CASE OVERVIEW:
A 38-year-old recreational skier was interested in laser vision correction to help with her normal activities of daily living and especially to allow enjoyment being glasses and contact lenses free for her passion of skiing. She was referred to the Bochner Eye Institute for consideration of LASIK. Her preoperative refractive error was -4.75 -2.00 x 25, which allowed 20/20 acuity in the right eye and in the left eye, -5.50 -1.50 x 47, which allowed 20/20 acuity. Anterior segment and fundus examinations were normal. Computerized topography showed no evidence of irregular astigmatism, and her corneal thickness measurements were 560 microns in the right eye and 555 microns in the left eye.
The risks and benefits of LASIK were discussed with her, and the procedure was performed without difficulty. One day post-op, she achieved an acuity of 20/20 in both eyes. She was very pleased with her uncorrected vision and greatly enjoyed skiing without optical aids.
KEY LEARNING POINTS:
LASIK offers many advantages for recreational and professional skiers, enhancing both performance and safety on the slopes. Here’s how:
1. CLEAR VISION WITHOUT GLASSES OR CONTACTS:
- Skiers rely heavily on clear vision to navigate terrain, judge distances, and avoid obstacles.
- No need for prescription ski goggles or inserts.
- Eliminates the risk of glasses fogging up in cold weather.
- No discomfort or irritation from contact lenses in dry, high-altitude conditions.
- Enhanced visual clarity allows skiers to better read changes in snow texture, spot moguls, and identify hazards like rocks or trees.
2. BETTER PERIPHERAL VISION:
- Unobstructed side vision, which is crucial for spotting other skiers, snowboarders, and obstacles.
- Improved awareness of the terrain, reducing the risk of accidents
3. IMPROVED DEPTH PERCEPTION AND CONTRAST SENSITIVITY:
- Sharper vision helps distinguish variations in snow texture, ice patches, and terrain changes.
- Enhanced contrast makes it easier to navigate in flat light or foggy conditions.
4. MORE COMFORT & CONVENIENCE:
- No need to worry about losing or adjusting glasses and contacts while skiing.
- No dry-eye issues caused by wind exposure, which can be worsened by contacts.
- Easier transitions from indoor lodges (where glasses may fog up) to outdoor slopes.
5. INCREASED SAFETY:
- No glasses that can break or shift in a fall.
- No contacts that can dislodge, causing temporary vision loss at high speeds.
6. BETTER PERFORMANCE IN ALL WEATHER AND LIGHT CONDITIONS:
- No struggles with moisture or lens glare.
- Skiing often involves rapidly changing light conditions, such as bright sunlight reflecting off snow or overcast skies.
- Clearer night vision for skiing in low-light conditions, such as during early morning or late afternoon runs, or in flat light caused by overcast skies.
FINAL THOUGHTS
For a skier, LASIK can greatly enhance vision, comfort, and safety, making the sport more enjoyable and hassle-free. By eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses, LASIK allows skiers to fully focus on their performance and enjoy skiing with clear, unobstructed vision.
