vision without visual aids can be pretty tempting. Lasik, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a revolutionary surgical procedure that can help you achieve that. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the laser eye surgery journey and Lasik recovery. If you’re considering Lasik, you’re likely curious about the vision correction recovery process. Rest assured, we’re here to provide you with a detailed roadmap to ensure your post-Lasik journey will be smooth.

With Lasik’s recovery, you can expect a remarkable transformation in your vision and overall lifestyle. Lasik is a surgical procedure designed to correct common vision problems, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, to allow light to focus on the retina properly. This results in improved vision, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.

As you embark on your eye recovery journey, understanding what to expect during recovery is crucial for optimal Lasik outcomes. From the immediate post-procedure period to long-term Lasik results, care, and lifestyle adjustments, we’ll guide you through every step of the way. So, let’s delve into the world of Lasik recovery, starting with a deeper understanding of what Lasik is.

What Is Lasik?

Lasik is a groundbreaking refractive surgery that has been transforming the lives of millions of people worldwide. An outpatient procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, allowing the eye to focus light correctly. This procedure is exact, and technological advancements have made it safer and more effective than ever.

One of the critical benefits of Lasik is its rapid results. Most patients experience improved vision within 24 hours. However, it’s essential to remember that Lasik is unsuitable for everyone. Candidates must meet specific criteria, including having a stable eye prescription and good overall eye health. To determine your Lasik eligibility, consult an experienced ophthalmologist who can assess your unique eye characteristics.

Immediate Post-Procedure: First 24 Hours After Lasik

The day of your Lasik surgery is a significant moment in your life. You’re probably eager to see the world with newfound clarity, but it’s essential to have realistic expectations for immediate post-operative eye care.

In the first 24 hours after Lasik, you may experience discomfort, tearing, and light sensitivity. Resting your eyes during this time is essential as they will be in the early stages of healing. Your surgeon will provide post-Lasik care instructions, typically including using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and manage dryness.

Keep in mind that vision can fluctuate in the days following the procedure. It’s normal to experience side effects of Lasik like blurriness or haziness, but these usually subside as your eyes heal. It’s important not to rub your eyes during this period to prevent complications.

Common Side Effects: Temporary Discomforts to Watch For

While Lasik offers remarkable results, it’s not without its share of temporary side effects. Understanding and preparing for these common discomforts can help ease your Lasik recovery journey.

Some of the common Lasik side effects patients may experience include:

• Dry Eyes. This is one of the most common side effects, lasting several weeks. Your surgeon will likely prescribe lubricating eye drops to alleviate this discomfort.
• Halos and Glare. Some patients may notice halos and glare around lights, particularly at night. These visual disturbances typically diminish as your eyes heal.
• Mild Discomfort. You may experience minor irritation or a foreign body sensation in your eyes. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Fluctuating Vision. Your vision may initially fluctuate but should stabilize over time. It’s common for patients to experience temporary changes in their vision quality.

It’s crucial to stay in close contact with your surgeon during this phase to ensure that any concerning symptoms are promptly addressed, protecting treated eyes. Most patients find that the discomfort and side effects gradually subside, leading to improved vision and an enhanced quality of life.

Week One of Lasik Recovery: Milestones and Tips

The first week of Lasik recovery is critical for monitoring your progress and adhering to post-operative care instructions. Here are some milestones and eye surgery recovery tips to help you navigate this phase.

Milestones

• Follow-Up Appointment. You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon within the first few days. They will assess your progress and ensure healing is progressing as expected.
• Vision Improvement. Many patients experience significant vision improvement this week, with some achieving 20/20 or better. However, it’s important to note that individual healing rates vary.
• Return to Normal Activities. In most cases, you can return to work and daily activities within a day or two after Lasik. However, taking it easy for a week or so is still advisable.

Tips

• Rest Your Eyes. Continue to rest your eyes as much as possible, avoiding activities that could strain them, such as reading, using screens, or engaging in strenuous exercise.
• Avoid Eye Irritants. Stay away from situations where your eyes could be exposed to irritants like smoke, dust, or chlorine from swimming pools.
• Medication Compliance. Be diligent about using prescribed eye drops and medications as directed. These are crucial for preventing infection and ensuring proper healing.

Long-Term Care: Ensuring the Best Results from Your Surgery

Lasik offers life-changing results, but the success of your surgery depends on long-term care and maintenance. Here’s what you need to do to ensure your vision remains clear and sharp for years to come to ensure vision clarity post-Lasik.

