LASIK eye surgery (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is the preferred and most common laser eye surgery procedure to correct farsightedness (hyperopia). Farsightedness is a common refractive error that causes light to incorrectly bounce off the retina, skewing vision.Farsightedness occurs when the eye is too short. The focal point of the eye is beyond the retina, and in an eye that is farsighted, light is not focused by the time it reaches the retina. As a result, an individual with farsightedness may be able to see clearly at a distance, but will strain to see and read up close. Contact lenses and eyeglasses made with curves to properly refract the light may be used to correct vision, but LASIK eye surgery can reduce or eliminate a dependence on prescription lenses due to farsightedness.
The LASIK procedure may vary based on the laser used. The doctors at Key-Whitman use the Wavelight® Allegretto Wave® Eye-Q for OptiLASIK™ and femtosecond blade-free lasers to perform LASIK eye surgery. During the LASIK procedure, a thin flap in the cornea is created using a laser and is gently lifted and folded back. The laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue by emitting a computer-controlled beam of light that removes the exact amount of tissue in just a matter of seconds. Following the reshaping of the tissue, the corneal flap is put back into place.
After undergoing laser eye surgery, protective goggles will be used to shield the eyes overnight. LASIK eye surgery can also cause dry eyes, so patients are given prescription eye drops to keep the eyes moist and prevent infection and inflammation following surgery. Vision may be blurry or hazy the first day following surgery, but most patients will notice improved vision within the first few days following surgery.
If you have been diagnosed with farsightedness, nearsightedness or any other refractive error in your vision and use prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct your vision, contact Key-Whitman for a free consultation to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK eye surgery.
Do you have questions about how LASIK eye surgery can correct refractive errors such as farsightedness? Ask us in the comments below or on our Facebook Page!
