Which Laser Vision Correction Procedure is Better for Myopia?

Laser vision correction procedures are becoming more popular each year. But with so many kinds of treatment available, it can be challenging to decide which is best for your vision needs. Patients with myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, may be excellent candidates for LASIK.

In this post, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Young H. Choi will take a closer look at LASIK and how it can benefit myopic patients. Schedule a private consultation at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center near Birmingham, AL to discuss your options and learn more.

What is myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error, so incoming light is unable to focus on the retina as it should. It becomes focused in front of the retina instead of directly on the surface. This causes images farther away to become blurry or out of focus.

Nearsightedness usually develops during childhood and adolescence, but it can affect people at any stage of life. There are different degrees of myopia, but it can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. In most cases, myopia is mild to moderate and often runs in families. Patients often turn to aids, like glasses or contact lenses, to improve their vision.

Why do I need laser vision correction?

Sometimes, visual aids like glasses interfere with your active lifestyle. They can be uncomfortable to wear or make it difficult to work or play sports. Laser vision correction is excellent for patients in Birmingham who want improved vision without corrective lenses. Procedures like LASIK eye surgery reshape the cornea, so light is refracted properly. This ultimately improves the way you view objects at a distance.

How is LASIK different from other laser vision procedures?

There are many kinds of laser vision correction, but LASIK is one of the most popular and widely used. For years, LASIK has been a household name because it provides faster recovery times and excellent results with minimal discomfort. Dr. Choi is proud to offer LASIK with the Zeiss VisuMax® femtosecond laser for optimal precision to increase patient comfort. Our practice is proud to be the only provider in the state where you'll find this cutting-edge technology.

What is involved with LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK is considered a pain-free outpatient procedure that takes about 30 minutes to complete. The first step involves numbing the eyes to prevent any discomfort. Dr. Choi creates a tiny flap in the cornea before using the laser to make corrections. Once the flap is placed back into position, it will heal naturally over time. Your nearsightedness should be noticeably better by the following day and will continue to improve as your eyes heal from surgery.

Will I still need glasses after LASIK?

Patients often ask if they still need to wear glasses after laser vision correction. While LASIK can greatly reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts after surgery, it may not give you perfect eyesight. It depends on your current prescription and degree of myopia. Dr. Choi can help determine whether you will need glasses after LASIK during an evaluation.

Treat your nearsightedness

Nearsightedness makes it challenging to see objects far away, preventing you from participating in activities you love. If you have been diagnosed with myopia or are interested in LASIK eye surgery, contact Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center for a consultation with Dr. Young H. Choi. We're a proud provider of LASIK and other advanced laser procedures near Birmingham, AL.