Understanding LASIK and Your Retina
Discuss Concerns About Your Retinal Health With Your Surgeon
The LASIK procedure is commonly used to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK primarily focuses on reshaping the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. However, LASIK doesn’t directly affect the retina.
The retina is located at the back of the eye and is responsible for converting light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain, allowing us to perceive visual images. The cornea and the lens in the eye help to focus light onto the retina. LASIK works by reshaping the cornea to improve its ability to focus light accurately onto the retina.
While LASIK doesn’t directly impact the retina, the surgery involves creating a thin flap in the cornea using a laser, and this flap is then lifted to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. It’s important for the corneal flap to heal properly to ensure good vision outcomes. Complications from LASIK, though extremely rare, could potentially impact the health of the eye and indirectly affect retinal health. For example, infection, inflammation, or issues with the corneal flap could potentially lead to vision problems that might indirectly affect the quality of the image projected onto the retina. This is why it is so important to carefully follow your surgeon’s guidance and instructions for your post-LASIK recovery and attend all of your follow-up appointments.
Retinal problems are not a common direct result of LASIK surgery itself. Any concerns about the retina should be discussed with an ophthalmologist who will provide a thorough examination of the overall health of your eyes, including the retinas, before and after LASIK surgery.
