Preventing glaucoma: the role of LASIK surgery
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s caused by a buildup of pressure within the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. While there’s no cure for glaucoma, there are ways to manage the condition and prevent further vision loss. One potential tool in the fight against glaucoma is LASIK surgery. In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of LASIK surgery in preventing glaucoma.
How LASIK Surgery Works
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that’s used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the procedure, a laser is used to reshape the cornea, the clear, outer layer of the eye, to improve the way that light enters the eye and is focused on the retina.
The Role of LASIK in Glaucoma Prevention
While LASIK surgery is primarily used to correct vision problems, it may also play a role in preventing glaucoma. One study found that LASIK surgery can lead to a reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the pressure within the eye that’s a key risk factor for glaucoma.
The study followed a group of patients with high IOP who underwent LASIK surgery. After the surgery, the patients’ IOP levels decreased significantly, and the reduction was sustained over a period of two years. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of LASIK on IOP and glaucoma risk, these findings suggest that LASIK surgery may be a useful tool in the fight against glaucoma.
While LASIK surgery may be a useful tool in preventing glaucoma, it’s important to note that it’s not a cure-all. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing glaucoma. Maintaining a healthy diet that’s rich in nutrients that support eye health can help to protect the eyes and reduce the risk of developing glaucoma. Regular eye exams are also important, as early detection and treatment of glaucoma can help to prevent vision loss.
LASIK surgery can be an effective way to reduce your risk of developing glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure in the eye. Not only does it offer potential long-term health benefits but it also provides immediate improvements in vision quality and reduces dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you’re considering undergoing this procedure yourself or think you may be at risk for glaucoma, talk to an ophthalmologist.
Book a free virtual assessment to discuss this further.
Share This Story
Find us
What patients say about us
Recognized leaders in Harrisburg LASIK eye surgery
CHOOSE THE MOST EXPERIENCED LASIK SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA
Dr. Bennett Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR, GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY
Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the founder and medical director of Memorial Eye Institute. A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, the Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established the Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first …
Dr. Erik A Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.
GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY
Erik Chotiner, M.D. diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical eye conditions. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Chotiner attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received multiple awards including the Physiology Prize for …
