LASIK for Athletes

LASIK is a great vision solution for many athletes with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Many athletes have received LASIK and experienced outstanding results. Professional athletes who have received LASIK include:

• Tiger Woods
• LeBron James
• Greg Maddux

A common concern for athletes interested in LASIK is corneal flap displacement. Contact sports like football carry the risk of a blow to the eye, which could cause the corneal flap created in the procedure to become dislodged or displaced. You should discuss this risk and others with your eye surgeon as part of deciding if LASIK is compatible with your lifestyle.

Unlike glasses, LASIK lets you clearly see all areas of your vision. Glasses can block your peripheral eyesight, the area outside of your direct line of sight. Seeing movement and objects to the side of you is especially important in sports, and LASIK has the potential to achieve this unobstructed sight.

Many athletes use contact lenses. Aside from the hassle of inserting, removing and cleaning these devices every day, contacts carry the risk of eye infection. As you get active and start sweating, the sweat can make its way into your eyes and contacts, making you vulnerable to infection. As an athlete, you probably want to focus on the game instead of how much you're perspiring.

The only way to decide if LASIK is a good fit for your active lifestyle is to consult an experienced surgeon. Be sure to raise all of your concerns and gather all the information you need to make a decision about your vision.

If you are an athlete or otherwise active person and would like to live free from contacts and glasses, please find an experienced LASIK surgeon in your area.