Can LASIK Surgery Correct Nearsightedness?

LASIK and Myopia

LASIK has been around long enough that most people know it is a surgical procedure that corrects vision. But can it correct all kinds of vision issues or just one?

Since nearsightedness is a relatively common vision issue, it makes sense that a question heard frequently at ICON Eyecare is, “Can LASIK correct my nearsightedness?”.

Yes!

Nearsightedness, also called myopia, occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back. Instead of focusing images on the retina—the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye—the lens of the eye focuses the image in front of the retina. People with myopia have good near vision but poor distance vision.

People with myopia can typically see well enough to read a book or computer screen but struggle to see objects farther away. Sometimes people with undiagnosed myopia have headaches and eyestrain from struggling to see things clearly in the distance.

Nearsightedness also can be the result of a cornea – the eye’s outermost layer – that is too curved for the length of the eyeball or a lens that is too thick.

Myopia affects almost 30 percent of people in the U.S. There are some studies that have concluded that the occurrence of nearsightedness is a hereditary trait. However, there is also some new evidence published by the American Optometric Association which supports the fact that nearsightedness can be brought on by visual stress caused by too much up-close work.

Signs of Nearsightedness

One of the most common ways you might begin to recognize nearsightedness in yourself is the fact that objects in the distance, such as the television, movie screen or street signs, appear blurry.

An eye exam from an optometrist will be able to determine if you suffer from myopia.

Diagnosis Methods for Myopia

During an eye exam, your optometrist will use several tests to measure how your eyes focus light and then determine the amount of power that is needed for an optical lens to correct the vision problem that exists.

Treatment Methods for Nearsightedness

There are several different methods that are used for the treatment of nearsightedness. But for the purposes of this article, let’s talk about the two most common methods, glasses/contacts, and LASIK surgery.

Glasses or Contacts

For nearsighted individuals who want their vision corrected but also want to be free from the burden and hassle of glasses and contacts, LASIK surgery at ICON Eyecare is a great solution!

LASIK surgery works by changing the shape of the cornea so that light is focused correctly for improved vision. During LASIK, a small opening is created in the cornea using a laser. Then an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea.

For most LASIK surgery patients, vision improves rapidly, generally within 24 hours. Patients often see immediate results, though it may take several days to reach peak clarity and accuracy. For most individuals, LASIK surgery is capable of successfully treating myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

ICON Eyecare for LASIK

At ICON Eyecare, a Center of Excellence, our experienced surgeons have helped thousands of patients achieve better vision. Many of these patients have chosen our popular Blade-Free LASIK. To schedule your LASIK surgery appointment, simply call 720.414.5310 today.