How Does Laser Eye Surgery Improve Vision?

For individuals considering laser eye surgery, the thought of how it works and the potential improvement it can offer for vision may come to mind. Advanced technology in the form of laser eye surgery, including LASIK, SMILE, and PRK (LASEK), can help correct refractive errors. This reshaping process assists in directing the light that enters the eye to focus directly on the retina, allowing for clearer vision without needing glasses or contact lenses.

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a safe, effective procedure for addressing vision issues. These include astigmatism, nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). This procedure is an increasingly popular choice for individuals seeking to lessen or eliminate their reliance on corrective eyewear.

Refractive surgery, also known as laser eye surgery, works by utilizing advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea, the clear front portion of the eye. Reshaping the cornea helps to process incoming light better, leading to sharper and clearer vision.

How Does Laser Eye Surgery Correct Vision?

Through the use of laser technology, laser eye surgery corrects vision by reshaping the cornea. This structure plays a critical role in focusing light on the retina. Misshapen corneas can lead to refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

During the procedure, the surgeon adjusts the curvature of the cornea through the use of a laser. This reshaping enables the cornea to direct light more accurately onto the retina, giving the patient clearer vision. Laser eye surgery offers a long-lasting solution for vision correction by addressing the root cause of refractive errors by correcting issues with the cornea. Countless individuals have benefitted from this transformative surgery, leading to improved quality of life with greater clarity and freedom.

Common Types of Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK, SMILE, PRK/LASEK)

Various types of laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, SMILE, and PRK/LASEK, use distinct techniques to reshape the cornea. Yet, all are effective in improving vision by adjusting the corneal curvature. 

LASIK is the most commonly performed type of laser eye surgery. It corrects refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. During LASIK, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea, lifts it, and then uses a laser to reshape the underlying tissue. The flap then naturally repositions itself without requiring stitches.

SMILE is a newer type of laser eye surgery used to correct myopia and astigmatism. During SMILE, the surgeon creates a disc-shaped tissue called a lenticule using a laser, which they then removed through a small incision. This helps reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors.

PRK and LASEK are similar procedures for those with thinner corneas or specific eye conditions. PRK removes the cornea’s surface layer before using a laser to reshape it, while LASEK involves creating a thinner flap on the cornea, similar to LASIK but with a gentler approach.

What is Recovery Like After Laser Eye Surgery?

Recovery following laser eye surgery involves potential discomfort or a gritty sensation in the eyes, with prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing. You should avoid most strenuous activities, swimming, or wearing eye makeup during the initial few days after the procedure. Recovery time may vary depending on the type of surgery performed. LASIK and SMILE allow a faster return to daily activities than PRK. Initial fluctuations in vision during recovery are typical, and patients should follow their surgeon’s instructions regarding any prescribed eye drops and follow-up appointments.

Overall, laser eye surgery provides an exciting opportunity to correct vision issues. It can improve the quality of life for many individuals. By reshaping the cornea through advanced laser technology, this procedure offers long-lasting solutions for individuals seeking to reduce or eliminate their reliance on glasses or contact lenses.

Take the Next Step

You’ll benefit not only from the latest technologies available but also from our compassionate, personal approach. You’re more than a patient at Vold Vision in Bentonville and Fayetteville. We strive to make you as comfortable as possible while evaluating the optimal treatment plan just for you. We invite Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, and Springdale residents to contact us today for a consultation at (479) 252-9841.