When FDA approval first made Lasik eye surgery a vision option for people dependent on eyeglasses and contact lenses in 1999, strict patient requirements meant many people were ineligible for the procedure.

Today, new technology is making Lasik eye surgery possible for a whole new group of patients. New advancements mean corrective surgery is now a viable choice for nearly 98 percent of patients seeking permanent sight correction. If you’ve been turned down in the past for Lasik, you may find the vision correction procedure is now a suitable option for you.

The Lasik procedure is among the most popular vision correction procedures for providing permanent vision correction. The procedure involves the surgical reshaping of the cornea using a laser. By adjusting the shape of your cornea, your eye surgeon can effectively provide you with perfect or near-perfect vision.

Furthermore, what makes Lasik especially attractive is that it is a relatively pain-free, outpatient procedure. The surgery only takes a few minutes to perform and requires little recovery time. Once it’s complete, many patients find they no longer need to wear glasses or contacts. Most people find they can see clearly almost instantly after surgery.

In the past, however, patients with a thin cornea, astigmatism or those needing a high degree of correction were ineligible for Lasik.

A number of recent advances in the Lasik procedure have made this option for correcting eyesight more readily available to patients who are dependent on corrective lenses. One of the biggest advancements in Lasik technology is the development of blade-free systems. This enhancement means people who were once told their corneas were not thick enough to safely undergo this procedure may now be considered for Lasik eye surgery.

A new type of wavefront technology allows eye surgeons to use corneal mapping to treat patients who have larger refractive errors. Additionally, intralase technology uses a tiny gas bubble to cut a much thinner flap in the cornea.

This combination of technological advancements gives doctors more control and accuracy during Lasik, making it a safe option for more patients. New technology has also significantly reduced the risk of glare and halos at night, which have been common side effects of LASIK since its development.

While doctors cannot guarantee 20/20 vision after Lasik, many patients find they no longer need prescription lenses following this simple outpatient procedure. If you are tired of wearing glasses or contacts, consult with your eye doctor or directly with an eye surgeon who specializes in Lasik to learn more. You just might discover that Lasik is right for you.