What Does LASIK Surgery Correct?

Correcting Refractive Errors with LASIK

LASIK is performed to correct the refractive errors of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK corrects the corneal shape that causes these refractive errors so light can focus directly on the retina. Clear vision is the result for many patients…clear vision to enjoy a Notre Dame game in South Bend or participate in fun activities around Goshen.

LASIK is the most frequently performed elective surgery in the United States. Dr. Boling II has personally performed over 20,000 LASIK procedures since he introduced the procedure to the Michiana area in 2000.

NEARSIGHTEDNESS (MYOPIA)

If you are nearsighted, you will have blurry distance vision. This is because the eye may be a longer shape than a normal eye or the cornea may be steeper. This causes light passing through the cornea and lens to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on the retina.

FARSIGHTEDNESS (HYPEROPIA)

If you are farsighted, you will have blurry up-close vision. This is because the eye may be shorter than a normal eye or the cornea may be flatter. This causes light passing through the cornea and lens to focus behind the retina, rather than directly on the retina.

ASTIGMATISM

If you have astigmatism (with or without nearsightedness or farsightedness), you will have blurry vision at all distances. This is because the cornea or natural lens is shaped more like a football than like a basketball. This causes light to focus unevenly.

PRESBYOPIA: NEED FOR READING GLASSES

Presbyopia is a condition that develops later in life. This is not a refractive error; instead, it is a condition where the eye lens becomes more rigid, making it increasingly difficult to focus on objects up-close. Most people over age 40 will naturally get presbyopia and need reading glasses to see menus, text messages, bottle labels and more. Traditional LASIK does not correct presbyopia, but a procedure called monovision LASIK may be an option. During this procedure, one eye is corrected to have distance vision while the other is left slightly nearsighted for good close up vision. At Boling Vision Center we can also perform the KAMRA inlay procedure at the same time as LASIK – one procedure on each eye – to help you achieve clear vision at all distances.