Laser eye surgery is a painless and safe way that a variety of eye problems can be alleviated. From correcting refractive errors to ridding the eye of disease, laser eye surgery can keep eye sight strong and clear even during old age. This article provides more information about the top reasons to have laser eye surgery.

It can correct refractive errors

When it comes to treating eye sight and the eyes, laser eye surgery is most effective. It can be used to correct refractive problems such as shortsightedness (myopia) which occurs when the cornea curves too sharply and causes the person to be unable to see objects far away. It can also cure longsightedness (hyperopia) by making the cornea slightly more curved and astigmatism which occurs when the cornea is more curved on one side that it is on the other. Refractive errors such as these often mean a lifetime of glasses wearing or contact lenses, but with surgery the eyes can benefit from clear and sharp vision possibly without the need for glasses ever again.

It can stop eyesight deteriorating

The eyes can lose some of their focus and clarity as the body ages. With laser vision surgery however this can be prevented. As well as a natural deterioration, there are a number of illnesses that can affect the eyes and cause them to lose sight. Glaucoma is one such problem. This is caused from a build up of pressure, either from a lack of room in the eye for fluid to pass, or from a blockage in the canals. Laser eye surgery can relieve this pressure and therefore save a person's sight. It can also be used to prevent age related macular degeneration from developing too far so that it starts to affect eyesight. Without treatment for either natural deterioration or problems caused by illnesses, there is a chance that the eye sight will be lost altogether.

It can prevent cataracts

Cataracts affect most people during their lifetime. It is most common for those over 70 to suffer from cataracts which are caused by the hardening and clouding of the lens of the eye. Laser eye surgery can be carried out to remove the lens of the eye and replace it with a custom made artificial lens. This is known as a refractive lens exchange. As well as preventing the cataracts, the artificial lens can also be designed so it corrects one or more refractive errors too. Someone who has always suffered from astigmatism for example who develops a cataract can have them both dealt with at once and receive perfect vision from then on.

It is quick and simple

There is no doubt that this type of surgery is unlike most other types of medical procedures in that it only takes around 20 minutes per eye. Patients can receive the treatment on an out patient basis and there is not usually an overnight stay involved. Patients will receive local anaesthetic usually via eye drops, but the surgery is painless and the eye heals on its own. There may be a slight burning or itching sensation felt shortly after surgery and eyesight may initially be blurry, but that soon passes. Most patients can see a great improvement in the sight almost instantly. The full effects of the surgery take a few months to develop completely however.

Recovery times are short

With laser eye surgery there is no lengthy recovery period or even need for bed rest. There may well be some eye drops required following surgery or bandages may even need to be worn, but this is purely to prevent infection. After just a couple of days the eyes will feel better and patients can return to work and life in general. The eye doctor will want to have a few check ups over the next few months just to check everything is as it should be and no infection has set in.

There are many reasons to undertake laser eye surgery. From keeping eye sight strong to cataract removal, millions of people all over the world are receiving the benefits of this type of surgery. If you want to know more you should arrange an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible.