Refractive errors, which include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, are the most common vision problems in the world. For centuries, glasses were the only way to correct these conditions. Today, you have more options than ever. Along with improved lenses and a diverse array of stylish glasses frames, laser eye surgery can also give you sharper vision. At Broberg Eye Care, we proudly offer custom wavefront LASIK for highly accurate results. LASIK typically yields permanent results, and it could give you 20/20 vision or better. Despite the many advantages of LASIK, you could still be better suited to glasses. Dr. Broberg or one of his associates will evaluate your health and financial needs to determine the most appropriate treatment for you. To learn more about LASIK vs. glasses, contact our Austin practice today.

What Happens during Wavefront LASIK?

Before your procedure, your surgeon will measure your eye with our advanced Wavefront technology. Your doctor can then calibrate the surgical lasers to match the precise dimensions of your eye. After numbing your eye, he will make a round flap in the front of your cornea. He will use a femtosecond laser to control the depth of the flap and reduce the already low risks of LASIK surgery. Then he will reshape the deeper layers of your cornea using an excimer laser. In this way, he can improve the way that your eye refracts light. Ideally, it should focus in the very center of your retina.

The Benefits of LASIK

LASIK has a remarkably high success rate, and it poses few long-term risks. Following LASIK, most patients enjoy marked vision improvement, and many have 20/20 vision or better. In most cases, these results will last the rest of your life. In addition, LASIK can dramatically improve your long-term quality of life. In many cases, you will no longer need glasses, meaning you can see the world without frames in your peripheral vision. It will also make it easier to travel, play sports, and enjoy many other physical activities. Finally, if you are a pilot or a member of the military, LASIK can have important benefits for your career.

How Do Glasses Work?

Like LASIK, glasses will correct light refraction so that your brain registers a sharp image. However, while laser eye surgery actually improves the shape of your eyes themselves, glasses will simply redirect light. There are several types of glasses designed for various vision aberrations. The higher your prescription, the more the lenses will refract light.

The Benefits of Glasses

For many people, glasses have literally changed the way that they see the world. These lenses have many advantages, particularly for select patients.

  • Glasses may be a better choice than LASIK if you have thin corneas or an eye disease.
  • They are a good choice for children and teens. Young people cannot have laser vision surgery, as their eyes are still developing.
  • If you play a sport, such as boxing, that could involve blows to the head, glasses may be a safer option. Such hits could dislodge the corneal flap after LASIK.

Comparing Treatment Costs

Although both LASIK and glasses can improve your vision, glasses will not keep your sight from getting worse. In almost all cases, you will need to get a new lens prescription every few years. Eventually, this could cost a significant amount of money. LASIK certainly has a higher upfront price than glasses. Nevertheless, because of the lasting results, it could save you money over time. This long-term outlook, coupled with the many other benefits of laser eye surgery, could make it a great investment in your health and future.

Learn the Right Treatment for Your Eyes

To find out if LASIK is a good option for you, contact Broberg Eye Care today.