Farsightedness, medically known as hyperopia, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear clear, but closer objects are blurry. This occurs because the eye focuses light rays behind the retina, rather than directly on it, due to a cornea that is too flat or an eyeball that is too short. Laser eye surgery can effectively correct farsightedness for many individuals, reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lenses.
How Laser Surgery Corrects Farsightedness
Laser eye surgery for farsightedness works by reshaping the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to alter how light enters and focuses on the retina. The goal is to steepen the central cornea, thereby increasing its focusing power to ensure light rays converge precisely on the retina. This reshaping process is achieved using an excimer laser, which emits a cool beam of ultraviolet light to remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue.
Two primary types of procedures are commonly used for hyperopia: Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK). In LASIK, a thin flap is created in the outer layer of the cornea using a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome. This flap is then gently lifted to allow the excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. After the laser application, the flap is repositioned and adheres naturally without stitches.
PRK, on the other hand, involves the removal of the outermost layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, before the excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue. The epithelium then regrows naturally over a few days, often with the aid of a bandage contact lens. While both procedures aim to correct the refractive error by modifying the corneal curvature, the fundamental difference lies in how the inner corneal layers are accessed.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Determining suitability for laser eye surgery involves several factors. Candidates should be at least 18 years old, with stable vision. A stable prescription, with no significant changes for at least 12 to 24 months, is also important for lasting results.
Overall eye health plays a role; individuals should not have existing eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eye syndrome that could impair healing. General health conditions, including autoimmune diseases or uncontrolled diabetes, can also influence candidacy. Sufficient corneal thickness is also a consideration, as the procedure removes tissue. Thinner corneas may require alternative procedures like PRK.
The Surgical Process and Healing
The laser eye surgery procedure for farsightedness is quick, with the laser application lasting less than a minute per eye and the total procedure for both eyes usually completed within 15 to 30 minutes. Numbing eye drops are applied before the procedure to ensure comfort. Patients may experience pressure or hear sounds during the laser treatment.
Immediately following surgery, initial blurry vision, mild discomfort, and light sensitivity are common. For PRK procedures, a bandage contact lens is often placed to protect the eye during the initial healing phase, which can last up to a week. Vision begins to improve within the first few days to a week. The eye surface continues to heal and stabilize over two to four weeks, with full visual clarity developing over time.
Life After Laser Farsightedness Correction
After laser surgery for farsightedness, most patients experience significant improvement in vision, often eliminating the need for distance corrective lenses. While the procedure permanently reshapes the cornea, it does not prevent age-related vision changes. Individuals will likely still need reading glasses later in life due to presbyopia, a natural stiffening of the eye’s lens affecting close-up focus.
While rare, some individuals may experience temporary side effects after surgery. Dry eyes are common and can be managed with prescribed eye drops, improving over time. Other temporary visual disturbances can include glare or halos around lights, especially at night. These effects diminish as the eyes heal. Consistent follow-up care with an eye care professional is important to monitor healing and address any concerns.