• Protect Your Eyes. Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. This helps maintain the health of your eyes and prevent long-term damage.
• Healthy Lifestyle. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. This contributes to overall eye health and well-being.
• Regular Eye Exams. Schedule annual eye exams with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Even though your vision is corrected, regular check-ups are crucial for detecting potential issues.
• Stay Hydrated. Proper hydration supports eye health and can help reduce dryness, a common post-Lasik side effect.
• Eye Drops. Use lubricating eye drops as needed, especially in dry or windy environments. This can alleviate occasional dryness and discomfort.
• Adhere to Prescriptions. If you have a history of allergies or other eye conditions, follow your eye doctor’s advice and prescriptions.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of Lasik for years to come, ensuring your vision remains clear and vibrant.

The Importance of Follow-Up Appointments: Check-Ins and Adjustments

Your Lasik journey doesn’t end after the immediate recovery period. Follow-up appointments are a crucial part of the process. These appointments serve several important purposes.

• Monitoring Healing. Your eye care professional will closely monitor your healing progress, ensuring that your eyes are recovering as expected.
• Adjustments. In some cases, your surgeon may need to make enhancements or adjustments may be necessary to fine-tune your vision.
• Preventing Complications. Regular check-ins help detect and address any potential issues or complications early on, preventing more significant problems.
• Prescription Changes. Your eye prescription may change over time. Follow-up appointments allow your doctor to provide the most accurate prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses if needed.

Remember, the commitment to follow-up appointments is essential for maintaining the long-term success of your Lasik surgery.

Lifestyle Adjustments: Adapting to Life After Lasik

Lasik not only improves your vision but also opens up a world of possibilities and lifestyle changes. Here are some post-Lasik lifestyle adjustments you may need to make to adapt to life following your procedure.

• Travel. Traveling without the hassle of glasses or contacts is a newfound freedom. Consider taking trips you may have avoided due to concerns about your vision.
• Outdoor Activities. Enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, or water sports without worrying about water splashing on your glasses or losing a contact lens.
• Exercise. Engage in sports and exercise more comfortably without the constraints of glasses or concerns about contacts.
• Wardrobe. Your fashion choices may evolve as you no longer need to coordinate eyeglasses with your outfits.
• Mornings. Say goodbye to the daily routine of cleaning, inserting, or searching for your glasses or contacts in the morning.

Adapting to life after Lasik and becoming one of many Lasik success stories is a positive and exciting journey, allowing you to experience the world with newfound clarity and freedom.

The Road to Better Vision

In conclusion, Lasik recovery is a transformative process that can liberate you from the limitations of glasses and contact lenses. By understanding what to expect with Lasik, you can embark on your journey with confidence. From the initial procedure to the days, weeks, and years that follow, proper care and attention will ensure the best results and a lifetime of clear vision.

If you’re considering Lasik, consult with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will to determine your eligibility and explore Lasik possibilities. Remember, Lasik isn’t just about correcting your vision—it’s about enhancing your quality of life.

Empower yourself to see the world in all its vivid detail. Start your journey to visual freedom with Lasik and embrace the clarity that awaits you.

Schedule an In-Office Consultation Today

Ready to explore the world of Lasik and transform your vision? Consult with an experienced eye care specialist to discuss your options. Your journey to visual freedom begins now. Contact us to schedule your consultation today!

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Are you tired of the hassle of glasses and contact lenses? Do you dream of waking up each morning with clear vision? Imagine bidding farewell to your corrective eyewear and embracing life with improved visual clarity. LASIK in Portland, OR can help you see clearly without glasses or contacts.

At Will Vision and Laser Centers, we understand how important your eyesight is to your daily life, and we share in your desire for clear, comfortable vision. Many people are drawn to a surgical solution to correct their eyesight, and while it is suitable for many, it’s essential to recognize that LASIK surgery isn’t suitable for everyone. In this guide, we will explore the factors that can disqualify you from LASIK surgery so that you can make an informed decision about your visual health and explore all of your available options.

What is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular surgical procedure designed to correct refractive vision issues such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea – the eye’s clear front surface – using a laser. This reshaping allows for more accurate light refraction, leading to improved vision.

Why Would Someone Consider LASIK Surgery?

