To LASIK Or Not To LASIK, Is It Necessary?

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The benefits of getting laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery have been documented. But is it necessary?

Also known as "laser eye surgery" or "laser vision correction," LASIK surgery is performed to correct cases of astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia.

The question of when to use it is many times up to the recommendation of your doctor.

Renowned MD Neda Shamie is a renowned LASIK, cataract, and corneal surgeon. She is a partner at the Maloney-Shamie Vision Institute in Los Angeles, specializing in advanced vision correction surgery.

She says, "Given that in our center we have expertise in the entire gamut of refractive surgical options (as an example, the implantable contact lens for the very high nearsighted patient), my patients can count on me to offer them the best and safest option for their specific visual needs. As for cataract patients, I offer laser and non-laser approaches to surgery as well as a full spectrum of lens options. We spend time listening to our patient’s visual needs and demands, engage in a discussion of their hopes and expectations from the cataract surgery, and evaluate the potential to maximize the outcome of the appropriate lens type. This level of thorough assessment and customized treatment plan can help guide the decision as to what type of lens implant is best suited for each patient offering the most optimized outcome possible."

Many have had the procedure performed on them, including rock star Taylor Swift. In a recent interview with Jimmy Fallon on "The Tonight Show," she said "I can see really well." Fallon surprised her with a video filmed by Swift's mother after the star was recuperating.

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