What Does Nearsighted Vision Feel Like?
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The most common vision-related issues across the country are refractive errors. Nearsightedness (myopia) occurs when light entering the eye wrongly focuses in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry.
Fortunately, a procedure called SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) can improve nearsighted vision and reduce your reliance on corrective lenses. Dr. Young H. Choi is the only board-certified ophthalmologist near Birmingham, AL to offer this advanced treatment. Call now to book a consultation and determine your candidacy for SMILE. Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center is dedicated to providing real results through cutting-edge femtosecond laser technology.
What are the symptoms of nearsightedness?
Men and women with nearsightedness find themselves needing to squint when attempting to see distant objects without help from glasses or contact lenses. This can be frustrating and interfere with your everyday activities. Here are the most commonly known symptoms of myopia:
- Squinting or straining to see from far away
- Difficulty seeing and recognizing faces from a distance
- Headaches caused by frequent eyestrain
- Eye fatigue or discomfort
When is nearsightedness diagnosed?
A refractive error can only be diagnosed by an eye care professional during a comprehensive examination. During this appointment, your doctor will use a special instrument to measure the shape of your cornea and evaluate your ability to focus when looking at objects both up close and far away. The results of this assessment will help determine if you have nearsightedness or another vision-related condition.
What is SMILE surgery?
Ideal candidates for SMILE have been diagnosed with nearsighted vision and want to reduce their reliance on traditional eyewear. Patients should be 22 years old and have had a stable, consistent prescription for at least one year. Inform Dr. Choi of any existing medical conditions that could affect the outcome of your procedure.
SMILE involves the use of a femtosecond laser to form a small circular disc within the cornea. This "lenticule" is then removed, allowing Dr. Choi to reshape the tissue as needed. The procedure only takes about 10 – 15 minutes to perform and does not require a lengthy recovery. In fact, SMILE is considered less invasive than LASIK, which requires the creation of a flap.
Blurry vision is expected for about 24 hours after SMILE surgery. Patients should rest and avoid strenuous exercise for one week so their eyes have time to heal and adjust. Results become apparent within a short period and can last for years with proper care. Our team will book follow-up appointments so we can monitor your progress.
Does nearsighted vision come back after surgery?
The results of SMILE are intended to last a lifetime. However, it's possible for your vision to change due to age or other factors. Patients should schedule regular eye exams so any changes in their vision can be detected in the early stages. Dr. Choi can review the best ways to protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy.
Try SMILE for nearsighted vision
When refractive errors like nearsightedness prevent you from experiencing life to the fullest, SMILE surgery may provide the clarity you need. Call Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center near Birmingham, AL today for a consultation and see if you're a candidate for this transformative procedure. Dr. Young H. Choi can provide insight into the benefits of SMILE and how it works.