Are you considering eye surgery? by Tina Y. Gerber-McCurley

Laser eye surgery does and can correct several eyesight conditions.

My mother was scheduled for cataract surgery but cancelled at the last moment due to fear. Today, cataract surgery is typically performed with a high-frequency micro incisional ultrasound device. While it is safe and provides good results, it is still dependent on the skill of the surgeon. I didn't blame mom for cancelling her surgery, as there were potential side effects and it was expensive then. As she got older, she wished she had proceeded with her surgery.

Many have laser surgery for glaucoma, which is used to open your eye drainage system, or they can and do create a new drainage system. Glaucoma is caused by fluid build-up behind the eye. This surgery helps decrease eye pressure and slows or prevents more damage to vision. Unlike vision loss from glaucoma, cataract vision loss can be regained.

Most individuals who have laser-assisted surgery achieve 20/20 vision, or it is much improved. Laser eye surgery can fix vision issues, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. My friend, who wears glasses 24/7, opted for this surgery, as wearing glasses isn't convenient in military life. He now has perfect vision.

Lasik stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and is the most common type of refractive eye surgery, patented in 1989. Lasik takes about 15 minutes per eye to perform, including adding numbing eye drops and replacing the corneal flap after reshaping. Most people can return to work after day surgery, although you should wait several days before resuming vigorous activities.

The clinical name for nearsightedness is called myopia. A person with myopia can see objects close to them clearly, but distant objects appear blurry due to the curvature of the cornea being too steep. The the converse condition and clinical name for farsightedness is hyperopia. Individuals with this condition can see objects in the distance, but other things can appear blurry at a close distance. Farsightedness is due to the curvature of the cornea being too flat. Then there are individuals with astigmatism, they have a differently shaped eye which is characterized by this condition. The eye is in a football-like shape, instead of a round soccer ball shape. To diagnose this properly your eye surgeon will ask you detailed questions about your general health. Certain medical conditions, unrelated to your eyes, can increase the risks associated with or make the outcome less predictable.

The main benefit of surgery is individuals will no longer need to wear corrective lenses to see clearly, until later years. When choosing an eye surgeon, talk with your family doctor, usual eye professional, and any family and friends who have had a successful experience.

Surgery, whether minor or major, can be scary and fill you with anxiety. Praise God for modern medicine's ability to enable successful healing and recover.

Remember, those who know Him can always ask for God's protection and safety, both physically and mentally, against harm and pain. Trust God. Read Philippians 4:19.