Advantages and disadvantages of surgery for nearsightedness
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Advantages and disadvantages of surgery for nearsightedness
Advantages of surgery
- You may no longer need to wear glasses or contacts after surgery.
- You may not have to bother with the daily cleaning and care of contact lenses.
- Surgery may turn out to be less expensive than glasses or contact lenses over the long term, if you don't need corrective lenses after surgery.
Disadvantages of surgery
- Some people still need glasses after surgery but are no longer able to wear contacts. (This is not typical for PRK or LASIK.)
- The long-term risks of surgery are still unknown.
- Surgery has a risk of complications. (Complications that threaten vision are rare, though.)
- Skilled surgeons may not be available in all areas.
- Surgery and follow-up care are expensive.
Credits
| Author | Robin Parks, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology |
| Last Updated | July 7, 2007 |
| Last updated: | July 07, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman |
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