At Medina Eye Care, our optometrist offers comprehensive eye care, including vision exams and vision correction. If you are interested in LASIK surgery in San Antonio or Castroville, we can help.
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is a type of permanent vision correction. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. A laser is used to change the shape of the cornea, which provides an improvement in your vision.
What Can LASIK Correct?
LASIK surgery can correct myopia, known as nearsightedness, hyperopia, known as farsightedness, or astigmatism. Myopia causes objects in the distance to be blurry. Hyperopia means that objects far away can be seen clearly, but near objects are blurry. Astigmatism causes blurry vision both up close and far away.
These vision issues are all caused by refractive errors. When the eye functions correctly, the cornea bends light, sending it to the back of the retina. When you have a refractive error, the light isn't projected onto the retina correctly.
How LASIK Works
LASIK uses a special type of laser, known as an excimer laser. A flap is cut in the cornea to reveal the middle layer of the cornea. The laser cuts away small pieces of the cornea until the correct shape is reached.
How Do I Learn If I'm a Candidate for LASIK?
LASIK surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist. However, your optometrist is still a great place to start the process. Your optometrist can perform an initial exam, which will determine if LASIK can help your vision. Your optometrist can also provide a referral to a local ophthalmologist who specializes in LASIK surgery.
Who Shouldn't Get LASIK?
LASIK surgery is an excellent choice for many people with refractive errors. However, it's not for everyone.
Frequent Prescription Changes
To be a good candidate for LASIK surgery, you'll need to have a stable prescription for glasses or contacts. If your prescription has changed within the last year, this is a sign that your eyes are changing as well. LASIK may initially correct your vision, but the results won't last if your eyes continue to change. This typically applies to people who are in their early 20s or younger and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Frequent hormone changes and certain medications can also cause vision changes.
Contact Sports or Career Prohibition
If you play a contact sport where you receive blows to the face or head, LASIK isn't a good choice for you. Some professions, including the military, don't allow LASIK procedures, so you should be sure that it won't affect your career.
LASIK Referral at Medina Eye Care
If you have a refractive error that can be corrected with vision correction, you can start your journey at Medina Eye Care. Call our San Antonio office today at (210) 225-4141 or our Castroville office at (830) 931-2328.