For many men and women, the appeal of LASIK surgery lies in reducing or eliminating their dependency on glasses and contact lenses. The procedure aims to provide greater convenience and freedom, allowing people to engage in activities without the hindrance of corrective eyewear or constant blurred vision. Additionally, LASIK can contribute to enhanced self-confidence and improved quality of life as visual clarity is restored.

Who are the Best Candidates for LASIK Surgery?

While LASIK can be a life-changing procedure, not everyone is an ideal candidate. The best candidates for LASIK surgery typically exhibit the following characteristics:

• Stable vision prescription for at least one year
• Good overall eye health
• Age 18 or older (to ensure vision stability)
• Realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure
• Absence of certain medical conditions that could interfere with healing
• Not pregnant or nursing

What Can Disqualify You from LASIK Surgery?

It’s crucial to undergo a comprehensive eye examination and consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist to determine if LASIK surgery is right for you. Several factors can disqualify you from getting the procedure, including:

1. Unstable Vision Prescription: If your vision prescription has changed significantly in the past year, LASIK may not be suitable until the prescription stabilizes.
2. Thin Corneas: LASIK involves reshaping the cornea, so sufficient corneal tissue thickness is essential. Individuals with thin corneas may not be candidates for LASIK, but alternative procedures like PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) might be considered.
3. Severe Dry Eye: LASIK surgery can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. If you already have severe dry eye, LASIK might not be your best option.
4. Corneal Diseases: Certain corneal conditions, such as keratoconus (a progressive cornea thinning), can disqualify you from LASIK surgery.
5. Eye Diseases or Disorders: Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal diseases may prevent you from being a LASIK candidate.
6. Autoimmune Disorders: Individuals with autoimmune disorders may have slower healing processes, increasing the risk of complications after LASIK surgery.
7. Pregnancy and Nursing: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and nursing can affect vision stability, making it advisable to postpone LASIK until these phases have concluded.

It’s important to note that each individual’s case is unique, and a comprehensive evaluation by an eye care professional is necessary to determine eligibility for LASIK surgery.

What Percentage of People are not Candidates for LASIK?

According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), approximately 20% of people who inquire about LASIK surgery are deemed ineligible due to factors such as those mentioned above. This statistic underscores the importance of thorough pre-operative evaluations to ensure the safety and success of the surgery for eligible candidates.

What Astigmatism is Too High for LASIK?

Astigmatism is a standard refractive error caused by an uneven cornea curvature. LASIK can often correct mild to moderate astigmatism. However, there is no fixed threshold for “too high” astigmatism, as it depends on several factors, including the overall health of your eyes and corneal thickness. For individuals with higher degrees of astigmatism, alternative treatments such as implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) or toric lens implants might be considered.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from LASIK Surgery Fully?

The recovery period after LASIK surgery varies from person to person. While many individuals experience significant improvement in their vision within the first 24 hours, following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is essential to your recovery. Generally, most patients can resume their regular activities within a few days to a week after the procedure. However, it may take several weeks for your vision to stabilize fully.

Start the Journey to Better Vision Today

LASIK surgery can be a transformative option in your pursuit of clearer vision and reduced dependency on glasses or contact lenses. However, it’s crucial to approach this decision with careful consideration and guidance from experienced eye care professionals.

At Will Vision and Laser Centers, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will is committed to providing accurate information and expert consultations to help you make an informed choice. If you’re curious whether LASIK is right for you or want to learn more about your eligibility, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Will today. Your journey toward a better vision begins with a conversation, and we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Take the first step towards a brighter, more transparent future and schedule your consultation today.

The post What Can Disqualify You from LASIK Surgery? appeared first on Will Vision.

Many people start considering LASIK vision correction to improve their quality of life as they approach middle age. However, you may have heard that the candidacy window for this procedure narrows as you get older. Though age could be a factor, there are other eligibility factors to weigh before getting laser eye surgery.

If you’re near or over 40 and thinking about getting LASIK, the first step to making an informed decision is to consult a reputable ophthalmologist to determine if LASIK is best for you. First, however, this post will examine vital issues shaping the debate.

Is LASIK a Good Option for People Over 40?

Typically, you can expect to start noticing changes in your near vision around age 43. The resulting blurriness leads to a frustrating reliance on bifocals or reading glasses for books, menus, phones, or computer screens. This change is the initial symptom of a progressive condition called dysfunctional lens syndrome.

