LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular type of refractive eye surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea. The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye, and reshaping it can significantly improve your vision, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses for many activities. The procedure is relatively quick, and most patients experience improved vision almost immediately.
Benefits of LASIK
- Immediate improvement in vision
- Less dependency on glasses and contact lenses
- Quick recovery time
- Can correct a range of refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism
LASIK Doesn't Prevent Future Eye Changes
While LASIK does an excellent job at correcting current vision issues, it's not a guarantee against future vision changes. Your eyes are dynamic organs, subject to age-related changes and other factors that can affect your sight.
Why You Might Still Need Correction
- Natural aging process affecting eye structure and function
- Onset of new eye conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration
- Lifestyle changes that increase visual demands, such as job requirements
- Development of secondary refractive errors, potentially due to hormonal changes or medications
The Unavoidable: Presbyopia and Aging
Presbyopia affects nearly everyone starting around age 40. It's caused by a gradual thickening and loss of flexibility of the lens inside your eye. This loss of elasticity makes it more difficult for your eyes to focus on close objects, a condition LASIK does not address. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than one billion people worldwide are affected by presbyopia.
Symptoms of Presbyopia
- Difficulty reading small print, especially in dim lighting
- Eye fatigue or strain when reading or doing close-up work
- Headaches after prolonged focus on near objects
- Needing brighter light when reading or doing close-up tasks
Fitting Contact Lenses Post-LASIK: What to Know
LASIK changes the curvature of your cornea, so if you do need corrective lenses after the procedure, the prescription and lens type will likely differ from what you used before. We'll have to re-evaluate your eyes and perform detailed measurements to find the right fit.
Parameters for Post-LASIK Contacts
- Adjusted lens curvature to fit the post-LASIK reshaped cornea
- Modifications in lens diameter and base curve for better fit and comfort
- Consideration of specialized lens types like multifocal or toric lenses
- Review of lens materials to ensure proper oxygen permeability
Specific Scenarios: When Additional Correction is Required
In some instances, even after LASIK, you may still have some residual refractive error. This is more common in people who had a very high refractive error to begin with. In these cases, contact lenses act as a supplement to the surgery, helping to correct any remaining issues.
Examples of Residual Refractive Error
- Undercorrection, where LASIK did not fully correct the initial refractive error
- Overcorrection, leading to a swing to the opposite refractive error (e.g., from nearsighted to farsighted)
- Regression, where the eye partially reverts to its pre-LASIK prescription over time
- Onset of new refractive errors due to changes in eye health or lifestyle
Don't Skip Your Comprehensive Contact Lens Evaluation
If you've undergone LASIK and still find your vision lacking in some areas, don't hesitate to schedule a comprehensive contact lens evaluation. We'll discuss your specific needs, lifestyle, and any concerns you might have.
What the Evaluation Includes
- Detailed corneal topography to measure the curvature and shape of your cornea
- Assessment of tear film quality for lens comfort and eye health
- Visual acuity tests to measure your current prescription post-LASIK
- Discussion of lifestyle and visual needs to recommend the best lens type and material
