Considerations For Lasik In Hawaii

Hawaii is probably the premier vacationing and honeymooning capital of America and many travel to this island destination each year. While medical tourism to Hawaii for LASIK eye surgery is not heard of, LASIK because of a trip to Hawaii is. And, there are those who live in Hawaii that of course want LASIK too. But what are the considerations you should account for before having a LASIK Hawaii procedure? If you have a LASIK Hawaii procedure will you be able to enjoy this island so much more because of the activities you will be able to do without glasses?

Hawaii is very humid being surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Someone living in Hawaii might at first think that this humidity and warm temperature would be perfect for a LASIK Hawaii procedure (because there is less likelihood that your eyes will dry out). Those of us who have worn contacts know that it is a joy to be in humid climates because the lenses stay nice and moist. But it is much different when it comes to LASIK Hawaii surgery.

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis and it is an eye surgery using an excimer laser that shapes the cornea to remove the refractive errors that cause vision distortion known as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Myopia is also known as nearsightedness where one can see objects clearly up close and hyperopia is just the opposite or farsightedness. Astigmatism causes objects to be blurred regardless of distance. A LASIK Hawaii procedure is intended to correct these problems by using a laser to remove small bits of corneal tissue and reshape the eye so things are clear.

But think about what is the core tool in a LASIK Hawaii procedure. It is the excimer laser. And humidity affects the waveform of an excimer laser (or any laser for that matter). If you have ever seen the laser light show at the Disney Theme Parks you know how different a laser is on a clear night and when there is moisture in the air. The humidity affects the LASIK Hawaii procedure too.

Studies have shown that with a LASIK Hawaii surgery performed where the room humidity was relatively high, the outcome under-corrected the refractive vision problems in the eye. Likewise, when the LASIK Hawaii surgery was performed in a very dry environment such as would be with a heavily air conditioned room, the refractive vision problems were overcorrected. The ideal for a LASIK Hawaii surgery is to take in consideration the room humidity and program those metrics into the computer so that it can apply the compensating factors.

But most have their LASIK done at home and do not spend their vacation in this state having a LASIK Hawaii surgery. In other words, they get their surgery done before leaving expecting to be able to swim, surf, sail, snorkel, and scuba dive with new freedom because of no need for glasses. But you would be wise to have your LASIK procedure done many months if not a couple of years before coming to Hawaii. The corneal flap that is created during the LASIK procedure needs to have plenty of time to reattach itself back to the eye and this could take several months before you are ready for swimming or other water activities that are enjoyed by those who go to Hawaii.