Modern ophthalmology gives people with vision problems more
corrective vision options than ever before. While many individuals get the
results they need from traditional, non-invasive solutions such as glasses and
contact lenses, others may need surgical vision correction. Still others face a
choice between these two approaches.
A variety of details may play a role in the choice of
non-surgical vision correction versus surgical vision correction, from the
nature of the problem itself to your chances of enjoying optimal results. If
you can't decide which treatment strategy to pursue, let these three deciding
factors (and your ophthalmologist) guide your path.
1. The Nature and Severity of Your Vision Problem
Many vision issues require little to no treatment apart from
corrective lenses. Glasses and contacts can compensate for most cases of
nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia (a focus issue
that develops after the age of 40). You might go your whole life needing
nothing more than periodic prescription adjustments.
Eye conditions that cause severe refractive errors may
require more invasive vision correction than corrective lenses can provide.
Keratoconus, in which the corneas bulge outward, offers a case in point. Severe
keratoconus that doesn't respond to conservative treatment may call for a
corneal transplant.
Other vision problems respond well enough to corrective
lenses, but only up to a point. If you suffer from cataracts, for instance, you
might manage to correct your vision adequately with glasses or contacts for
years. Eventually, however, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgery to remove
advanced cataracts that threaten blindness.
2. Your Suitability for Vision Correction Surgery
Before you decide to commit to a corrective surgery such as
LASIK, bear in mind that your own vital statistics may make the decision for
you. Good candidates for this type of surgery must enjoy good overall health.
In particular, conditions that interfere with your body's healing abilities may
disqualify you from elective eye surgery.
The condition of your eyes will help play a role in
determining whether you can receive surgical vision correction instead of
glasses or contacts. If your corrective vision prescription changes
dramatically from one exam to the next, you may need to wait until it settles
down and grows relatively stable for considering surgery.
Your eye health can also influence what kind of surgery your
eyes can and should receive. For instance, an extreme refractive error or
unusually thin corneas may force you to forego LASIK in favor of a different
procedure that offers similar results.
Even your current age can limit your ability to get vision
correction surgery. Depending on the vision problem in question, you must pass
either your 18th or your 21st birthday to qualify for the surgery.
3. Convenience and Quality of Life
If you've cleared all of the factors noted above, making you
equally eligible for both non-surgical and surgical vision correction, your
final decision may come down to how you feel about wearing, cleaning, and
keeping up with glasses and contact lenses. For many people, these devices can
present annoyances as well as solutions.
Glasses can prove less than suitable for high-impact
activities such as sports. Even if you purchase shatter-resistant lenses, the
frames themselves could give way on impact, possibly injuring you. Contacts don't
pose this problem, but they get lost easily, harbor infections when improperly
cleaned, and aggravate dry eye issues.
Surgical procedures such as LASIK can make everyday eyewear
unnecessary, with the procedure itself taking only a few minutes for each eye.
However, your eyes may need days, weeks, or even months to recover fully and
give you the optimal eyesight you seek. You'll also need to schedule
post-operative eye checkups.
Calvert Ophthalmology Center can evaluate the current state
of your eyes and vision, discuss available treatment options, and help you
choose between corrective lenses and surgical vision correction. Contact either
of our offices
for an appointment.
