LASIK Eye Surgery — A Practical Guide to Laser Vision Correction

August 7, 2009 by  
Filed under Non Fiction

Louis Zhang asked:


LASIK eye surgery is a procedure that treats nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.

A laser or a surgical blade is used to cut a flap in the cornea. Then, a laser removes tissue beneath the flap, permanently changing the focusing power of the cornea, thereby improving vision.

Laser eye surgery is relatively painless, quick and convenient. There are two surgical methods from which to choose.

Do your research, ask lots of questions and follow all of the surgeon’s directives both prior to and following the lasik procedure to improve its effectiveness.

The Lasik Procedure In order to access the stroma, the surgeon cuts a flap in the upper portion of the cornea, right above the pupil. Numbing drops are put into the eye, the cornea is marked to aid in replacing the flap, and then the eye area is cleaned.

A lid speculum holds the eye open. High pressure is applied to the eye with a suction ring that is briefly placed directly on the eye. Then the flap is cut. This is called a keratectomy, which may be done by either of two methods.

The time-tested way uses a microkeratome, a cutting instrument or blade. The newer method of cutting the flap is by “laser-only” or femtosecond lasik, sometimes known by the brand name “IntraLase”.

After the suction ring is removed, both lasik methods are nearly identical.

The corneal flap is folded back, and the exposed tissue is allowed to dry. Then, the patient is asked to stare at a light for about sixty seconds to help keep the eye fixed and immobile.

In less than one minute, the lasik computer pulses high-energy ultraviolet light removing the tissue that was previously determined to reshape the cornea most effectively and accurately.

The lasik laser makes clicking sounds, and there may be a smell of burning tissue. After very precise amounts of tissue are removed from the stroma, the surgeon lays the flap back into place. The eye is observed for a few minutes to make sure that proper bonding is taking place.

After Lasik Eye Surgery Once the surgery is complete, a protective shield is placed over the eye, to prevent pressure and anything from bumping the eye. Since there are no stitches in lasik surgery, these precautions must be taken to ensure that the flap remains in place.

Some patients return to work the next day, but most doctors recommend that you wait a few days. Strenuous activity, and non-contact sports should be avoided for up to three days.

Facial products and makeup are out for up to two weeks. The eyelashes may need to be scrubbed fairly often during this time to help prevent infection.

No contact sports are allowed for at least four weeks. Expect to leave off swimming, hot tubs, whirlpools and saunas for up to eight weeks.

Expected Outcomes from Lasik Most lasik patients see huge improvements in their vision by the next day. Vision may continue to improve for three to six months post-operatively. While visual fluctuations may occur temporarily throughout the day, this tendency diminishes over time.

Lasik eye surgery is not for everyone. Most good candidates follow their surgeon’s pre and post-operative directives faithfully. They find their vision, and therefore their lifestyle, greatly enhanced by this laser procedure.



Wavefront Lasik May Be the Superior Lasik Eye Surgery Procedure

July 12, 2009 by  
Filed under Health

Chris Crowe asked:


Wavefront Lasik is called by some a slightly better procedure than the traditional lasik eye surgery operation. Also called custom wavefront lasik, this procedure is more precise than other procedures

because it maps corneal irregularities before the surgery begins.

This means that the wavefront lasik procedure (which is also more expensive) is more attuned to the actual eye it is being performed on. With a detailed map of the specific eye, in theory the procedure can be more effective in solving the particular vision deficiencies of the patient.

Traditional lasik utilizes a similar way of measuring the eye as when you get fitted for contacts or glasses. For people with minor vision modifications needed, this is fine. But for people with higher order aberrations, they may need a more exact procedure.

Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are some of these lower level problems that the normal lasik eye surgery may be used with great effect on. Other problems may require more specialization.

Wavefront lasik eye surgery works in a few steps. First, the doctor shines a light into the eye. A computer inputs the data (which will show any abnormalities in the eye) and analyzes the data. Then a three dimensional model of the eye is created and the laser is put to use.

A beam of laser light then shapes the inside layers of your cornea to replicate the particular prescription the patient has in glasses or contacts. In addition, it looks for other repairs that can be made to the eye to improve vision. Wavefront uses more technology–the name is derived from the fact that light waves are used to scan the eye and gather information about the cornea and any necessary vision corrections. Some people have had great outcomes with this surgery.

Some people have trouble with glasses and contacts and just can’t seem to avoid annoying vision problems like glare and the halo-effect of lights at night when they wear glasses. People who just don’t want to deal with glasses and contact lenses also may opt for lasik surgery. It’s very important to talk to qualified physicians about the procedure and be guided by them throughout.

