Short-sightedness, or myopia, is a very common vision problem that an estimated 2.6 billion people suffer from worldwide. Objects that are nearby can be seen quite clearly, but farther away objects appear blurry. The condition occurs when the shape of the eye has a slight deformity that causes light rays to bend (refract) inaccurately. Light rays that should be focused on the reception nerve tissues at the eye’s rear (retina) are focused to the retina’s front instead, causing the blur distortion. Short-sightedness most often develops during childhood and adolescence, and it usually stabilizes between the ages of 20 and 40. The condition tends to be hereditary.
Throughout most of human history, there wasn’t much to be done for people suffering from the condition. In the 15th century, the first eyeglasses for the purpose of correcting myopia were made by Nicholas of Cusa in Italy. Fragile, cumbersome eyeglasses were all that was available until 1948 when California optician Kevin Tuohy made the first modern contact lenses. This technology allowed more freedom, but placing something in one’s eye was counter-instinctive, and the chances of infection were great. In 1989 Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris performed the first LASIK procedure in the USA. Now Short short-sighted LASIK treatment (called เลสิคสายตาสั้น in Thai) is performed all around the world, allowing people to have natural vision without the need for artificial aids. An estimated 30 million LASIK procedures have been performed as of the year 2021!
The many advantages of LASIK surgery include:
Improved Vision – More than 99% of patients receive results better than 20/40 vision, with 90% achieving 20/20 or better!
Quick Recovery – The LASIK surgery recovery time is only a few days, with many patients reporting the ability to see clearly immediately after surgery! At most the recovery period can last a week, with recipients being able to perform daily activities like driving much sooner than that.
Long-lasting Results – Forget the hassle and expense of updating prescriptions you face with contact lenses or glasses, LASIK vision correction is a permanent solution to short-sightedness.
Convenience- Many people suffering from short-sightedness require different types of glasses for different activities, such as reading glasses, and prescription sunglasses. Contact lens wearers are often concerned about losing them due to their small size and difficult-to-spot clear colour, and can’t forget to remove them before swimming or other water activities that might wash them away! LASIK removes these day-to-day hassles!
