Eye Health Resources

Laser eye surgery for farsightedness

Discover how laser eye surgery corrects refractive errors like farsightedness. We’ll explore the differences between LASIK and PRK to help you find out which procedure might be best for you based on recovery time, effectiveness, and your eye health.

What is farsightedness?

Woman pointing to her eye while consulting with a doctor we see from the back

For people with farsightedness, distant objects appear clear, but close objects look blurry. This happens because light focuses behind the retina, rather than directly on it. Common symptoms include eye strain, headaches, and trouble focusing on nearby objects. Glasses, contact lenses, or surgery can correct this by adjusting how light enters the eye to make vision clearer.

Correction with laser eye surgery

When people have farsightedness, the eye is either too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina. Laser surgery corrects this by reshaping the cornea so light focuses properly on the retina. The two most common laser treatments for farsightedness are LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). Both aim to correct the refractive error, but they differ in how they reshape the cornea.

LASIK

LASIK involves creating a small flap in the cornea, then using a laser to reshape it so light can focus properly on the retina. The flap is put back in place, and most people experience little discomfort. Vision usually improves within 1 to 2 days.

PRK

Unlike LASIK, PRK doesn’t create a flap. Instead, the thin outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is removed, and a laser is used to reshape the cornea directly. The epithelium naturally grows back over a few days. Healing takes about 3 to 4 days, during which you may experience some discomfort and blurred vision.

LASIK vs. PRK: side by side comparison

LASIK
PRK
A thin flap is created in the outer layer of the cornea, which is lifted so the laser can reshape the cornea.
The outer layer of the cornea is removed, exposing the tissue underneath for reshaping with a laser.
Quicker initial recovery—many patients have functional driving vision and feel comfortable within 4 hours of surgery.
Longer initial recovery, typically 3 to 5 days with a protective bandage contact lens.
Most patients experience clear vision within 1 to 2 days.
It can take two weeks to a month before patients achieve crisp vision.
LASIK is often preferred for individuals with moderate to high refractive errors or thicker corneas.
PRK is often better suited for those with thinner corneas, irregular corneal surfaces, or individuals who participate in high-impact sports, as there’s no risk of a corneal flap shifting.

Overall, both LASIK and PRK are effective options for correcting farsightedness, but your eye health and lifestyle will determine which is the best fit for you.

Who might make a good candidate for laser eye surgery?

While your eye doctor is ultimately the one to determine whether you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology provides some general guidelines for LASIK and PRK that your eye doctor may follow. 

LASIK

Candidates for LASIK surgery should:

  • be at least 18 years old but ideally, over 21 years old, when vision is more likely to be fully developed
  • have an eye prescription that has not changed much in the last year
  • have good eye health overall
  • have realistic expectations about what LASIK can and cannot do for you

Candidates for LASIK surgery should not:

  • have an unstable (changing) refractive error
  • have extreme levels of myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism
  • have severe dry eye
  • have corneal scars or disease
  • have keratoconus (cone-shaped cornea)
  • have advanced glaucoma
  • have a cataract affecting vision
  • have a history of having certain eye infections
  • have diabetes that is not controlled well
  • be pregnant or nursing

PRK

Candidates for PRK should:

  • be at least 18 years old but ideally, over 21 years old, when vision is more likely to have stopped changing
  • have an eye prescription that has not changed in the last year
  • have healthy corneas and generally good overall eye health
  • have realistic expectations about what PRK can and cannot do for you

Candidates for PRK should not:

  • have an unstable (changing) refractive error
  • have skin or other disease that can affect healing
  • have a history of a lot of scarring
  • have corneal scars or disease
  • have advanced glaucoma
  • have a cataract affecting vision
  • have uncontrolled diabetes
  • have a history of certain eye infections
  • be pregnant or nursing

To find out if LASIK or PRK are right for you, you'll need a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During the exam, the eye doctor will evaluate your eyes to determine your candidacy for laser surgery. Here’s what will be done:

  • Your overall eye health will be assessed
  • Measurements of your cornea will be taken
  • Your refractive error will be measured

The eye doctor will also discuss any other conditions that may affect your eligibility for laser surgery.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is laser eye surgery for farsightedness?

Laser eye surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, corrects farsightedness by reshaping the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina, improving near vision.

How do I know if I'm a candidate for laser eye surgery?

Ideal candidates are over 21, have a stable vision prescription, and generally healthy eyes. A comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist can determine if surgery is right for you.

How long does the procedure take?

The laser surgery itself typically takes about 10-15 minutes per eye, with the entire visit lasting less than an hour.

What is the recovery time after laser eye surgery?

Most people experience improved vision within a few days of LASIK, but it can take a few months for your eyes to completely heal. With, PRK full recovery may happen over the course of a few weeks. It's important to follow your doctor's post-op care instructions.

Are there any risks or side effects?

Common side effects include dry eyes, glare, double vision, and sensitivity to light. Serious complications are rare but can include infections, problems with corneal healing, or having worse vision than before surgery.

How long will the results of laser eye surgery last?

Laser surgery results are permanent, though natural age-related changes in vision, like presbyopia, can still occur over time.

Is laser eye surgery painful?

Results may vary but the procedure is designed to minimize discomfort and/or pain. Numbing eye drops are used to ensure comfort. Some discomfort, such as dryness or light sensitivity, may occur during recovery.

Is laser eye surgery safe?

Yes, it’s a well-established procedure with a high success rate. However, like all surgeries, it comes with some risks, so be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

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