What Eye Conditions Does LASIK Treat?
LASIK surgery uses the latest technology to correct a number of refractive errors that cause blurry vision. LASIK stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis and has proven to be highly effective in correcting and reducing the refractive eye conditions that it is used to treat. This surgical procedure makes use of a highly precise laser to carefully reshape the cornea to the desired results.
LASIK surgery can correct three types of refractive errors:
Myopia (Nearsightedness) – Myopia occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than usual. This causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than directly on its surface. Patients who are nearsighted have difficulty seeing objects that are at a distance. LASIK surgery corrects myopia by flattening the cornea so that light entering the eye focuses on the retina rather than in front of the retina.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness) – Hyperopia occurs when the image formed by the focusing mechanism of the eye is behind the retina. This condition is caused by an eye that is shorter than normal, or a cornea that’s not as curved as it should be. Patients who are farsighted have difficulties seeing objects that are close, and typically have trouble with reading or viewing any item up close.
Astigmatism – Astigmatism is a common condition caused by an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea or lens of the eye. When the cornea or lens is unevenly steepened, it can result in objects having an irregular focus. This very a common refractive eye disorder and can be found on its own but it can also accompany hyperopia and myopia.
Patients with varying degrees of refractive error have found success with LASIK vision correction in Kalamazoo. To find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK, contact Kalamazoo Ophthalmology at 269-329-5860 or seeclearkalamazoo.com to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.