The wavefront lasik procedure can take as little as a half-hour or even shorter, depending on the vision doctor and whatever guidelines he or she follows.

Since the corneal flap that is created is so tiny and is in a high-blood area of the face (the eye) recovery time is very quick. Most doctors recommend lots of fluids and that the patient avoids any kind of eye-straining activities. Reading and even watching television may be considered “too much.”

But even then, the healing process takes only two or three days. Lasik is a procedure that shouldn’t be taken lightly even though the process and the healing seems so quick, relatively painless, and easy. It is always necessary to find a vision specialist you trust and to find advice from people who have undergone the procedure, general basic information about the procedure, and any other information you can find to prepare yourself.

If you are not convinced that one doctor is right, you can always consult others to get a different perspective on your health needs. You only have one pair of eyes–you should take care of them.



What Complications You Can Face After A Lasik Eye Surgery

July 8, 2009 by  
Filed under Non Fiction

John Porter asked:


Lasik eye surgery has gained tremendous popularity since the time it was introduced in the last decade. The main reasons for this has been its efficacy and the realtivly high rate of success compared to most other operations. But at the end of the day it is a question of your eyes and it is always better to be properly educated about the operation and the kind of complications you might face.

It is generally your optometrist who will first provide you with the details of the operation. In this article we just provide you an overview.

This eye surgery is used to cure three main types of eye conditions-myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Myopia, also know as nearsightedness is the problem of not being able to see what is far away without glasses. Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is the other way round. Astigmatism is something different where the patient has irregularities in his cornea which as a result distorts the image formed on the retina of the eye. The complications that one can face after surgery are discussed below.

The capacity to distinguish an item from its neighboring backdrop is a problem of contrast sensitivity. The reduction in contrast sensitivity is a comparatively common occurrence after LASIK surgery, particularly in patients with high amounts of myopia.

The occurrence of a second, generally fainter, image of an object next to the original object, creating an indistinct vision is what double vision or ghosting is. This problem is generally an effect of irregular astigmatism brought on by surgery. Like several other lasik-related vision problems, double vision often goes away over a period of time.

Then there is the problem of halos where one can see halos around lights. It must be noted that corneal swelling after this operation can cause halos for the first few weeks. In fact it is quite normal. However, if you think that the halo has persisted over a normal period of time, then it might be necessary for you to go for treatment again.

Another eye surgery related complication, starbursts cause a person to see lights as blurred. Often spikes or rays of light seem to radiate out of the center of the light source. Generally it affects night time vision, but in some cases, it might be a problem for all light sources at any time of the day.

Lasik has become a wildly popular surgery and while it does have some risks and occasional complications, it usually results in greatly improved vision for many people. To have the best chance for a successful recovery be aware of the restrictions after eye surgery. Here are the most important:

Prior to your lasik procedure, your eye care professional will have already performed an in-depth eye exam. In addition to an eye exam, you doctor needs a thorough health history to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for this procedure.

Many factors can make or break your eye surgery. To have the expected outcome, you must be a good candidate, you should follow all pre-operative instructions and you should always follow the post-operative instructions.

When you are ready for your operation procedure, your doctor will discuss several things to look for after surgery. He or she will also give you detailed post-operative instructions. Some of these restrictions may include not driving or working for several days, going to your check up appointments when scheduled, avoiding make up or touching the eye and refraining from physical activity.



Lasik Eye Surgery – Finding the Right Surgeon

June 28, 2009 by  
Filed under Diseases And Conditions

eyesurgon

John Carew asked:

Improving your eyesight has become very popular in recent years, and following that, Orange County Lasik eye surgery is quickly turning into many residents’ choice of medical procedure they are going for in priorities. Eyesight problems like astigmatism and myopia have been increasingly common among individuals with the increase in usage of televisions and computers. With the advent of Lasik, these medical problems can quickly become a thing of the past.

However, one factor that has limited the take on rate of Lasik eye surgery in Orange County has been the cost of such a procedure. Having Lasik performed on your eyes does not come cheap in general for most people, as it could set a person back an amount from $500 to $2000 per eye. To improve your chances of having Lasik surgery without spending a fortune, choosing a good eye surgeon is critical to achieving that aim. There are certain things anyone should look out for in selecting a Lasik surgeon while trying to reduce the cost of the operation. It does not mean having to go for a less qualified doctor if you wish to save some money.

