For many patients, LASIK results in noticeably improved vision. As noted in previous post, there are also unexpected benefits to having the procedure. Here are four more advantages my patients frequently mention.
Improved peripheral vision.
In addition to improved straight-ahead vision, many of my patients remark how much better their peripheral vision has become since they no longer wear glasses. Glasses do not “wrap around” the eyes, so peripheral vision is blurry unless the patient turns his/her head. Once the glasses are gone, peripheral vision is clear as well.
Reduced allergy symptoms.
Some patients say their allergy symptoms improve after treatment. They claim fewer headaches and less sinus pain without glasses sitting on their nose. Contact wearers claim less eye irritation and redness because they don’t have to put contacts in their eyes.
Better nighttime vision.
Although a small number of patients experience mild glare/haloes after their LASIK procedure, many people say that their nighttime vision improves after the procedure. I believe it might have to do with the fact that they are no longer dealing with the light reflecting off the lenses in their glasses. For people who wear contact lenses, end-of-day dryness may also cause fuzzy nighttime vision. Without having reflections and a poor refractive surface because of dryness, many post-LASIK patients actually see better at night.
Additional lines of sight.
Some patients with high levels of myopia or astigmatism gain additional lines of vision after LASIK. These types of refractive errors are best corrected on the corneal surface and often increase a patient’s clarity after surgery — as opposed to only partially correcting them with glasses or contacts that move with each blink.
Each person’s eyes are different, and the benefits of LASIK vary from patient to patient. Consult with a qualified LASIK doctor to determine if the procedure is right for you.