Did you know that, according to Market Scope, Americans spend $2.5 billion on Lasik eye treatments every year, and U-T San Diego reveals that, when correcting astigmatism and near-sightedness, Lasik has a 98% success rate? Laser eye surgery is extremely effective, and semi-permanently corrects patients’ vision without glasses or contact lenses. How exactly does eye Lasik surgery work, and what can patients expect from the aftermath?

How Does Lasik Eye Surgery Work?

Lasik eye centers and Lasik eye doctors operate safely, and within federal guidelines. FDA granted its seal of approval for Lasik eye surgery, starting with the exciplex laser in 1999. Today’s surgeons carefully use femtosecond lasers or microkeratomes to make a thin incision in a patient’s cornea. Surgeons then reshape and correct the cornea, directing light and images into the retina. Finally, doctors wrap up procedures by shifting the corrected cornea flap into position.

The corrective procedure typically costs $4,000-5,000 for both eyes, according to the publication U-T San Diego. Lasik eye doctors often offer flexible payment plans and installments.

What Are the Pros and Cons of the Surgery?

Pros
• Painless surgery with immediate recovery. Laser vision surgery is virtually painless, and most patients recover shortly thereafter.
• Fast results. Lasik surgery is effective almost immediately (or, at most, within 24 hours following treatment). Patients will not need corrective lenses or glasses for a number of years.
• Options. Patients who cannot have Lasik eye surgery may benefit from similar, laser-based procedures. Another FDA approved surgery, photorefractive keratectomy, can be used if patients lack the necessary cornea tissue for Lasik.

  Cons

• Relatively pricey. Lasik eye surgery does have a few downsides. The most obvious downside is that the surgery can be relatively expensive. Patients should keep in mind that payment plans are often available, and weigh surgery costs against the long-term costs of eye exams, replacement lenses, and new eye wear frames.
• Lasik eye surgery is not for life. Lasik eye surgery can easily last six to 10 years. The procedure, however, cannot stop the natural aging process. As patients reach old age, they may need glasses or corrective lenses.

Lasik eye surgery is safe, FDA approved, and boasts a 98% success rate. Patients should carefully weigh Lasik eye surgery pros and cons to make an informed decision about their long-term eye care. Read more here.