When you need cheap Lasik surgery but with a success rate that justifies the risk, selecting the right surgeon with the right requirements is the key. As with all medical procedures that you wish to undertake, always make sure that you have done your due diligence in researching on the subject and the various surgeons and eye centers available in your region. There are many laser eye surgery centers in Orange County, and they offer different qualities of service at different rates. Find the eye centers and Lasik surgeons that provide the specific Lasik procedure you require and make a comparison among them.

Ensure you know the risks that await you with Lasik surgery, and look for Lasik surgeons that have good track records and success rates. A good point to look out for when choosing the right surgeon to perform your procedure is to consider the kind of precautions and checks that he or she will ask that you go through before considering if Lasik surgery is right for you. While the medical solution can bring relief for many who suffer from various eye conditions, it is not suitable for everyone. If you carry certain conditions such as being pregnant, you should not have laser eye surgery. Surgeons who are considerate about their patients’ well being and medical history should be prioritized in your selection.

Everyone would prefer not to have to wear glasses or contact lenses, as it not only bring more convenience in one’s life, but also a fresher and better quality of life. Getting a qualified Lasik surgeon with a proven track record is therefore an important step in you enjoying a successful Lasik eye surgery and reaping the benefits. The process of selecting one might be tedious, but anything that concerns your health should be done with some caution and care. In doing so, the chances of you having better eyesight would be much higher at the end of the whole process.

Lasik Eye Surgery In Ireland

June 20, 2009 by  
Filed under Health

Stephen Fasenfeld asked:


Clear unrestricted vision is a dream for those with long standing visual deficiencies. With lasik eye surgery in ireland, that dream is becoming a reality for millions. It’s not for everyone. Among factors to consider are age, career, activities, cost, risks and other health issues.

Consider Mandy. In reviewing all the options, she chose lasik. Although she’s young, she’s beyond the lower age limit of 21. She’s not into contact sports, so those risks are negligible.

Mandy’s insurance would not cover lasik procedures, but she lives frugally and had saved the money for it. She estimated that the costs of lasik surgery would be cheaper than other solutions when considered over a ten-year period.

Her vision had stayed at the same prescription for over a year, so her visual stability was good. Mandy wasn’t pregnant and expect to be in the next year, so her hormones should not cause her visual stability to fluctuate. She had no problems with dry eyes, nor did she have any previous incidences of eye disease or injury.

Lasik was perfect for her. Mandy had the procedure on a Thursday and was back at work on Monday. Even better, she was delighted with the results.

Then there’s Emma who’s also been thinking about lasik. She’s 32, and her insurance covers the procedure. With her perfect medical history, she has the sick time available and should be able to recover at home for a few days before returning to work. And, fortunately, there are no restrictions on lasik corrections in her type of job.

Trouble is, she just found out that she’s pregnant. That immediately rules out lasik for her right now, because pregnancy hormones can cause visual instability. Her optometrist recommends she wait at least a year after completing breastfeeding. Since this is her first child, and she wants other children, she’ll try for lasik eye surgery again in about five years.

Now, let’s talk about Andrew. He’s 45 with vision in only one eye. His astigmatism is such that his lasik surgery would be more extensive than usual. Furthermore, his vision has not been stable lately; he’s becoming more farsighted. And, the results of the surgery could diminish rapidly over the next few years, because of his increasing farsightedness.

Right away, he determined that lasik is not an option for him. Besides, the risks are just too great if you are already blind in one eye. His optometrist recommends contact lenses and reading glasses for close work.

Finally, there’s Sarah. She’s nearsighted, with no astigmatism. At forty, she’s not pregnant, not into contact sports, and has no restrictions on the procedure due to her visual health. So, she’s a good candidate for the lasik procedure, but she’s concerned with the relative newness of lasik eye surgery in Ireland.

Her insurance will not cover the procedure, and her financial situation won’t cover the cost right now. With her stable vision, she’s setting aside lasik for now and looking into contact lenses.

Lasik eye surgery in Ireland is becoming more popular. It isn’t for everyone, but many have gone through with the procedure and are happy with the outcome. Others have considered it, rejected it, and in so doing, have discovered new options for their visual health.



The Importance Of A Reputable Lasik Eye Surgery Center

May 6, 2009 by  
Filed under Health

J. Lloyd asked:


For anyone considering Lasik eye surgery, the importance of finding a reputable and experienced Lasik eye surgery center is absolutely crucial. Just as you would never embark on a surgical procedure with doctors that you didn’t know or trust, you should never entrust the health of your eyesight to random surgeons you find in the yellow pages of the phone book.

In order to get what you need from Lasik surgery – in a safe and effective way – you must find a surgical center that extends quality, dependability, experience, and professionalism to their patients – at all times.

