Can laser eye surgery fix long sightedness?Long-sightedness can be a real pain. Struggling to read small print or see objects up close can make daily life frustrating. But there’s good news – laser eye surgery might be the solution you’ve been looking for.Laser eye surgery has helped many people around the world achieve better vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses.1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19344821/ It is a procedure that can be completed quickly and with minimal discomfort, potentially improving your lifestyle.2Source: https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/pros-and-cons-lasik-are-risks-worth-cost (LASIK pros and cons)But is it right for you? And how exactly does it work? If you’re considering laser eye surgery Adelaide, our team at IVISION LASER can help you understand your options.Curious about whether laser eye surgery could be an option for you? Let’s explore the details and potential benefits of this procedure, as well as important factors to consider.If you need more information on LASIK, you may also want to read this: What is LASIK Eye Surgery Used For?Can Laser Eye Surgery Fix Long Sightedness?Yes, laser eye surgery can fix long-sightedness, also known as hyperopia. It works by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of your eye. This helps focus light directly onto your retina, improving your near vision.3https://www.aso.org.au/It’s important to understand that laser eye surgery isn’t suitable for everyone. Factors such as the severity of your long-sightedness, overall eye health, and individual corneal characteristics can influence the success and potential risks of the procedure. A thorough eye exam and consultation with a specialist are crucial to determine if laser eye surgery is the right choice for you and to discuss any potential risks and complications.Types of Laser Eye Surgery for Long-sightedness (Hyperopia)When it comes to fixing long-sightedness with laser eye surgery, you’ve got options. Each type of surgery uses different techniques to reshape your cornea and improve your vision. Let’s take a closer look at the main types available.4https://ranzco.edu/LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)LASIK is the most common type of laser eye surgery. It’s popular for a good reason. The procedure is quick, usually taking about 15 minutes for both eyes. And the recovery time is surprisingly short.Here’s how it works: The surgeon creates a thin flap in your cornea using a laser. They then use another laser to reshape the tissue underneath. After that, they put the flap back in place. It acts like a natural bandage, helping your eye heal quickly.Many people experience improved vision within 24 hours after LASIK, though the recovery process can vary.5 Source: https://crstoday.com/articles/2014-jan/enhancing-the-speed-of-visual-recovery-after-lasik (LASIK recovery time) While most patients experience minimal discomfort, it’s important to be aware that some may experience mild pain, dryness, or a gritty sensation in the eyes during the healing period.TransPRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy)TransPRK is a modern, no-touch laser eye surgery technique. Unlike traditional PRK, where the surgeon manually removes the outer layer of the cornea, TransPRK uses a laser to remove the epithelium in a single step. After this, the laser reshapes the cornea to correct vision. The outer layer regenerates naturally within a few days.Recovery from TransPRK can take a little longer than LASIK, but it avoids flap creation, making it a great option for patients with thin corneas or those seeking a less invasive approach.Laser Eye Surgery for Long Sightedness: Eligibility CriteriaNot everyone is a good candidate for laser eye surgery. There are several factors that doctors consider before recommending the procedure. Understanding these can help you set realistic expectations.6 Australian Government Department of Health https://www.health.gov.au/Age and Stability of VisionYour age matters when it comes to laser eye surgery. Most surgeons prefer patients to be at least 18 years old. Why? Because your eyes can keep changing into your early 20s.But being too old isn’t usually a problem. Many people in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s have successful laser eye surgery. The key is having a stable prescription. Your vision shouldn’t have changed much in the past year or two.General Health and Eye ConditionsYour overall health plays a big role in whether you’re eligible for laser eye surgery. Certain conditions can increase the risk of complications. These include autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and conditions that affect wound healing.Eye health is vital too. Conditions like dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, or cataracts might rule out laser surgery. Or they might mean you need to have these issues treated first.Corneal Thickness and ShapeThe thickness and shape of your cornea are super important. Laser surgery works by removing tiny amounts of corneal tissue. If your cornea is too thin, it might not be safe to remove any.Corneal shape matters too. Some people have irregularly shaped corneas, a condition called keratoconus. This can make laser surgery risky or ineffective.Degree of Long-sightednessHow long-sighted are you? Mild to moderate long-sightedness usually responds well to laser surgery. But if your prescription is very strong, you might not be a good candidate.In some cases, other vision correction surgeries might be better options. These could include lens implants or refractive lens exchange.Pregnancy and BreastfeedingHormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can temporarily affect vision, potentially impacting the success of laser eye surgery. It’s recommended to discuss your specific situation with your doctor to determine the best time for the procedure.Success Rates of Laser Eye Surgery for Long SightednessLaser eye surgery for long-sightedness has come a long way. Today, it boasts impressive success rates. But what does “success” really mean in this context?For most people, success means being able to see clearly without glasses or contacts. And the numbers are encouraging. Studies indicate that a high percentage of patients achieve significantly improved vision after laser eye surgery, often reaching 20/40 vision or better.7A Food and Drug Administration study showed that 95 percent of participants who had LASIK to correct myopia (nearsightedness) achieved 20/40 vision or better; 20/40 vision is the standard most states require to get a driver’s license without corrective lenses.” Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071228215645.htm (LASIK long term results) This level of vision improvement can greatly enhance daily life, making it easier to participate in activities and hobbies that were previously difficult or impossible without glasses or contact lenses.8Australian Journal of Optometry https://www.ajo.com.au/But let’s break it down further. For mild to moderate long-sightedness, the success rates are even higher. Around 95% of these patients end up with 20/40 vision or better.9A Food and Drug Administration study showed that 95 percent of participants who had LASIK to correct myopia (nearsightedness) achieved 20/40 vision or better; 20/40 vision is the standard most states require to get a driver’s license without corrective lenses. Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071228215645.htm (LASIK long term results)What about more severe cases? The success rates are a bit lower, but still impressive. About 70-80% of people with high levels of long-sightedness achieve 20/40 vision or better.It’s important to note that these are averages. Your individual results can vary. Factors like your age, overall health, and the specific type of laser surgery you have all play a role.And success isn’t just about the numbers. It’s also about satisfaction. Studies show that over 95% of patients are happy with their results after laser eye surgery.10“Satisfaction with LASIK was overwhelmingly positive: 98% of patients reported that they would have LASIK again.” Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19344821/ (LASIK quality of life) Many report improved quality of life, from simple things like reading a menu to enjoying sports without worrying about glasses.Recovery Process After Laser Eye Surgery for Long SightednessThe recovery process after laser eye surgery is often quicker and easier than many people expect. But it’s still important to know what to expect. Let’s walk through the typical recovery timeline.11Vision Eye Institute https://visioneyeinstitute.com.au/Right after surgery, your vision will be blurry. This is normal. You might feel some discomfort, like a gritty sensation in your eyes. Don’t worry, this usually passes quickly. Your surgeon will give you eye drops to help with healing and comfort.Most people can see well enough to drive within a day or two after LASIK. If you’ve had TransPRK, it might take a bit longer, maybe a week or so. But everyone’s different. Some people have clear vision almost immediately, while for others it takes a few days to settle.You’ll need to take some precautions in the first week or two. Avoid rubbing your eyes, even if they feel itchy. Stay away from dusty environments. And skip the swimming pool or hot tub for a while. Your doctor will give you a full list of dos and don’ts.Follow-up appointments are important. You’ll usually have one the day after surgery, then a week later, and again after a month. These check-ups let your doctor monitor your healing and address any concerns.Most people can return to work within a day or two after LASIK. For TransPRK, you might need a few more days off. It’s best to take it easy for the first week, regardless of which procedure you’ve had.Your vision will continue to improve and stabilise over the first few months. Some people experience dry eyes during this time. Your doctor can recommend eye drops or other treatments if this happens.Does Laser Eye Surgery Fix Hyperopia Permanently?It’s the million-dollar question. Does laser eye surgery offer a permanent fix for long-sightedness? The short answer is: yes.Laser eye surgery reshapes your cornea. This change is permanent. The tissue removed during the procedure doesn’t grow back. In that sense, the effects of the surgery last a lifetime.But here’s the catch: Your eyes can continue to change as you age. This is a natural process that happens to everyone, whether they’ve had laser surgery or not. It’s called presbyopia. It usually starts in your 40s and can affect your near vision.So while the surgery itself is permanent, it doesn’t stop the natural ageing process of your eyes. You might find that you need reading glasses as you get older, even if you’ve had laser surgery for long-sightedness.That said, many people enjoy clear vision for many years after their surgery. Some never need glasses again. Others might need them for certain tasks as they age, but still have much better vision than before the surgery.It’s also worth noting that a small percentage of people might experience regression. This means their long-sightedness partially returns over time. If this happens, it’s usually within the first year after surgery. In most cases, a “touch-up” procedure can correct this.Your surgeon will discuss all these possibilities with you before the procedure. They’ll help you understand what to expect in the short term and long term. Remember, everyone’s eyes are different. Your experience might not be exactly the same as someone else’s.The key is to have realistic expectations. Laser eye surgery can dramatically improve your vision and reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts. But it’s not a guarantee of perfect vision for life. Understanding this can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.Laser eye surgery offers a promising solution for many people with long-sightedness. It’s a safe, effective way to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The high success rates and generally quick recovery times of laser eye surgery make it a potentially attractive option for individuals seeking to improve their vision. However, it is crucial to consult with a specialist to determine if it is the right choice for you, considering your individual needs and circumstances.But it’s not for everyone. Your eligibility depends on various factors, from your overall health to the specific characteristics of your eyes. And while the effects are long-lasting, they might not be permanent due to the natural ageing process of your eyes.If you’re considering laser eye surgery for long-sightedness, the next step is to consult with a specialist. They can assess your individual case and help you understand if it’s the right choice for you. And if you’re looking for expert advice and support throughout the process, consider reaching out to IVISION LASER. They can provide valuable guidance as you make this important decision about your vision health.FAQs1. Can laser eye surgery correct all degrees of long-sightedness?Laser eye surgery can correct most cases of mild to moderate long-sightedness. Severe cases might require alternative treatments.2. How long does the effect of laser eye surgery for long-sightedness last?The effects are typically long-lasting, but natural age-related changes can still affect your vision over time.3. Is laser eye surgery for long-sightedness painful?Most patients report little to no pain during or after the procedure. Some mild discomfort is normal during recovery.4. How soon after laser eye surgery can I return to work?Most people can return to work within a day or two after LASIK, or a few days after TransPRK.