What Vision Problems Can LASIK Actually Fix?

Do you have trouble seeing clearly at a distance, up close or while reading? If so, you likely have a refractive error.

Understanding Common Refractive Eye Errors

A refractive error is caused when the eye does not bend light correctly, resulting in a blurred image. This is likely due to an issue with the shape of the eye, the cornea, or the lens inside the eye. Refractive errors are extremely common. According to the National Eye Institute over half of all Americans experience a refractive error that can be corrected. LASIK, or other forms of vision correction surgery can improve the most common types of refractive errors including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism and presbyopia.

Myopia (nearsightedness)

People who experience myopia are able to see clearly up close but have difficulty seeing objects far away. Myopia usually begins in childhood and is corrected with contacts, glasses or refractive surgery.

Hyperopia (farsightedness)

People who experience hyperopia are able to see more clearly far away than up close. Hyperopia, similar to myopia, can be corrected with contacts, glasses or LASIK.

Astigmatism

With astigmatism the cornea, or clear front part of the eye, is shaped more like a football than a basketball which results in blurred or distorted images. Glasses, contacts and laser vision correction can correct astigmatism. Irregular astigmatism, or high levels of astigmatism, may require specialty contact lenses.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia occurs naturally in people who are generally over 40. As you age, the lens inside of the eye becomes less flexible which reduces your ability to read or see close up. Reading glasses, bifocals or surgical options. like Custom Lens Replacement can improve your ability to read up close.

Next Steps Schedule your life-changing experience now!

Modern Options for Clearer Vision

Vision correction has come a long way. In the past, glasses were the only way to correct a refractive error and have clear vision. Today there are many options to correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia including glasses, contacts and refractive surgery. If you are interested in reducing your dependency on contacts and glasses, Chu Vision Institute has laser vision correction options and reading vision correction customized to meet your needs. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu is a fellowship-trained corneal specialist and a nationally recognized leader in refractive and cataract procedures. His specialty areas include cataract, LASIK, cornea, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries for patients in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Twin Cities areas.