Lasik eye surgery – for the uninitiated – is a refractive procedure that works to correct the way in which our eyes refract light. When light is captured by the lens of our eye – the portion of the eye located directly behind the iris, or colored part of the eye – the lens refracts, or bends, the light to be then captured by the retina, a group of cells in the lining in the back of the eye.

The retina then takes those light signals and converts them into messages that can be understood by the optic nerve in our brain. When there are refractive difficulties in our eyes – through nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism – the light is not refracted to the retina properly and the brain receives a message of a blurry image.

During the Lasik procedure, a laser is used to resurface the cornea – the thin, transparent covering that blankets the iris and lens of the eye – thus clearing the way for refractive clarity. Lasik is generally a painless procedure that can be performed in mere minutes. Skilled surgeons who work within a Lasik eye surgery center and perform this procedure on a daily basis are in the best position to assess your candidacy for the procedure and what will work best for your eyesight.

Begin your search for a Lasik eye surgery center by looking in your immediate area; logistical convenience should be your first consideration but it shouldn’t be your only one. Speak to people who have had the procedure performed in your area in order to get a sense for the more popular and reputable surgery centers.

If you are interested in a particular Lasik eye surgery center, then speak to patients who have had the procedure performed in that center and who are willing to share their experience. Finally, visit the centers in which you are interested to assess their organization, patient care including pre-operative and post-operative care, cleanliness, professionalism of the staff, and financial options available to you.

Once you have decided on a Lasik eye surgery center it is important to then research the surgeons who work within the center and who will be assigned to your case. With the assistance of the Internet it does not take very long to investigate the education, experience, and reputation of any surgeon in which you are interested. Meet with the surgeon yourself to get a feel for his/her standard of care and what systems they put into place to ensure your comfort and successful outcome.



What Is The Cost Of Lasik Eye Surgery? Are You Worth It?

May 5, 2009 by  
Filed under Non Fiction

Bill Urell asked:


Lasik eye surgery is the most advanced laser procedure that can be performed on the eyes. It can correct several common eye defects such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. This eliminates the need to wear clunky spectacles or even contact lenses. Lasik eye surgery can give you greatly improved eyesight and even up to a 20/20 vision.

This procedure makes use of special laser that directly treats the cornea and corrects the abnormality.

First, the surgeon will slice off a thin flap in the cornea, and then use a special laser to reshape the cornea. The flap is then returned, and should heal in about an hour. This procedure can be done all in the span of around 10 to 15 minutes per eye, and involves minimal pain or discomfort to the patient.

This quick and easy-to-do nature of this operation has naturally made this very popular, even among those who are normally reluctant to go under any kind of surgery.

There are now many Lasik eye surgery centers making this procedure easily available to everyone.

The cost of Lasik eye surgery can range anywhere from $500 to $5,500 per eye and the average cost is about $2000. The prices can vary depending on the region and the reputation of the surgeon performing the operation. The equipment that the center uses is also a factor. Those opting for custom Lasik should expect to pay $200 to $400 more.

It’s important to be cautious of advertisements offering low-cost Lasik surgery. Surgeons advertising Lasik for less than $1000 per eye are probably of substandard quality or these offers actually contain many additional hidden fees. These can include things like consultation fees and essential follow-up care.

They might also require special requirements or are only applicable to certain circumstances. When all these hidden costs are added up, the overall price of these low cost operations might even surpass that of other Lasik eye surgeons, that openly includes these expenses in their evaluation.

There are things to consider when choosing a Lasik eye surgeon. Be sure to make sure to have all the necessary information regarding the surgeon performing the operation, the price of the operation and what this price covers. Be sure to make all the necessary inquires. This is especially true for those advertising discounted Lasik surgery.

Be sure to ask if there are any additional charges for further enhancement surgeries and follow-up care.

Ask how many follow up visits will be made. Centers only offering one or two are follow up visits or ask for an additional fee per visit are discouraged.

Any necessary medical enhancements should be covered for up to 1 year after the surgery. If not, be sure to be aware of any additional charges that are to be made.

Find out the cost of the medication needed. This includes painkillers, etc. Also special protective goggles or glasses might be needed as well.

If you are considering Lasik eye surgery it is important to remember to prioritize the safety of your eyes over the potential cost. Although minimal, there is a risk involved with undergoing any surgery. It is advisable to choose a reputable eye surgeon who’s done at least 1000 successful Lasik eye surgeries, even if it might cost more, to minimize the risk of complications occurring.

Most Lasik eye center offer very reasonable payment plans, so that anyone can get Lasik surgery and pay for it in a way that works for them.



« Previous Page