Before going though laser eye surgery, it is important to know the details about the procedure as well as the expected outcome. Being informed is important in making the right decisions, such as consulting the best doctors, and minimising anxiety to ensure the best possible results.

Almost anyone with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism can have laser vision correction. Generally, people who have refractive errors over the age of 21 are qualified to go through the procedure.

Myopia, nearsightedness, or short sightedness is a condition where near vision is normal whereas distance vision is blurry. Squinting helps to make far away objects appear clearer. This condition affects males and females equally and people with a family history of myopia are more likely to have it. This refractive error is often observed in childhood or teenage years, presenting as difficulty reading from afar. Through the years, the blurred vision gets worse and can cause headaches, dizziness, and eyestrain.

Hyperopia, farsightedness, or long sightedness is a refractive error wherein distant objects are usually seen clearly but close ones are seen as blurred. Long sightedness is often present at birth and this can easily be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Just like myopia, hyperopia is a genetic condition. It can cause eye strain and headache especially when reading up close or doing close work.

Astigmatism causes blurred vision at all distances. It is a fairly common problem, often accompanying myopia and hyperopia. Mild degrees of astigmatism usually go unnoticed but larger amounts can cause considerable blurring of vision or distortion of images. The condition can cause eye discomforts and headaches.

All of the above conditions are refractive errors, which are problems in the focusing of light by the eye. Anatomically, myopia is caused by too much curvature of the cornea or an eyeball that is elongated. Hyperopia can be caused by a cornea with not enough curvature or an eyeball that is too short. Astigmatism is a condition wherein the cornea is not perfectly spherical or has an irregular shape.

These common refractive errors are easily corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses that allow the eyes to focus light correctly on the retina to produce a clear image. Lenses bend light in a certain direction to move the focal point either forward or backward where it is needed.

These days, people have an alternative to a lifetime of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Surgical eye correction of vision problems is a safe, effective way to get rid of these corrective devices.

The most widely used type of laser eye surgery is LASIK or laser in situ keratomileusis because of its high success rate, providing fast and permanent results. LASIK corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

In preparation for the procedure, the eye doctor obtains a detailed measurement of the eye. Anaesthetic eye drops are given to minimise discomfort during surgery since the patient will remain awake throughout the operation. An instrument is placed under the eyelids to keep the eyes open.

The eye surgeon makes a tiny flap in the cornea using a microkeratome. The microkeratome is a precise handheld instrument with a sharp fine blade that moves back and forth at high speed. The very thin flap created is then folded back over on its hinge.

A cool beam of light from the excimer laser is used to gently reshape the cornea, depending on the earlier measurements made by the eye doctor. With the patient focusing on a target light, the laser sends pulses of light to reshape the cornea.

The previously made flap is then closed and acts as a natural bandage. The instrument holding the eyelids open is removed and the operation is done. Later, eye drops are applied to lubricate the eye and prevent infection. Patients should not rub the eyes to prevent irritation. Within a couple of hours, the patient is discharged from the eye clinic. Most patients are able to see positive results immediately after the surgery. Recovery is rapid and patients are able to return to normal daily activities straight away.

For those wondering how long does laser eye surgery last, it usually involves around two hours of stay at the eye surgery clinic. This will include the preparation up to the finishing procedures. The actual laser treatment itself is actually a quick one, requiring only around 10 minutes per eye.

Though laser eye surgery is a complex procedure, instances of laser surgery gone wrong are almost unheard of. High tech equipment, proven techniques, and highly trained eye surgeons have ensured safe procedures and precise results. Alternative procedures are also available, including refractive lens exchange. Such refractive surgery can cure cataracts and improve your vision at the same time.