DLS is a three-stage condition affecting the vision of people in their 40s and older. It occurs because your eyes’ lenses degrade with age. Younger people’s lenses can quickly change focus to allow light on the retina at all distances. In your 40s, your lenses will gradually lose flexibility, becoming more rigid and less adaptable. The effect is almost like your eyes get stuck seeing clearly at distances but can’t focus close up without the benefit of readers or progressives. If left untreated, DLS eventually develops into cataracts, which can cause significant vision impairments or loss.

Specific LASIK applications can benefit patients in their 40s. Dr. Brian Will may recommend one of our other advanced vision correction procedures that will give you clearer eyesight at all distances, reducing or eliminating your need for reading glasses or bifocals.

Can LASIK Correct Vision Problems in People Over 40?

Being 40 or older doesn’t disqualify you from getting LASIK and enjoying the benefits. The best LASIK eye surgery candidates are adults with a stable vision prescription for two years. In addition, LASIK patients should have healthy eyes and not have a disease or take medications that hinder the healing process. LASIK eye surgery is not ideal for everyone and is best for those with realistic expectations.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia, commonly known as age-related farsightedness, is another vision change you can expect to experience after reaching your 40s. This eye condition happens when the natural eye lens has difficulty seeing close objects or switching between near and far vision.

Patients with presbyopia may experience a gradual reduction in clear vision and have trouble focusing. Presbyopia continues to worsen with time, forcing you to move objects farther from your eyes to focus or read. Presbyopia also causes blurry close-up vision, drowsiness, and headaches.

While LASIK is excellent for treating farsightedness and nearsightedness related to corneal shape, traditional techniques fail to address vision problems caused by presbyopia.

Monovision LASIK

Some people are well-suited for monovision LASIK, which involves treating one eye for distance and the other for near vision.

To combat presbyopia, Dr. Will will reshape your corneas, adjusting your dominant eye to see distant objects and your non-dominant eye to see near and intermediate distances. Your brain will blend both images to see near and far.

If you are a good candidate for monovision LASIK, you may be able to achieve 20/20 vision for all distances without contact lenses or glasses. Still, you might want to keep using your reading glasses to avoid eye fatigue if you spend long periods doing activities that cause eye strain, such as working at a computer. Monovision LASIK can be an excellent option to reduce prescription eyewear dependency for most day-to-day tasks like reading text menus and checking emails. However, not everyone’s vision will adjust well to this procedure.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for LASIK Eye Surgery?

The only age-related requirement for LASIK vision correction is that patients must be over 18, though we may advise waiting until your mid-20s to get this procedure if we determine your eyes are still changing during a preliminary examination.

Fortunately, LASIK has no age limit for healthy eyes. Dr. Will has successfully treated patients in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. However, there are special considerations when planning laser vision correction for patients over 40 because their eyes will likely change again. For instance, people over 55 can develop cataracts.

Who Should Not Have LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK candidacy has three simple requirements:

1. Have a stable vision prescription for at least one year
2. Have no eye diseases
3. Be in good overall health

If age doesn’t disqualify you from LASIK eye surgery, what factors do?

• Eye diseases like cataracts, corneal diseases, glaucoma, keratoconus, amblyopia, and severe dry eye syndrome
• Unstable vision that requires changing prescriptions each year
• Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness
• Very thin corneas
• Medical conditions affecting your vision, like diabetes and autoimmune disorders
• Needing to take wound-healing impairment medications
• Eye infection or injury
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Before surgery, LASIK patients who wear soft or hard contact lenses should stop wearing their lenses for one to four weeks to prepare their corneas for surgery.

No matter your age, if you are wondering whether LASIK vision correction might be appropriate to address your vision needs, you owe it to yourself to get accurate information from an eye health professional who can handle your situation and answer all your questions.

Is LASIK Worth the Investment for Those Over 40?

Many patients over 40 ask if LASIK is worth the cost. Of course, the primary factor is the frustration level you experience when wearing contacts or glasses. For many, the convenience and improved quality of life provide an excellent return on investment. Plus, technological advancements have made LASIK more affordable in the past decade.

What Are the Benefits of LASIK for People Over 40?

The ability to say goodbye to contacts, glasses, and the hassle of managing them is the primary reason patients choose LASIK. You’ll clearly see far and near without having to squint or clean smudges off your lenses. It’s a whole new world of flexibility, freedom, and independence.

