Is Laser Treatment Good For Your Eyes?

Medical laser for eyes began rising in popularity within the 21st century. This should come as no surprise as modern machines and the inundation of technology have proven to be taking a toll on the human body. We have become accustomed to sitting down and staring at a screen for hours on end without realizing the repercussions of these actions until we start feeling its physical effects. Aside from muscle and bone development, our eyes are one of the parts of our bodies that have suffered the most in this era of technological development.
 

Eye conditions and ailments were once typically associated with aging and it’s quite normal for our vision to start declining as we reach our golden years. However, it’s also not surprising why children today are developing eye conditions at such an early age. Computers were initially made for the use of adults but since screen addiction started becoming more of a common phenomenon among the younger age group, experts have noticed that individuals suffering from eye complications are now getting younger and younger. 
 

It's also important to note that people in general nowadays are not just confined to using computers. Smartphones are now part of our everyday lives and it has now become impossible for a normal person to not check their mobile devices at least once or twice a day. Staring at a screen may be affecting you more than you think. Experiencing mild headaches in the middle of a normal workday may be due to eye fatigue from the blue light that is emitted by your monitor. Although innovations in technology have made our lives easier and more convenient when it comes to performing numerous tasks, misuse or excessive use of technology can adversely affect the human body. 


 

Common Eye Problems That Are Treated via Laser Technology

Since eye conditions are becoming more of a prevalent issue among a wider demographic, it’s important to know the signs or symptoms of common eye problems. Knowing common refractive problems helps to know the next course of action when it comes to treatment.

Myopia (Nearsightedness) - Myopia is an eye condition that allows a person to see an object in front of them clearly but not at a faraway distance. Typically, a person with myopia has a longer eyeball than usual. This means that light is not able to reach the optic nerve properly. 

Hyperopia (Farsightedness) - This condition is the opposite of myopia. It allows a person to see an object clearly from a faraway distance but not when it’s in front of them. Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is shorter than usual. This means that light is refracted at the back of the eye rather than the optic nerve.

Astigmatism - A common condition that also affects a younger demographic, astigmatism is due to imperfections in the curvature of the eye. This occurs when different components of the eye such as the lens or the cornea do not match in shape. This means that light may not be refracted properly and may not be received by the optic nerve.

Presbyopia - A common illness that is experienced gradually as a person gets older, presbyopia is due to the deterioration of the lens over time. The condition typically occurs around the age of forty and worsens at the age of 60. 

Common Laser Eye Treatments

Although technology and screen addiction may be one of the leading causes of people’s declining eyesight, we can also thank the advancements in science and technology for bringing us the solutions and treatments that can help fix or correct our vision. The first procedure that utilized a medical laser for eyes took place back in 1988 and is called PRK surgery. This type of laser treatment is still one of the most reliable procedures that are being used by medical practitioners today. With plenty of available treatments for various eye conditions today, it’s necessary to know at least some background knowledge about how each procedure works.           

PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) - PRK is considered the original technique for medical laser for eyes and is the predecessor of many laser treatments today. Though other treatments are now available, PRK is still used to treat patients with cornea problems. Although PRK is not suitable for patients that have hyperopia or farsightedness, it can successfully treat myopia or nearsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. The procedure is done by reshaping the surface of the eyes after removing the epithelial cells. The recovery period may take anywhere from 4 to 5 weeks depending on the condition.     

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) - LASIK is probably considered the most popular medical laser for eyes treatment as of today. It requires little to zero downtime and most patients report having 20/20 vision within the next day. The procedure is also very quick and is said to cause minimal discomfort. LASIK treatment utilizes a specialized laser that can treat refractive errors such as hyperopia, myopia, Astigmatism, and Presbyopia. The treatment is always performed by a highly trained surgeon because accuracy is necessary to perform the procedures required to reshape the cornea. Undergoing LASIK surgery can eliminate the need to wear corrective lenses.

EPI-LASIK - Similar to PRK surgery, EPI-LASIK procedures are performed to correct refractive errors such as presbyopia, myopia, and astigmatism. This procedure may be considered as a good medical laser for eyes and an alternative to LASIK surgery depending on specific conditions. EPI-LASIK has been available in the market since the early 21st century and it is highly recommended among people with thin corneas which are not suitable for LASIK surgery.         

LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis) - Though LASIK and LASEK laser treatments might be analogous in some aspects, they differ in terms of procedural steps. Just like other medical laser for eyes, LASEK can treat presbyopia, myopia, and hyperopia. However, another notable difference between the two procedures is the fact that LASEK surgery may cause a bit more discomfort and a longer downtime compared to LASIK. In fact. The healing time between LASEK and PRK surgery is said to be quite similar.  
 

To summarize, knowing the importance of taking care of your eyes is very important in this era of technological industrialization. It’s also essential to know all the options that you have in terms of treatment so that you can choose the one that suits your needs the most. Though all these treatments are proven to provide amazing results, it’s always necessary to consult a specialist before undergoing a specific procedure.