Introduction
Vision problems can be addressed with corrective lenses, such as glasses and contact lenses, as well as surgical procedures. Among the latter, LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is an efficient and relatively inexpensive method for restoring vision. It costs between $1,000 and $2,000 per eye, which is quite expensive in the short term but saves a significant amount of money in the long term, as one becomes free from eyeglasses, lenses, and medication.
LASIK has various side effects, such as the possibility of eye inflammation and discomfort right after surgery, but all are well-known and can be prevented. Based on these points, I assert that LASIK is the most effective tool for restoring vision, as it provides a lifelong solution. At the same time, other methods, such as eyeglasses, are only temporary.
A LASIK Surgery
It is a method of direct corneal reshaping using lasers. Vision problems occur when the cornea improperly refracts light, preventing it from focusing properly on the retina. Eyeglasses or contact lenses correct the path of the light beam, enabling it to focus on the retina and, thus, project a clear picture onto the brain. LASIK surgery, unlike them, is a way to ultimately solve the problem by editing the cornea itself with a laser, which makes it bend light appropriately (Kates & Tuli, 2020). Thus, altering the eye structure is a radical approach to addressing vision problems.
While many people still prefer eyeglasses, fearing surgery, this method is safe primarily if a patient is aware of their risks and knows how to manage them. For example, the risk of “vision loss following LASIK occurred in 66 per 10,000 wearers,” meaning that while the risk is low, it is present (Wu et al., 2020, p. 1). Risk factors include microbial keratitis and flap complications, which can emerge after unsuccessful surgery. They can be avoided primarily by examining and treating existing eye problems before surgery (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019).
There are also well-known side effects, including dry eyes and glare-induced distortion of vision. However, “these usually clear up after a few weeks or months, and very few people consider them to be a long-term problem.” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019). I believe that LASIK surgery is a robust option for quickly and efficiently restoring vision.
LASIK Surgery as the Best Option to Improve Vision
The first reason is that it solves the problem in the long run, leaving no traces of refraction errors. Let’s remember: there are “over 2.1 billion presbyopes worldwide, this is one of the world’s important but unconquered health issues. The demand is great.” (Hossain & Barbara, 2020, p. 35). LASIK results are stable, and “one surgery can fix problems for decades” (Kraff, 2022). One should definitely consider LASIK if they want the ultimate solution to their vision problems.
The second point, perhaps not so obvious, is that it is cheaper. In the short term, it would probably seem expensive: as mentioned, it costs approximately several thousand dollars per eye (Kraff, 2022). However, it will ultimately solve the problem, while glasses and lenses should be worn and adjusted constantly. LASIK is a highly effective long-term solution, and once a patient has undergone the procedure, they are typically free of any further eye-related expenses.
Lastly, the third point is that it is safe, despite the problems we will discuss shortly. Most patients are satisfied after the operation, with their vision fully restored (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019). Inflammatory responses to surgery are well-researched, and ongoing research continues, allowing for the potential to avoid problems and assess all risks before surgery (Khamar et al., 2020). Let’s discuss the risks to understand how to prevent them and ensure LASIK is the best option.
How LASIK Problems Can Be Overcome
LASIK surgery has many possible complications, including inconvenience and even vision loss. However, I will demonstrate that these problems do not arise independently and are often accompanied by specific prerequisites that can be considered. Serious issues, such as vision loss, are caused by microbial keratitis and flap complications, and their risk can be evaluated based on the present eye problems (Wu et al., 2020). Inflammatory responses to laser invasion are the reason for most situations, and “understanding the modulations early on at a molecular level will help us prevent post-operative complications like ectasia, haze, and dry eye” (Khamar et al., 2020, p. 10).
In addition, other methods, such as corrective lenses, also have similar problems, and the risk of vision loss is comparable, given that the patient must wear lenses constantly (Wu et al., 2020). Therefore, as we can see, while LASIK problems can be severe, they can be evaluated and prevented, allowing each patient to minimize their risk and ultimately restore their vision.
Conclusion
LASIK surgery is superior to eyeglasses or contact lenses due to its fundamentally different nature. Glasses and lenses are simple surrogates that correct vision as long as they are present, even when the eye remains injured. Unlike LASIK, cataract surgery permanently corrects the eye, eradicating the problem and restoring vision entirely. There are possible complications, but their risks can be evaluated before surgery, and their mechanisms are well-studied, allowing them to be avoided. Thus, I affirm that LASIK is the ultimate solution for vision problems and is advantageous in the long term. Therefore, anyone who wants to restore their eyesight should definitely consider it.
References
Hossain, P., & Barbara, R. (2020). The future of refractive surgery: Presbyopia treatment, can we dispense with our glasses? Eye, 35.
Kates, M. M., & Tuli, S. (2020). What is LASIK eye surgery?JAMA, 324(8), 815.
Khamar, P., Nishtala, K., Shetty, R., Panigrahi, T., Shetty, K., Pahuja, N., Deshpande, V., & Ghosh, A. (2020). Early biological responses in ocular tissue after SMILE and LASIK surgery. Experimental Eye Research, 192, 107936.
Kraff, C. R. (2022). Contacts vs glasses vs LASIK: What is the best choice? Kraffeye.com.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). LASIK surgery: Is it right for you? Mayo Clinic.
Wu, Y. T., Ho, A., Naduvilath, T., Lim, C., Carnt, N., Keay, L. J., Edwards, K. P., & Stapleton, F. (2020). The risk of vision loss in contact lens wear and following LASIK. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 40(2), 241–248.