Imagine driving in an unfamiliar city…and the eyeglasses you use to give clear vision off in the distance break just as you approach an intersection with pedestrians milling about. Your world may look like the image seen here! Scary, right?
This is what it’s like to be nearsighted.
What is Nearsightedness (Myopia)?
Nearsightedness is another name for myopia. This is a type of refractive error that occurs when the shape of the eye prevents light from bending properly onto the retina in the back of the eye. When light cannot focus on the retina, it can cause objects in the distance to appear blurry.
If a person has myopia, they may be able to read a book clearly but may have trouble seeing well enough to drive a car safely. Near vision is good; distance vision? Not so much – hence the term “nearsighted.” There are a number of possible treatments for myopia, including LASIK surgery.
LASIK for Nearsightedness: Can it Help?
Yes! LASIK can and does treat nearsightedness. Refractive surgery, including LASIK, reshapes the cornea using laser energy to improve the eye’s focusing ability.
How LASIK Corrects Nearsightedness
In a nearsighted eye, light passing through the cornea and lens focuses in front of the retina, resulting in a blurry image. Clear distance vision requires light to focus directly on the retina. Eyeglasses and contact lenses correct this by bending, or refracting, the light before it enters the eye.
LASIK uses the cornea itself as a refracting medium, similar to eyeglasses or contacts. Because the myopic eye focuses light in front of the retina, LASIK aims to move that focal point back onto the retina. This is achieved by using laser energy to reduce the curvature of the cornea, effectively flattening it.
Here’s how:
The LASIK Evaluation Process at Whiting Clinic
Before LASIK, a comprehensive evaluation is essential. At Whiting Clinic, this includes a series of vision tests, similar to a routine eye exam, along with specialized tests and corneal scans specific to LASIK.
Determining LASIK Candidacy
The primary goal of the evaluation is to determine if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK. Not everyone is a candidate, and the testing helps identify any potential issues. Our optometrist and surgeon partners will carefully assess your eyes to confirm candidacy.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
The evaluation process will take you through a series of vision and eye health tests. These tests are designed to ensure your eyes are healthy and that LASIK is a safe and effective option for you.
Start Your Journey to Clear Vision
If you’re interested in achieving clear distance vision without glasses or contacts, contact us at Whiting Clinic to schedule your free LASIK evaluation. We’re here to help you determine if LASIK is right for you and guide you through the process.
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Reference:
Rowden, A. (2023, May 22). Is LASIK an option for myopia? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lasik-for-nearsightedness
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