It’s an option that works in several scenarios, whether you’re a 54-year-old with moderate nearsightedness and mild astigmatism who spends most of the day on a computer, a 47-year-old with excellent distance vision who wants to do day-to-day tasks without relying on reading glasses, a 45-year-old fitness enthusiast with mild nearsightedness who can’t wear contact and is sick of sweaty, fogged-up glasses, or a 56-year-old accountant with moderate nearsightedness who doesn’t want to lose their excellent near vision.

If you don’t like monovision, you can wear glasses or contact lenses to correct the effect or have your undercorrected eyes enhanced with an additional LASIK procedure to have excellent distance vision.

Is LASIK Safe for Patients Over 40?

All surgeries carry risks and potential complications, but LASIK is a safe procedure. Fewer than 1% of LASIK patients experience worse vision, and contact lenses cause three times as many eye inflammation cases each year as LASIK. In addition, LASIK is one of the most studied elective surgeries performed today.

How Effective Is LASIK for Correcting Vision in Older Adults?

LASIK is one of the most sought-after elective procedures in America. Millions of people have chosen to correct their vision with a success rate of over 90%. In addition, LASIK boasts one of the highest post-procedure satisfaction rates, with most people saying they are glad they had it done.

A review of 424 LASIK patients over 40 showed outcomes were mostly similar regardless of age. Still, older patients were slightly more likely to need a repeat treatment or enhancements.

What Should You Know Before Getting LASIK After Age 40?

LASIK can be a life-changing experience. But before having this procedure, you must understand what to expect during and afterward. For example, before choosing a surgeon to operate on your eyes, research their experience and skill level to discover how long they have performed LASIK and the technologies they use to deliver results.

Schedule Your LASIK Consultation Today

LASIK offers an innovative solution for patients over 40 who struggle to see near and far. It helps restore vision without readers, bifocals, or contact lenses. In addition, it can deliver a permanent solution to eyesight challenges and enhance upir quality of life.Call or visit Will Vision and Laser Centers to learn more about LASIK options over age 40. We look forward to helping you enjoy a better quality of life!

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Prevailing wisdom states that contact lenses are safer than LASIK for vision correction – but as time goes by, we’ve learned new things to challenge this belief.

Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will notes that contact lens wearers are more likely than LASIK surgery patients to develop complications that eventually lead to vision loss. Based on medical reviews of several extensive studies, daily contact lens wearers have a 1% chance of developing a severe lens-related eye infection over 30 years – compared to a one-in-2,000 chance of suffering significant vision loss due to LASIK.

Direct Comparisons Are Challenging

Between 20 and 25 million people in the United States wear contact lenses. About a million Americans have LASIK to correct their vision each year. Unfortunately, eye doctors throughout America have experienced several contact lens patients losing their eyes from infections.

Direct comparisons of the risks vs. rewards of contacts and LASIK have been difficult because surgical complications are immediate and associated risks with contact lenses accumulate over several years.

The risks associated with long-term contact lenses are more significant when people wear them incorrectly or fail to clean them thoroughly. Still, potential issues remain even when wearers do everything right.

Almost every contact lens wearer violates some principle of proper use at some point. For example, they might neglect to wash their hands before handling their lenses or use tap water instead of a sterile solution for storage. Sleeping with your contacts in can dramatically increase the risk of eye infection.

One out of 10,000 daily contact lens wearers will develop a severe infection over a year. That risk jumps to one in 1,000 for wearers who sleep in their contacts. Therefore, Dr. Will advises his contact lens patients never to sleep with their contacts, even if it’s supposedly safe to do so.

Customized Laser Surgery

Over the past 15 years, LASIK surgery techniques have continued evolving, and better training has reduced the incidence of nighttime vision problems and other complications that were prevalent years ago.

One significant advance was the introduction of Wavefront LASIK, allowing eye surgeons to customize the procedure for each eye. Dr. Jim Salz, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Southern California, noted that the risks of contact lenses and having LASIK are probably similar. “In many cases, the decision comes down to patient preference,” he said.

He added that advances in laser surgery and contact lens technology should make each vision correction approach safer in years to come.

Who Is a Candidate for Lasik?

Contact Will Vision and Laser Center today to learn more about LASIK and Wavefront-guided PRK or any of our eye care treatments.

If you would like more information on LASIK enhancement in Portland, OR, and the Pacific Northwest, schedule a complimentary consultation with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will.

