Will I Still Need Glasses After Refractive Surgery?

More than 150 million Americans have some type or degree of refractive disorder. These common conditions affect the shape of the eye and throw off incoming light, preventing patients from enjoying the clear, continuous vision they desire and deserve. And with compromised vision, daily tasks and favorite hobbies are more challenging and frustrating.

But we’re here to help you regain your visual liberty through various treatment techniques and options, such as refractive surgery or an eyeglass prescription. For better vision and eye health, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Palm Beach Eye Center or visit one of our practices in Delray Beach or Lake Worth, FL.

How do refractive disorders form? How can they be treated with refractive surgery?

The cornea is the outer, transparent part of the eye that provides protection for the more delicate tissues within. And it works with the lens, which sits deeper in the eye, to refract (bend) and guide incoming light to its intended destination: the retina. For individuals to enjoy good, clear vision at all distances, light must fall on the correct portion of the retina. Afterward, that light is turned into an electrical signal that travels to the brain through the optic nerve before being formed into a coherent image of the outside world.

Refractive disorders or errors are conditions in which light cannot be bent onto the correct portion of the retina because the eyeball is misshapen. And depending on how the light is improperly bent, patients cannot see well at certain distances or multiple distances. Fortunately, we’re happy to offer a time-tested, clinically proven treatment: refractive surgery.

It doesn’t take long, is virtually painless, and the risk of errors has been minimized thanks to ultra-precise, laser-assisted technology. During the procedure, we aim to resolve the refractive disorder at its source by making a small incision in the cornea and then reshaping it using state-of-the-art laser-based technology.

Will I still need glasses after refractive surgery?

The goal of refractive surgery at Palm Beach Eye Center is to significantly improve one’s vision and reduce or remove their need for visual aids like eyeglasses and contact lenses. Some patients will no longer need to wear eyeglasses after refractive surgery, though others may still need visual aids after their procedure. Your overall results depend on multiple factors, including the physiology and shape of your eye, the grade of your prescription, and how often or quickly that prescription changes.

Additionally, while refractive surgery can resolve conditions such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, it cannot prevent further changes from affecting the eyes. As such, some may develop age-related disorders that could require glasses or contact lenses.

Enjoy improved vision through refractive surgery or other personalized treatment plans

At Palm Beach Eye Center, we’re devoted to helping our Lake Worth and Delray Beach, FL patients enjoy eye health and visual clarity. Whether through eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, our expertise and one-stop shop allow us to devise the most effective treatment plan or optical aids possible for your unique needs. Simply contact us to learn more, or schedule a consultation with us today.