Pros & Cons of Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a very complex and delicate procedure where the surgeon removes extra tissue from the corneas of the eye. The removal process includes cutting a flap of the excess tissue that contributes to the deteriorating of vision. If you rely on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly, you are not alone. The most common cause of wearing contacts and glasses is due to vision issues. However, not everyone has comfort in wearing glasses or lenses. Some may feel irritated due to glasses while others cannot insert or remove contacts. A considerable expense is also an issue with these especially when the prescription changes rapidly. Many patients have to allocate monthly budget cuts just for these glasses or lenses. Fortunately, for you, there is another way out of it that is laser eye surgery in Sydney. Laser surgery or laser vision correction involves the process of accurate correction of vision using the latest laser technology. Laser surgery has a very high success rate, with many patients reporting their reliance on glasses or contacts reduced significantly. The reports by Refractive Surgery Council indicate that the intention of the process is to correct long-term effects in the eligible people. 

However, having laser eye surgery has its set of pros and cons, which we will discuss below:

Pros of Laser Eye Surgery

Better Visuals Activity

An immediate effect comes in the notice for some people on their vision after going through a laser surgery process. As the cornea heals, the effect becomes more prominent. According to some patients, the vision becomes clearer about 15-18 hours after the surgery procedure. Many of the patients who chose laser surgery got their 20/20 vision back. Those who have not fully gained vision do report an improvement in their vision. They report that their reliance on glasses or contacts has reduced significantly. 

Safety

Laser eye surgery has proven to be a safe and effective procedure for anyone with vision issues. Although not every medicals procedure is 100% safe or risk-free, laser surgery is now safer than ever. Another safe point of laser surgery is that it does not induce pain in any way. Patients usually do not experience pain during or after going through laser eye surgery. 

Quick Healing

The most common question patients ask their surgeons is how quickly they can expect the healing process to begin. The healing time of a simple process of laser surgery normally counts around 24-36 hours. Unless there is any complication present, the healing time normally counts to such hours. In addition, there is no need to wear uncomfortable bandages after the procedure. This means you can get back to your daily routine with minimal downtime. 

Quick and Accurate

The process of laser eye surgery is quick and may take just 10 minutes to complete. The process is computer-guided, which means it is very precise and accurate. 

Permanent Effect

Glasses and contacts are those things that appear safe until something bad happens. Whether breaking your glasses or your kid poking in your eye while wearing contacts. Wearing glasses and contacts is also irritating for some people. Having laser eye surgery almost immediately corrects the vision, thereby eliminating the use of glasses. There is also no chance of having any type of eye infection like wearing a contact does to some people. The effects of laser eye surgery remain permanent, and there is no use of further surgery unless something else happens to the eye.

Cons of Laser Eye Surgery

Complications

By far the most reported complication in laser eye surgery stems from flap techniques. This usually happens when the reshaping of lower layers of cornea takes place. The flap then placed back over the lens. The flap itself is very thin and delicate, and the process of laser surgery is fiddly. This means some complications related to flap can happen that includes displaced flap or break up. Besides, it can also lead to wrinkling that distorts vision or because of any debris trapped under the flap. The damage is done to the flap also causes the cornea tissues to succumb to damage. As a result, the cornea becomes weaker and becomes more vulnerable to further problems. Patients need to consult an expert surgeon for the procedure, as the results are very much permanent and irreversible. 

Dry Eye Syndrome

Some people who undergo laser surgery experience a decrease in the production of tears that can cause dryness in the eyes. This, in turn, causes discomfort and irritation along with a blurred vision. Most of the patients experience dry eyes after surgery to some degree. However, this dryness has a temporary effect and using eye drops can lubricate it. This dryness completely disappears as the healing process completes. As a result, people who already have dry eye issues usually eliminated from surgery lists. 

Regression or Overcorrection

Not everyone that goes through a laser surgery achieves a 20/20 vision. For some rare cases, the use of glasses and contacts remains due to complicated factors. Your vision becomes less optimal if the healing is not correct or responsive. It also overcomplicates if the laser removes too much or too little corneal tissue. One cause of this issue may be the fact that an eye does not respond to the surgery, as it should. Another cause lies in too much healing of the cornea in case if you have an optimal eyesight present. This overcorrection or regression has a way of treatment with further laser surgery. Once your surgeon confirms the presence of any instability, you have to take the procedure again.

Infections

Infections have a very rare chance of happening after laser surgery. However, one cannot eliminate the prospect that there is a slight chance of infection due to reaction or non-responsive healing. Corneal flaps act as natural bandages but still using medicated eye drops remains mostly recommended to avoid any infection. Use the medications as directed to avoid any infection or potential inflammation as your eyes begin to heal. One cannot eliminate the fact that possible infections can happen if precautions not taken seriously. 

Conclusion

While the process of laser eye surgery has become a common treatment to cure or correct vision issues. The process has its share of advantages and disadvantages present. Not everyone has eligibility for qualifying for the surgery as every person has a difference. Some may respond to the process positively, while others have complications. It all depends on the person and their ability to handle such complications. Some side effects may be of a minor level for some while others may respond to them with further problems. The above-mentioned pros and cons will help anyone seeking laser eye surgery. However, we will always recommend taking the procedure under the supervision of an expert surgeon.