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If you dream of being able to see clearly without the hassle and discomfort or contacts or glasses, you may be contemplating the benefits of LASIK eye surgery. Since this procedure has become so common, you likely have friends and relatives who have had LASIK and rave about the excellent results they’ve received from this advanced technology.

However, as your ophthalmologist will explain before your LASIK procedure, not all patients achieve optimal results after one session. Each patient presents a combination of unique variables that can affect the outcome. So, you may require an additional procedure to achieve the desired improvements to your vision.

The good news is the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery reports 96% of all LASIK patients will achieve 20/20 vision or better. But even with these high odds of satisfaction, there is still a possibility LASIK might not improve your vision as expected. For these cases, a LASIK enhancement could improve upon your results.

What Is LASIK Enhancement?

Blurred vision is one of the most typical side effects of LASIK eye surgery. In some cases, this may persist for a few days or weeks after your procedure. However, if it doesn’t resolve on its own within three months of the operation, you may need LASIK enhancement. The second session of LASIK is painless and takes mere seconds to complete, since the corneal flap already exists. Dr. Will only needs to lift the flap and reshape rather than perform another incision.

In 2005, 4.5% of LASIK patients required LASIK enhancement. However, in 2016, that number dropped to 0.2%, revealing how dramatically the technology has advanced and eye surgeons’ skills have improved.

Who Is a Candidate for LASIK Enhancement?

Numerous factors could influence whether you are more likely to need a follow-up procedure after your initial LASIK surgery. These variables may include your age, cornea health, dry eye risk, and your prescription’s strength.

What if you’re one of the few who isn’t satisfied with your LASIK results? In that case, Dr. Will will perform an evaluation to see if your corneal thickness lends itself to a second procedure. If it does, he will then discuss the details of this surgery with you.

Contact Will Vision and Laser Center today to learn more about LASIK, LASIK enhancement, or any of our eye care treatments.

If you would like more information on LASIK enhancement in Portland, OR, and the Pacific Northwest, schedule a complimentary consultation with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will.

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Though aging brings various challenges, needing reading glasses is a constant aggravation for many. If you hope to see things like recipes, directions, and labels clearly, you need your glasses close to hand, but they never seem to be around when you need them.

But is LASIK eye surgery an answer for such a trivial complaint? The answer depends on the patient.

For many men and women over 40, the struggle to read small print is significant, especially in these days of constant screen use. The good news is that LASIK is not only for improving the ability to see in the distance. It can also help you distinguish print on a page or a screen.

Modern LASIK corrects the vision issue medically termed presbyopia. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will offers a contemporary solution to this age-related problem with KAMRA inlay for his Portland and the Pacific Northwest patients.

KAMRA Inlay

This relatively new eye treatment involves placing a ring in the eye’s cornea. It works similarly to a camera by creating a pinhole effect that controls and minimizes the amount of light entering the eye to increase your perception of objects close by. The process will restore your ability to focus on nearby objects.

A KAMRA inlay is thinner and smaller and lighter than contact lenses and helps presbyopia patients read without glasses. KAMRA effectively restores near vision without compromising your long-distance vision. This benefit allows you to minimize your reliance on eyeglasses.

What About Monovision?

Monovision is a standard treatment for patients who wear contacts and farsighted people who want laser vision correction. Monovision modifies the eye to adjust for distance vision while the other eye sees things close up. In addition, it can be a successful option for presbyopia patients who dislike reading glasses.

But despite its success, it does have disadvantages. For example, the eye set for near vision can’t see well in the distance, which is more manifest in dim light conditions. Prescription glasses can help with this shortfall.

Is It Time for Lifestyle LASIK?

With Lifestyle LASIK, there is no vision loss for distance in either eye, so the patient retains their normal distance vision in both eyes and maintains normal depth perception. As a result, the Lifestyle LASIK patient enjoys corrected vision and can focus from near to far without relying on reading glasses.

The primary disadvantage of Lifestyle LASIK compared to the KAMRA corneal inlay is it not for everyone. It requires both eyes to have an underlying refractive error like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Therefore, patients who need reading glasses with no distance vision problems are not candidates for Lifestyle LASIK. However, they are typically ideal patients for the KAMRA inlay procedure.

If you would like more information on how to get corrected near vision with LASIK in Portland and the Pacific Northwest, schedule a complimentary consultation with our board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will.

