Athletes can participate in many sports in Hawaii, like running, surfing, and swimming. While it’s possible to compete and train with glasses or contacts, many optometrists believe that having LASIK surgery can help improve an athlete’s performance. Here is a guide to the procedure, as well as why you should consider it over contacts and glasses. 

About LASIK Surgery 

LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery. It corrects conditions that cause refractive errors in the eye, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. During the procedure, your optometrist will use a laser device to create a circular flap in your cornea and remove a microscopic layer of corneal tissue. They will then reshape the cornea to improve the way it focuses light on the retina. Finally, the flap is put back in its original place so that it can heal. 

You don’t need general anesthesia to have LASIK treatment. Instead, you will receive anesthetic eye drops. There are no stitches or bandage wraps, so you can get back to playing your favorite sport quickly. If you follow your eye doctor’s recovery instructions, your vision will begin to improve in a matter of hours. Your eyesight will continue to get better over the coming weeks. 

Athletic Benefits of LASIK

Athletes who get LASIK surgery, report better reaction times. They also gain an enhanced ability to see objects and fellow athletes. Plus, their eyes will be less prone to dryness than before the procedure.

Also, they never have to remember their glasses or contacts when they head out for a competition or training. Practicing in fog, rain, or cloudy weather is effortless. They are also less likely to suffer an eye or facial injury from broken glasses after a fall or collision. 

Disadvantages of Glasses & Contacts

If you spend time on the sand, in chlorine, or in salt water, and don’t take care of your contacts, you could get an eye infection. Even if you wear specialty athletic eyewear, moisture, and changes in temperature may cause you to need frequent replacements. Since your vision will be permanently improved, you will never have to worry about updating your prescription to stay ahead of the competition. 

If you’re interested in the benefits of LASIK, Kato & Shoji Optometrists of Honolulu County, HI, is here to help. Their comprehensive vision care center offers this type of laser eye surgery, as well as eye exams. To make an appointment with one of their optometrists, call them at their Kapahulu Avenue location at (808) 735-8080 or their Manoa Road location at (808) 988-7748. Visit their website to learn more about their services.