Is Lasik Laser Eye Surgery in NYC Right for You

Laser eye surgery, such as Lasik – laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a simple albeit effective corrective procedure to reshape the cornea. 

Lasik has been rated among the safest elective surgeries with high success rates and increasing global popularity, with hundreds of thousands of clients undergoing the procedure annually. Many receive virtually instant and positive results that often result in a reduced need for contacts or glasses.

Reasons To Pursue Lasik Eye Surgery

Lasik in NYC involves no incisions or stitches, nor do clients experience pain or discomfort. Surgeons apply drops to anesthetize the eyes as well as an aid to help with relaxation if the client is extremely nervous or anxious. 

Once you’re calm and comfortable, a speculum is inserted in the eyes to prevent blinking. A thin flap is created in the eye lens to allow a computer-guided laser to reshape the cornea, helping to correct refractive defects. The flap returns to its position so you can begin recovery. The surgery lasts for roughly 30 minutes.

Before you can move forward with Lasik, the ophthalmologist you choose to do the procedure will consult with you to determine eligibility. You can then decide if the surgery is right for you. Here are some advantages you can anticipate following Lasik laser eye surgery.

Unassisted vision

Most clients who undergo Lasik report seeing clearly for the first time in years without the need for contacts or glasses. Many times, those who use glasses need a few different varieties such as readers, a pair to see distances and another for computer use, and prescription sunglasses.

Swimming can be risky with contact lenses and virtually impossible when wearing glasses. Those involved in technical positions that require a microscope, or telescope can find glasses a hindrance.

Lasik gives clients the fortune to wake up with clear, unimpaired vision without applying contacts or reaching for glasses even to see the clock. In many cases, people report better vision than they had with their vision-assisted devices following the procedure, usually 20/20 or better.

The surgery

Lasik eye surgery is a relatively quick and simple procedure, approximately half an hour or less in duration. 

Following the surgery, a large majority of clients have instant improvement in their vision, which increases gradually over the following few days and becomes fully recognized after the eyes heal, roughly six months. For the best results, following the surgeon’s preprocedural instructions and aftercare guidelines is vital.

A driver bringing you to the clinic and able to take you home following the surgery is recommended. The surgeon will assess your condition with the follow-up, allowing you to resume driving and advise when to start which routine daily activities. Learn about Lasik eye surgery recovery by visiting LASIK Eye Surgery: Recovery.

Enhanced self-esteem

Many people choose elective surgery to correct what they perceive as imperfections to improve a low self-esteem and boost confidence. While the primary reason for pursuing laser eye surgery is to see the world better, the secondary benefit is getting rid of the glasses.

Some individuals are self-conscious about their appearance with glasses and will remove them to feel more assured. However, this leaves them unable to see. Contact lenses, on the other hand, can become uncomfortable as the day goes on and require considerable care and upkeep.

These restrictions can potentially be eliminated with successful Lasik results, allowing you to feel more comfortable in your skin and confident with the world around you.

The safety

Lasik touts as among the safest elective procedures for your eyes and you and is considered one of the most effective according to eye care specialists. Statistics suggest the likelihood of severe complications as less than “1 percent.” 

The procedure is particularly beneficial and a healthy solution for contact lens wearers, helping to reduce the eye infection risks. These individuals are constantly exposed to viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants that can quickly lead to infection.

Additionally, people tend to touch their eyes more frequently when wearing contacts, whether changing them out, adjusting the position, or taking them out for cleaning and sleep. Debris and germs can become trapped between the lenses, putting you at greater risk for infection.

Vision correction offers a hygienic solution to defects, eliminating the need to constantly touch your eyes and reducing the possibility of infection. Read here for tips on protecting your eyes following laser eye surgery.

Favorable results

Ophthalmologists and clients alike find the safety and success rates among the greatest benefits of undergoing Lasik laser eye surgery. Anecdotal reports show excellent feedback on positive experiences and high satisfaction rates, up to almost 99 percent.

Some report better-than-expected outcomes, with individuals finding they have improved their nighttime vision with less difficulty driving after dark.

These results are long-lasting, up to decades, until the natural aging process begins. At that point, it’s possible to experience vision changes that result in the need for reading glasses or another solution recommended by your ophthalmologist. This could include further surgical enhancements.

The investment

Initially, Lasik involves more investment than contacts or glasses. However, when looking over the long term, eye exams, costs for frames/lenses and contacts, and the various accessories for maintenance add up to a considerable expense, making laser eye surgery a more cost-efficient approach to vision correction.

While Lasik isn’t a covered expense under most insurance plans, there are various financing options to make the option more budget-friendly and accessible to those who might otherwise miss the opportunity.

Final Thought

By comparing costs using a Lasik cost-saving calculator, clients will recognize substantial savings when deciding to have corrective laser surgery to resolve vision defects and find investing incredibly beneficial for those eligible to undergo the procedure.

While the advantages are many for choosing Lasik in NYC, it’s important to realize that every person’s vision health is unique. Laser eye surgery may or may not be recommended in your situation. The first step is to consult with a reputable, credentialed, and quality ophthalmologist to allow a straightforward decision.