Lasers have revolutionized many fields. We see them used in printers, barcode scanners, for welding, fiber-optic communication, and many other applications. Quite possibly the most exciting and revolutionary areas of use are in surgery. LASIK surgery to correct vision and laser eye surgery for glaucoma have been two exciting advances. Lasers differ from normal light, which is a mixture of many different wavelengths. Lasers are coherent, meaning the beam has the same wave form and frequency, and can be narrowly focused for intensity. There are many different types of surgical lasers. Different settings for power, pulse duration, and wavelength cause the laser to affect the desired body tissue.
Laser Use in LASIK Surgery
In surgeries, the laser acts like a very precise, minimally invasive scalpel. LASIK is a procedure where a laser is used to improve vision, sometimes to even better than normal. The cornea, which allows our eyes to focus for good vision, can be reshaped by laser to correct deficiencies. Fantastic improvements in vision and high success rates make LASIK surgery a very sought-after, popular procedure. Not everyone is a good candidate for laser surgery, however, and other methods to improve vision, such as implantable contact lenses, are available, so consultation and assessment by your ophthalmologist is necessary.
Laser Eye Surgery for Glaucoma
Laser eye surgery can also be used to treat glaucoma. Glaucoma involves a buildup of pressure in the eye which can either suddenly or gradually destroy vision. Important facts to know about glaucoma are that genetics and high blood pressure can be risk factors, it can cause complete blindness without noticeable early symptoms, and that the vision loss caused is irreversible. Those are important reasons ophthalmologists recommend that your eyes be checked annually after age 40. There are a number of options for treatment, including medication. Standard surgeries are intricate and involve some risk. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) can often bypass the natural drainage system of the eye. Laser eye surgery for glaucoma is a safe and minimally invasive procedure option with a high success rate if the glaucoma is detected early enough.
ADV Vision Centers
Consultation with your ophthalmologist is necessary to make the right decision concerning LASIK surgery or glaucoma treatment. But it’s best to schedule annual appointments to see your ophthalmologist anyway. That way, any vision problems, such as glaucoma, can be caught and treated in the early stages. The effects of untreated glaucoma can be devastating. Contact us today at one of our world-class ADV Vision Centers in Paso Robles, Santa Maria, or San Luis Obispo, California, to find out more about laser eye surgery for glaucoma, LASIK surgery to improve vision, or simply to schedule a complimentary consultation. At ADV Vision, we’re always glad to see you!
