Laser eye surgery, also known as LASIK, offers an innovative way for people to attain clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. While many people associate LASIK with fixing nearsightedness, it also offers a potential solution for those dealing with farsightedness.
If you’re struggling to see objects up close and are tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses, you might be wondering if LASIK could work for you.
As it happens, you’re in luck: LASIK is an effective way to treat farsightedness!
What Is Farsightedness?
Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, is a common refractive error that makes nearby objects appear blurry while distant objects remain clear. This condition occurs when the shape of the eye causes light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.
Some common symptoms of farsightedness include:
- Difficulty focusing on nearby objects, such as text in a book or a phone screen
- Eye strain or fatigue, especially when performing close-up tasks
- Headaches after prolonged periods of reading or near work
- Blurry vision or difficulty maintaining clear focus up close
Farsightedness ranges in severity. Some people might only notice mild blurriness, while others may experience significant challenges with day-to-day activities.
How Does LASIK Work?
Laser-assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a popular procedure that reshapes the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped front part of the eye—in order to correct refractive errors. Using a precise laser, an eye surgeon removes a small amount of corneal tissue to improve the way light focuses on the retina, resulting in clearer vision.
LASIK is widely known for its effectiveness in treating nearsightedness, but its role in addressing farsightedness is just as significant.
How LASIK Treats Farsightedness
For people with hyperopia, LASIK reshapes the cornea to make it steeper. This adjustment enables light rays to focus correctly on the retina, providing clearer vision for nearby objects. The degree of reshaping depends on the severity of your farsightedness, which your surgeon will assess during your initial consultation.
Is LASIK Effective for Severe Farsightedness?
LASIK is most effective for mild to moderate cases of farsightedness. For cases of severe hyperopia, or for those with certain corneal or ocular conditions, alternative treatments may be more suitable. It’s important to consult an optometrist who can help you find a custom treatment plan for you and your vision.
It’s also important to remember that, while LASIK can significantly improve vision, it doesn’t prevent age-related eye conditions like presbyopia, which can develop later in life.
Am I a Candidate for LASIK If I Have Farsightedness?
Not everyone with farsightedness is a good candidate for LASIK. During your evaluation, an eye surgeon will assess the health of your eyes and other critical factors, including:
1. Severity of Hyperopia
LASIK is typically recommended for people with mild to moderate farsightedness. Your eye doctor will measure your degree of refractive error to determine whether the procedure is appropriate.
2. Corneal Thickness
Since LASIK requires removing corneal tissue, having sufficiently thick corneas is essential. Those with thin corneas might be better suited for alternative treatments like PRK.
3. Stable Vision Prescription
If your eyeglass or contact lens prescription has changed significantly in the past year, your eye surgeon might recommend delaying LASIK until your vision stabilizes.
4. Age & General Eye Health
LASIK is typically performed on individuals aged 18 and older. Candidates should also have healthy eyes free from conditions like severe dry eye, glaucoma, or cataracts.
5. Overall Health
Certain medical conditions, like autoimmune disorders or diabetes, can affect your body’s ability to heal and may impact your candidacy for LASIK.
Benefits of LASIK for Farsightedness
Many patients with farsightedness who undergo LASIK experience a wide range of benefits, including:
- Clearer Vision Without Glasses or Contacts
- Quick Results and Recovery
- Long-Term Cost Savings
- Enhanced Quality of Life
What Are The Risks & Limitations?
Like any surgical procedure, LASIK comes with some level of risk. Potential complications are rare but may include dry eyes, glare, halos, or slight under- or over-correction of the vision.
It’s also worth noting that, while LASIK provides permanent changes to the cornea, vision may still fluctuate over time due to the natural aging process or other factors. Discussing these possibilities with your eye surgeon can help you make an informed decision about what you think is best for you.
Are There Other Treatments for Farsightedness?
If LASIK isn’t an option for you, there are several alternative treatments to consider:
- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): A similar laser procedure suitable for individuals with thinner corneas.
- Conductive Keratoplasty (CK): A less common procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to reshape the cornea.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): A surgical option where the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens to correct vision.
- Corrective Lenses: Glasses and contact lenses remain a reliable and non-invasive way to manage farsightedness.
Finding the Hyperopia Treatment for You
LASIK has made achieving clear vision a reality for many, but it’s still important for you to determine whether LASIK is the right fit for your needs. If you’re considering LASIK for farsightedness, start by booking a comprehensive consultation with an eye care professional.
At Total Vision, we offer LASIK consultations alongside other hyperopia treatment options. Let us help you see clearly! Book an appointment today.
