The most common vision problems in the U.S. are nearsightedness and farsightedness. So, if you experience blurry eyesight, you may wear glasses or contact lenses to correct the problem. Unfortunately, these vision aids are not always convenient. Mattioli Vision Professionals can provide you with information about laser procedures so you can see clearly in Woodlands, Sugar Land, River Oaks, and West University.
So, what is nearsighted vision, and which laser treatments will treat your nearsightedness? While many people think LASIK is their only option for vision correction, SMILE laser eye surgery may be safer and more effective. Meet with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Fred Mattioli in Houston, TX to learn about this alternative procedure and whether it can meet your vision goals.
What is nearsighted vision?
First, it is important to understand how our eyes work. Our brains process images when light enters the eye and focuses on the retina. A refractive error occurs when light doesn’t focus properly. So, what is nearsighted vision? Nearsightedness happens when light refracts too far in front of the retina. This causes objects that are farther away to appear blurry or unfocused. You may find it difficult to read road signs or watch television from across the room.
Nearsightedness is most often discovered in school-aged children and teenagers going through puberty. The specialists at Mattioli Vision Professionals can confirm nearsightedness during an annual eye examination. Patients living with this refractive error may:
- Squint at distant objects
- Blink excessively
- Experience headaches
- Rub their eyes
Who should get laser eye surgery?
Most adults manage their nearsightedness with glasses or contact lenses. However, laser eye surgery could correct your vision and reduce your dependence on expensive frames. You can learn about your eligibility during an evaluation with a trained ophthalmologist in Houston. Mattioli Vision Professionals will perform a series of tests to fully understand your eye health.
Whether you have LASIK surgery or SMILE, all patients should be in good health and have a stable prescription for at least one year. Please inform our team about your full health history, including any eye conditions, before moving forward with your procedure. Issues like glaucoma or cataracts may change our recommendations for treatment.
Choosing SMILE laser eye surgery
Many people consider LASIK surgery to treat common refractive errors. LASIK requires creating a flap in the cornea to reshape the cornea. This flap may increase your risk of complications, such as dry eye and infection. In contrast, SMILE procedures use a femtosecond laser to make a tiny disc of tissue in the cornea. This allows Dr. Mattioli to change how light is refracted on the cornea. While one treatment is not necessarily better than the other, we may recommend SMILE specifically for nearsightedness.
Treat your nearsighted vision
It can be challenging to know which laser eye treatment will work best for your vision. While LASIK and SMILE both produce long-lasting results, SMILE is usually our recommended course of treatment for patients with nearsightedness. When you are ready to experience clear vision in Houston, TX, call the specialists at Mattioli Vision Professionals to set up a consultation. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Fred Mattioli can review your options in full.
