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The Quinnipiac Chronicle

The Student News Site of Quinnipiac University

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

The Student News Site of Quinnipiac University

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

    LASIK eye surgery: Is it the right choice for you?

    Tired of the daily hassle of putting in contacts or wearing glasses? There are many types of procedures to choose from when wanting to improve your vision. The most popular is LASIK eye surgery, which is beneficial because of the minimal amount of pain or discomfort most patients experience.

    Most people suffering with poor eye vision want immediate results. LASIK can be considered a “quick fix” surgery; improved vision can occur the very next day. The actual procedure only takes about five minutes and both nearsighted and farsighted people can benefit from this procedure.

    There is no reason to be scared of pain because special drops anesthetize your eyes. A type of retainer is used to keep the eyelid open, making it easy for the surgeon to work.

    During the procedure, the doctor uses an instrument called microkeratome to create a thin line on the cornea in order to fold that flap back. Some corneal tissue below is removed using an excimer laser.

    The laser is used to reshape tiny parts of the tissue to allow for clearer vision and focus. The flap is then put back into place over the area where the tissue was taken.

    “I have talked to a few people that have had it, and they are extremely happy with their results. I hate the hassle of putting in contacts and glasses getting in the way,” junior business major J.R. Kent said. “I definitely plan on getting it done when my eyes stop aging.”

    But LASIK eye surgery isn’t for everyone.

    “I personally wouldn’t get it because my vision isn’t too bad. I just wear glasses in class and to drive,” political science major Sarah Ahmad said. “But I can understand why people would get it done especially if they had to hassle with contacts and glasses everyday.”

    Vision has to be at a certain point or the operation won’t be beneficial.

    Junior education major Tatianna Wisniewski said, “I plan on getting it but I know that your prescription has to stay the same for three consecutive years before.”

    There are many things to consider before deciding to get the operation. It is also important to know the risk,even though they are very unlikely. There is no surgerical procedure that is completely risk free.

    “My dad’s girlfriend got the surgery done and it didn’t work correctly the first time. She had to get it redone to make sure she could see and she still can’t see distances very well,” senior advertising major Jenna Zerio said.

    Before the procedure you sign a consent form knowing that problems could occur. One of the most important things is to make sure you have picked and researched a skilled surgeon. Not everyone qualifies for the operation. At your appointment, the doctor will check your eyes to see if you are a good candidate for the operation.

    In the 90s, there was a 5 percent chance of a problem occurring. But in recent years there is less than a 1 percent risk. If complications occur there are many ways to resolve the issue, like re-treatment.

    The best advice would be to find a good surgeon and see if your vision qualifies you as a candidate.

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