How Lasik Can be Used to Treat Night Vision Problems
While LASIK eye surgery is a popular option to improve vision, many people are surprised to learn that this popular laser eye surgery can also be used to treat problems with night vision. Night vision problems can be caused by a number of things, including vitamin deficiencies, degenerative eye diseases and inherited conditions. Fortunately, as new technologies and techniques continue to emerge, LASIK has become an effective way to combat such problems. Consider your needs and talk to your doctor before deciding if you are a good candidate for this type of corrective procedure.
How Does LASIK Work?
Traditionally, LASIK eye surgery works by reshaping the cornea of the eye. People with nearsightedness have corneas that are too steep, causing incoming light rays to be focused before the retina. The LASIK procedure allows surgeons to flatten the cornea so that the light rays can be focused properly directly on the retina. People with farsightedness have corneas that are too flat, causing incoming light rays to be focused behind the retina. In this case, the LASIK procedure works by steepening the angle of the cornea so that the light can be focused on the retina.
Using LASIK to Improve Night Vision
One of the biggest concerns about LASIK in the past was the possibility of experience night vision problems as a result of the procedure. Some patients reported experiencing side effects such as glare, light halos and generally poor night vision. Extensive research and innovative technologies have led to breakthrough techniques devised to correct this problem. Wavefront guided laser treatments and Intralase LASIK methods are the two cutting edge treatments that can help patients improve both their day and night vision.
The Benefits of LASIK
There are many reasons to choose LASIK surgery, but it is important to consider the potential benefits before making a decision. Night vision problems can be a major problem, especially for anyone who needs to drive at night. In some cases, night vision can become so impaired that night driving is simply impossible. Utilizing LASIK to improve night vision can reduce or even eliminate this problem entirely.
There are, of course, many other reasons to opt for LASIK eye surgery. Anyone who struggles with glasses and contacts knows how inconvenient and cumbersome corrective eyewear can be. Laser eye surgery can minimize or even completely do away with the need for glasses and contacts. Sports and exercise activities are much more convenient without needing to worry about dropping your glasses, while sports such as swimming and diving are easier without the concern of losing your contacts in the water.
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LASIK is not right for everyone, so it is essential to talk to a qualified doctor before deciding if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Laser eye surgery can improve night vision, as well as boosting self-confidence and self-esteem. Consider factors such as LASIK cost , potential risk and the possible benefits of having the surgery.
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8 Responses to “How Lasik Can be Used to Treat Night Vision Problems”
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To adjust to monovision LASIK, some people take 3 weeks up to about 6 weeks. It all varies from person to person. At the LASIK center I work at, we recommend doing a contact lens trial of monovision (for at least 3 weeks) prior to doing the surgery to see if it is something patient's can adjust to.
As for your driving, DMV requires at least 20/40 vision or better in one eye to drive without any corrective lenses. Some patients who do monovision, may need or want a pair of glasses for driving – to help for full distance – one lens would be plano and the other to compensate the reading eye for full distance.
If you don't get use to it (experiencing headaches, dizziness) you can always have it adjusted to full distance, but you would need readers for anything within about arm's length. Dr's usually prefer to wait 3 months from the original surgery to do anything to the eye again and depending on where you went, there may be a charge to do that.
You are right about the side effects. Thats whats stopping me from doing the procedure so far. There are a lot more but the main side effects are halos and dry eyes. I saw some more mentioned here http://lasereyesurgerytruth.com/vision/latest/be-aware-of-these-laser-eye-surgery-complications-2.html
I am extremely happy. WIth the new technology, night halos have actually decreased. That was caused by the creating of the flap with a blade. Make sure you do intralase to create the flap.
I had pretty bad astigmatism and am about 20/20 right now.
It was fast. First thing, and this is the only uncomfortable part, the surgeon has to cut a flap into the cornea (the very front part of your eye). Then he folds it back for the surgery, so it can go back into place and heal faster.
I had to stare at a little light. I felt a little something in my eye, but it wasn't the surgeon, it wasn't me. It musta been the laser. It didn't hurt. Especially when I thought that over twenty years of correction was being undone, I was happy.
I heard a few clicks. He had me sit up in the chair, and asked me "what time is it? The clocks on the wall" I looked up, thinking i couldn't ever in my life, since I knew how to tell time, see the clock across the room without my glasses or contacts.
I could see perfectly clear. It was like the machine just put my contacts in. But it didn't. I could really see – perfectly. Well, kinda. The tears made my vision a little blurry for a sec. Yeah I cried because I couldn't believe it. I was brand new like a baby. It was so exciting I gave the surgeon a hug. I could see! For the first time ever. It was like being born.
I had to wear eye patches over both eyes for a couple days. It was awesome to have a break and stay in bed. The doc gave me some drops, and my eyes needed drops a lot.
I would look up at the ceiling and noticed the texture up there for the first time. I could read my clock from across the room. Life just got a lot better.
I'm happy for you. Have a good new life. Enjoy it and make it great, because you can watch it happen now.
I just had it done on friday (2 days ago), i went back in for my day after exam about 18 hours after surgery, and my vision was already 20/15. I would definitely recommend it. I was very nervous at first, but it's been better than expected thus far. The only "complaint", is that my eyes were sore for about the first hour to 2 hours and it made it difficult for me to take a nap as they recommended. If i had to do it again, i would have taken some nyquil as soon as it was over so i would have slept.
If you get CustomVue lasik if actually helps with abberations. However, they might not be totally corrected, but still probably better than what you are experiencing now.
LASIK is a laser based vision correction procedure where your vision can be corrected to such a degree that you no longer need corrective lenses. And the amazing part is that it all happens in just a few minutes!
Think about that – no more glasses or contact lenses. What a relief – never having to hunt for your glasses or fool around with contacts.
But LASIK eye surgery isn't right for everyone. You need to meet certain requirements before submitting to LASIK eye surgery.
Here are a few of the guidelines used in determining if LASIK is a good choice for you -
Lasik surgery: Your blindness is temporary, do not be alarmed – Reno Gazette Journal
Lasik surgery: Your blindness is temporary, do not be alarmedReno Gazette Journal, NV – Oct 10, 2008Several masked, gloved and capped Lasik doctors leaned over me, seemingly fascinated by my impending sightlessness. Over 28 years' worth of hospital visits, …
* You should be over 18 years of age.
* Your corneas must be healthy.
* You should not have had a significant change in your lens prescription in the last 12 months.
* Women should not be pregnant or breastfeeding.
* You should be in good general health.
Hope this helps!
Alphagan is a glaucoma medication. The halos that medication is talking about is unrelated to yours. Alphagan lowers the pressure in your eye. If people have uncontrolled glaucoma, their eye pressure may increase dramatically and cause halos around lights (headaches and vomiting usually accompany this).
Seeing halos around lights especially at night is the number one complaint of people after undergoing refractive surgery. Unfortunately you have to deal with it. You can have driving glasses made with a really good anti-reflective coating on them, but I realize this probably what you want to do, considering that is why you had the surgery to begin with, to get rid of glasses. Ironic I know.