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When considering LASIK surgery, there are some necessary to-dos to prepare for the procedure and ensure a successful recovery. At Will Vision and Laser Centers in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Brian Will consults with his patients to provide valuable information for the best LASIK experience, which includes proper preparation and after-surgery care.

Here is a simple list to follow for seeing things clearly after completing your vision correction.

1. Stop Wearing Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, stop before your exam, and wear your glasses full-time. Contact lenses may change the cornea contours for several weeks once you stop wearing them. In addition, if your corneas don’t assume their natural shape before your eye exam, the measurements could be inaccurate, risking the operation’s success.

Soft contact lens wearers should switch to glasses for at least a week before their eye exam. If you wear hard or rigid gas-permeable lenses, stop wearing them at least a month before your baseline eye exam.

2. Avoid Wearing Fragrances

On the day before LASIK surgery, don’t wear lotions, creams, makeup, or perfume. These products could affect the laser and increase the risk of infection. In addition, we may ask you to thoroughly scrub your eyelashes before surgery to remove any debris or residue.

3. Arrange for Transportation Home After Surgery

Before surgery, arrange transportation to and from the surgery center. Immediately following the procedure, your vision will be blurry. It is crucial to keep your eyes closed to help the healing process. In addition, Dr. Will may administer an anesthetic that will impair your driving ability. Make sure a responsible adult is available to take you home and ensure you are comfortable.

4. Wear Protective Eyewear

Will Vision will provide an eye shield to wear for sleep to protect your eyes after LASIK surgery. Wear this shield when you sleep until after recovery.

Dr. Will also advises you to wear UV protective polarized sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from harmful sunlight. Additionally, you should wear protective eyewear while participating in any contact sport or activity that could result in facial or eye trauma.

5. Avoid Strenuous Activities

Get plenty of rest after your LASIK surgery and avoid strenuous activity. You can restart simple exercises like walking or jogging after a few days, but consult Dr. Will beforehand.

Don’t do any heavy lifting for at least two weeks after LASIK. After that, Dr. Will will advise you on the best time to increase intensity.

Consult With a Professional

Quality eye health involves more than understanding an eye test. Instead, it occurs when a board-certified ophthalmologist applies time-tested protocols tailored for every patient through an understanding of their specific needs.

To get corrected vision safely and effectively, now and for the future, contact Will Vision and Laser Centers to schedule a consultation today.

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After LASIK, you’ll need to be cautious about resuming various activities. Taking the proper precautions will return you to your routine safely and quickly. From swimming to running to playing 18 holes, you’ll be back to your favorite hobby before you know it.

Here is a timeline to help you plan when to jump back into sports or exercise after LASIK.

Day One — Indoor Training

The first day after LASIK, you can ease yourself back into exercising at home. Enjoy moderate activities like walking, weightlifting, and stationary cycling without leaving the house.

Day Two — Moderate Outdoor Activities

Two days out from LASIK, you’ll be ready for some outdoor workout routines, like jogging around your neighborhood or riding a bike. If you run or cycle in a wooded area, make sure you wear eye protection.

Day Five — Group Classes

If you get motivated by group workouts more than individual pursuits, day five after LASIK is a milestone. You can do a CrossFit routine or beef up with your buddies at the local fitness center, but bring a towel to ensure your eyes are always clear.

Two Weeks — Swimming, Skiing, Snowboarding, and More…

After two weeks, you will be ready for more adventurous workouts like basketball, volleyball, skiing, snowboarding, and martial arts. Make sure you bring the appropriate eye protection for these activities for up to three months after LASIK surgery.

Do you want to jump in the pool for fun or exercise? Go ahead. Now you can see underwater clearly for the first time in years – or ever.

One Month — Scuba Diving

Eye protection is mandatory with this activity, whether you’ve had LASIK or not. But for those who have had LASIK, the sport is now much more enjoyable. Make sure your mask fits tightly to keep the saltwater out of your eyes.

Three Months — Ready for Anything

After three months, you can consider your LASIK recovery complete and the world of exercise fully open. Then, you can get back to a full range of activities and everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Though many sports like racquetball and scuba diving require constant eye protection, having LASIK won’t slow you down with an active lifestyle.

Congratulations, your workout routines have just become more enjoyable! Now, you can run, swim, and cycle without needing glasses or contacts to take it all in.

Your Experienced LASIK Provider

If you would like more information about how you can get clearer, corrected vision with LASIK in the Pacific Northwest, schedule a complimentary consultation with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will.

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