Featured Image Caption: Laser Vision Correction
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Laser vision correction uses a laser to alter the shape of your corneas. It is an alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses that can help improve the clarity of your vision. In addition, laser vision correction can correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.
There are three main laser vision correction procedures for athletes: LASIK, LASEK, and PRK. All of these procedures reshape the cornea to improve vision.
- Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK): This procedure aims at creating a flap of the outside layer of the cornea to access and reshape the underlying corneal tissue to focus light onto the retina. Nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatism patients benefit from this procedure.
- Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK): In this procedure, the surgeon loosens the top layer of eye tissue (epithelial cells) by applying an alcohol solution. Then the cornea is reshaped using lasers, and the flap is set with a soft contact lens to heal correctly. LASEK also treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and the astigmatism.
- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): PRK involves using a laser to reshape the cornea. It’s best for treating mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
There are many sports where laser vision correction is used to improve performance. For example, in football and basketball, which rely on precision and speed, players must be able to make accurate passes while running at full speed. Eyesight plays a vital role in that process. Laser vision correction can help athletes keep their eyes on the ball and read plays instantly.
From Glasses to Laser Vision Correction: Impact on Athletes’ Performance
Laser vision correction improves athletes’ vision and may help them perform better in their sport. Additionally, it reduces the risk of glasses or contacts being displaced or broken during a game or practice, which can make athletes vulnerable to safety hazards.
Also, the improved vision might enhance focus and minimize distractions, as athletes will no longer have to worry or pause the game to adjust their visual aids.
Vision impairment can be permanently and painlessly treated with laser surgery. With a success rate of 96% or greater, the surgery is generally successful in helping patients achieve their vision goals. Furthermore, it is a one-time and lifetime investment with lasting results and a relatively quick process.
Recovery Time after Laser Vision Correction
Generally, taking it easy and avoiding strenuous activities or contact sports for at least four weeks following surgery is essential for recovering athletes. Immediately after surgery, you may feel discomfort or minor pain, and your eyes might itch or burn. However, these symptoms should subside within the first three days following surgery. Your doctor may advise you to take mild relief medication to aid your discomfort.
Additionally, it is important to avoid rubbing or touching the eye to allow the flap of the cornea to heal. While your eyes may become highly sensitive within the first three days following surgery, wearing UV-protective sunglasses and avoiding bright light indoors and outdoors until your eyes heal is essential.
Furthermore, it is normal to experience some blurriness or observe changes in vision for a few weeks or even months following laser eye surgery. See your doctor within 24-48 hours after your procedure, and schedule regular follow-up visits for six months or longer after surgery.
Following the recovery process can help reduce the risk of infection, scarring, and complications such as dry eyes, halos around lights, and other vision changes. Additionally, regular follow-up visits with an eye doctor can help to monitor the healing process closely.
Professional athletes who have undergone laser vision correction have reported excellent vision with a fast recovery time. For example, Tiger Woods had LASIK in August 1997 and then won six consecutive PGA tour events. In addition, Troy Aikman, a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, wore contact lenses due to nearsightedness and had LASIK in 1998. As a result, his vision improved significantly and helped him achieve peak performance.
Is the cost of laser vision correction worth the investment?
Athletes who wear glasses may face several difficulties; including keeping their glasses in place during physical activity and fogging up/blurring vision when training in cold weather. One of the most significant difficulties that athletes face wearing glasses is keeping them in place during physical activity.
Since sports involve constant movement, glasses can slip off during physical activity, which can cause discomfort and distraction. Additionally, regular eyeglasses are not made to the same protective standards as safety eyewear, which can put athletes at risk of eye injury.
Athletes with impaired vision may experience depth perception problems, affecting their ability to judge distances and react quickly to objects or players. This issue can increase the risk of collisions and injuries for athletes. In addition, athletes with vision problems are more susceptible to concussions, as they may have difficulty processing visual information quickly and accurately.
Monthly Eye Checkup and Spectacles vs. Lifetime Vision Correction: A Price Comparison
The cost of laser correction surgery in Canada can vary depending on the type of vision correction needed. For example, LASIK surgery can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 per eye, and PRK surgery can cost up to $2,500 per eye.
On the other hand, the cost of an eye checkup and changing glasses may range from $75 to $250, and the cost of custom-made, single-vision lenses and frames can range from as low as $150 to $200.
A lifetime vision correction costs more than a monthly eye checkup and a change of spectacles. However, permanently correcting your vision is a good investment since the prices often fluctuate.
Improved Vision Is Possible for Athletes
Laser surgery is the most popular vision correction procedure available today. It provides excellent vision with a fast recovery time. In addition, vision correction can improve performance by providing a clearer image, improving depth perception and reaction time, reducing strain, and increasing visual acuity in athletes and active individuals.
Laser vision correction can also help reduce eye strain by decreasing the time each eye has to focus on an object to see it. Furthermore, a lack of visual acuity can cause physical discomfort due to poor contrast between different colours or shapes, making it difficult for an athlete to see clearly during a game.
Additionally, vision correction surgery can provide increased comfort and peace of mind, as glasses and contact lenses can slip off during physical activity. This procedure is also safer than using glasses or contact lenses, as there is no risk of them falling out or breaking. Finally, laser surgery can give athletes 20/20 vision or better, which can help them perform better in their sport.
By Erin Gregory
who is a blogger in Toronto. She is currently working as a Community Manager for several small businesses. She has graduated with honors from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing.
Member since July, 2022
View all the articles of Erin Gregory.
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