Salt Lake City LASIK Surgeons Answer Frequently Asked Questions
LASIK surgeons at The Eye Institute of Utah address some of the most common concerns individuals have about the procedure.
Salt Lake City, UT – While most of their patients understand the benefits of LASIK surgery and its ability to correct common concerns such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, the Salt Lake City eye surgeons at The Eye Institute of Utah say it is natural to be somewhat anxious about having any kind of surgery performed on the eyes. With that in mind, they note that some of the most frequently asked questions about LASIK surgery – a procedure that can help individuals reduce, or even eliminate, their reliance on glasses and contacts – typically begin with candidacy requirements.
There are a number of qualities shared among most ideal LASIK candidates, including good eye health and a stable vision prescription for a year or more. Though some patients may wonder whether they are too old for LASIK surgery, the doctors explain that the health of the eye is much more important than age. They note that, while some patients may not be eligible for LASIK surgery due to present or imminently potential conditions such as cataracts or extreme cases of dry eye, there is technically no upper age limit for laser vision correction. In fact, the doctors have successfully utilized the procedure to correct visual refractive errors in patients who are in their 50s, 60s, and beyond.
Another frequently asked question about LASIK that the surgeons often hear involves whether it is okay to have LASIK during pregnancy. They explain that, while pregnancy does not often affect the health of the eye, women who are pregnant are not ideal candidates for laser vision correction. The doctors say that hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the outcome of LASIK less reliable. In addition, they note that some of the medications and eye drops typically used for the procedure and during recovery could pose unnecessary risks to unborn children. As a result, they recommend that women wait a few months after childbirth to undergo LASIK surgery, once their hormone levels have stabilized and the child is no longer at risk.
Once patients are deemed good candidates for LASIK, they often ask if the procedure is painful. The doctors explain that the many advancements in LASIK technology made over the years have dramatically improved the precision and efficiency of the surgery. The procedure itself can now be performed as an all-laser treatment and usually takes less than 10 minutes to complete. In addition, the surgeons numb the eyes with anesthetic eye drops prior to surgery and patients are offered an oral sedative such as valium to help them relax, helping make LASIK virtually pain-free. While some post-operative itchiness, dryness, and irritation may be present, the doctors note that these common side effects can often be easily managed with eye drops, and should subside within a few days.
The LASIK surgeons at The Eye Institute of Utah say that individuals who are considering any type of vision correction procedure should be sure to meet with an experienced ophthalmologist who will answer all of their questions and address their concerns prior to treatment. They say advanced technology combined with the hands of a skilled eye surgeon can go a long way toward providing patients with effective results and a significantly reduced dependence on corrective eyewear.
About The Eye Institute of Utah
Dr. W. Andrew Lyle established The Eye Institute of Utah in 1980, one of the largest and most respected eye care facilities in Utah. The expansive facility offers comprehensive eye and vision care options and serves patients from Utah and states across the Intermountain West, including Wyoming, Idaho, and Nevada. Recognized as leaders in the fields of cataract surgery and laser vision correction, the doctors at The Eye Institute of Utah are often involved in clinical studies to investigate the safety and efficacy of new and advanced treatment techniques. In addition to vision correction and cataract removal procedures, the practice offers treatment for an array of eye and vision conditions. The Eye Institute of Utah surgeons are available for interview upon request.
For more information about The Eye Institute of Utah, please visit theeyeinstitute.com and facebook.com/theeyeinstitute.
Contact:
The Eye Institute of Utah
755 East 3900 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
(801) 266-2283
