You see your optometrist once a year so that you can receive an annual check-up and take care of your eyes to the best of your ability. Perhaps your optometrists has once talked to you about vision correction options, one of the most popular in our modern times being LASIK eye surgery. Perhaps you have heard of LASIK before, and this is because many people are choosing this method as a way to receive corrective eye surgery in a way that not only has the best rates of success, but is minimally invasive and quick.
The Best Corrective Option for Glaucoma and Cataracts
Today, two of the most popular types of eye surgeries include those targeting cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts are a change in the lens of an eye, which prevent light from properly entering the eye. Glaucoma occurs when there is buildup of pressure in the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve and ultimately leading to blindness in the worst cases. Let’s talk a bit about each.
Glaucoma is more common than we thought. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, about 3 million Americans are living with the condition, but only about 50% of these patients know that they have it. Glaucoma account for 9-12% of blindness cases in the U.S. It is also the second leading cause of blindness in the world. For those who have the risk factors or have the start of glaucoma, about 74% say that they have their eyes examined at least every two years.
Cataract surgery is also quite common, as many Americans live with this condition in the U.S. In fact, by age 80, over 50% of Americans have been diagnosed with the condition or received surgery related to it. Cataracts tend to stay in one place, which means that they tend to occur in one or both eyes, but they will never spread from one eye to another. The good news is that cataract surgery almost always brings good results; 98% of people move forward with great vision.
LASIK Surgery: Changing the World
LASIK surgery is quickly becoming one of the top eye surgeries in the U.S., with many people counting on the procedure to help their eyesight and make drastic, positive changes to their lives every year. By just 2015 alone, 21 million LASIK eye surgeries were performed and this is only growing. It is projected, in fact, that by year 2020, 718,000 surgeries will be performed on top of the growing number. Many people realize that their eye’s health is one of the many aspects they will depend on for the rest of their lives, and know the importance of protecting their eyes from everything.
There are many types of surgeries you may consider if you are dealing with one of these conditions or just want to improve the livelihood of your eyes so that you no longer have to worry about glasses or contacts, or the strain you may be putting on your eyes when you forget them every day. No matter your decision, you know that you are making a choice that will benefit your eyes for many years to come – and your eyes will thank you!