Laser Eye Surgery: The Results Beyond the Numbers
When many people talk about the quality of their vision, it is extremely common to hear the term “20/20 vision” or perhaps their prescription. So, it might be fair to expect these numbers to also be batted around when discussing someone’s Laser Eye Surgery results. Yet we find that numbers like these are not usually the first thing mentioned by patients whose lives have been improved by Laser Eye Surgery. Often, the results beyond the numbers are what really matter.
Most of the time, it is the more personal impact of Laser Eye Surgery results that leave a lasting impression on our patients. For a parent, this might mean being able to play and roll around with their kids without worrying about breaking their glasses. For the sportsperson, it’s being able to get up for a run at the crack of dawn without waking her partner trying to put in her contact lenses. For you, it might be something else.
But as insignificant as these things might seem to someone else, they can be the most meaningful thing in the world to another. We’re taking a look at some of the most common, yet unexpected, benefits of Laser Eye Surgery treatment that never fail to surprise people.
Immediate Vision Improvement
We like to accurately represent the recovery process to all our patients, including informing them of how long it can take for their vision to reach optimum levels. However, that isn’t to say that you won’t notice an immediate – and often shocking – improvement.
In fact, the moments immediately after surgery are often the most emotional for our patients as they open their eyes and see their new world for the first time. Thankfully, you will have years to get used to your new way of seeing.
Freedom from Costly Eyewear
Of course, one of the main selling points of Laser Eye Surgery is its potential to rid you of glasses and contact lenses for good. But until you can actually throw your glasses and contacts away, it’s hard to contemplate what this actually means – for your wallet as well as your convenience.
Many people with refractive errors such as hyperopia (long-sightedness), myopia (short-sightedness), and astigmatism are not fully aware of exactly how much their poor vision is costing them. As a result, realising the true value of Laser Eye Surgery in comparison to glasses and contact lenses can come as a real shock.
Reduced Risk of Eye Infections and Diseases
While contact lenses remain extremely popular – largely thanks to their discretion and convenience over glasses – most people are unaware of the risks associated with their use. The fact is that routinely wearing contacts can put you at higher risk of developing potentially sight-threatening eye infections and diseases. The risks of infection as a result of wearing contact lenses even exceed the risks of Laser Sye Surgery.
Other risks of contact lenses include conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions, and eye irritation. An enormous amount of care is required when wearing contact lenses to reduce the risk of these conditions, and even then you are not entirely free from these risks.
Ability to Broaden Social and Recreational Activities
Many patients find that ditching the glasses and contact lenses gives them both the confidence and the freedom to take part in more social and recreational activities. From carts and crafts to extreme sports, no longer having to worry about your eyesight really can open up a whole new world of possibilities!
Better Performance in Sport
Speaking of sports, non-glasses- and contacts-wearers may not realise just how much of a burden they can be. Whether visual aids have been holding them back from watersports like swimming or diving or contact activities such as basketball and boxing, many patients find that their performance improves after Laser Eye Surgery.
It should come as no surprise, then, that major sports stars (including Tiger Woods) have opted for treatment.
Overall Greater Convenience
In today’s modern life, most of us are increasingly looking for more convenient ways of doing things. But one thing that certainly doesn’t offer convenience is external visual aids like glasses and contact lenses. Bur freedom from the laborious routine of inserting, removing, and cleaning contact lenses and emergency glasses replacements certainly will.
And that’s before we even consider how much easier everyday tasks like applying make-up or your morning shave are without the burden of glasses and contact lenses!
Increased Self Confidence
As the benefits highlighted in the article demonstrate – looks are far from everything. But that’s not to say they don’t matter at all. In fact, many patients are surprised by how much ditching the glasses can affect their overall confidence.
As Heidi, one of our past patients, wrote in a recent TrustPilot review: “I have needed pretty strong glasses since birth & forced my optician to let me have contact lenses since age 11, as I hated my glasses so much, it has transformed the way I live & feel.”
But Just out of curiosity… What are the numbers?
If all of these benefits weren’t enough to recommend Laser Eye Surgery, let’s take a look at the numbers. At London Vision Clinic, we’re proud to have one of the best patient outcome records in the whole country. So, let’s take a look at what proportion of our patients achieve 20/20 (or 6/6) vision.
Our results show that 93% of all long-sighted patients with a prescription up to +7.25D achieve 20/20 vision or better after treatment at our Harley Street clinic. Furthermore, 98% of all short-sighted patients with a prescription up to -12.00D also achieve 20/20 vision or better.
With results like these, it’s easy to understand why a lot of people get caught up in the numbers.
If you are considering ditching your glasses or contact lenses and are drawn to the benefits of Laser Eye Surgery, get in touch with one of our clinic coordinators to learn more. Alternatively, Book a Consultation at London Vision Clinic today.