Lasik Eye Surgery – What you Should Know
May 6, 2009 by admin
Filed under Diseases And Conditions
Dana Siconolfi asked:
Every year millions of nearsighted people decide that they’re tired of wearing glasses and begin looking for a more permanent solution to their eye problems. In the not too distant past, the solution would have meant going through a procedure called radial keratotomy in which incisions to the eye are made with a precision calibrated diamond knife.
Nowadays, most of these people are gaining 20/20 vision with the relatively new procedure of Lasik eye surgery. It was only a bit more than ten years ago that the FDA approved Summit Technology’s excimer laser to be used to correct nearsightedness.
So what exactly is Lasik eye surgery? The acronym “Lasik” stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. Lasik actually combines two distinct vision techniques for correcting the eyesight.
First, a knife, called a microkeratome is used to cut a flap in the cornea. The cornea is the translucent front part of the eye that acts as a protection for the eye. It also acts as the lens of the eye and controls the entry of light into the eye. The way light passes through the eye determines how well we are able to see the outside world. Common eye defects such as near sightedness are caused by refraction errors, that is, errors in the way light passes through the cornea.
The second vision technique used in Lasik is a computer-controlled laser which is used to vaporize a portion of the stroma, one of the five layers of the cornea. The stroma is, by far, the largest part of the cornea. It is essential to controlling the refraction of light through the cornea.
Parts of the stroma are vaporized to flatten the cornea. The amount of stroma that needs to be vaporized depends on your degree of nearsighteness. Once this is done, the cornea flap is replaced to its original position.
The combination of these two techniques allow surgeons to precisely correct the refractive errors in the eye that prevent you from having 20/20 vision.
Even though millions of people every year opt for Lasik surgery as a way of completely eliminating their dependence on glasses, refractive surgery is not to be taken lightly. Eye surgery is not trivial.
You will need to find not just a clinic, but also a physician who is experienced in vision corrective surgery. In fact, finding the right physician to perform your Lasik surgery is the most important decision you will make. Remember, you are about to place your future vision in the hands of whichever specialist you choose.
This is an exciting time for medical discoveries. The rate of new discoveries in the medical world are taking place at a dizzying pace. New and improved methods of surgery techniques are discovered and implemented everyday. You will want to find a doctor who keeps abreast of the latest developments in refractive eye surgery techniques and who is an active participant in the operations themselves.
If you take the time to choose the right physician, one you feel comfortable with and who is able to explain to your satisfaction, both the benefits and the risks involved, you should have no problems with your Lasik surgery.
Every year millions of nearsighted people decide that they’re tired of wearing glasses and begin looking for a more permanent solution to their eye problems. In the not too distant past, the solution would have meant going through a procedure called radial keratotomy in which incisions to the eye are made with a precision calibrated diamond knife.
Nowadays, most of these people are gaining 20/20 vision with the relatively new procedure of Lasik eye surgery. It was only a bit more than ten years ago that the FDA approved Summit Technology’s excimer laser to be used to correct nearsightedness.
So what exactly is Lasik eye surgery? The acronym “Lasik” stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. Lasik actually combines two distinct vision techniques for correcting the eyesight.
First, a knife, called a microkeratome is used to cut a flap in the cornea. The cornea is the translucent front part of the eye that acts as a protection for the eye. It also acts as the lens of the eye and controls the entry of light into the eye. The way light passes through the eye determines how well we are able to see the outside world. Common eye defects such as near sightedness are caused by refraction errors, that is, errors in the way light passes through the cornea.
The second vision technique used in Lasik is a computer-controlled laser which is used to vaporize a portion of the stroma, one of the five layers of the cornea. The stroma is, by far, the largest part of the cornea. It is essential to controlling the refraction of light through the cornea.
Parts of the stroma are vaporized to flatten the cornea. The amount of stroma that needs to be vaporized depends on your degree of nearsighteness. Once this is done, the cornea flap is replaced to its original position.
The combination of these two techniques allow surgeons to precisely correct the refractive errors in the eye that prevent you from having 20/20 vision.
Even though millions of people every year opt for Lasik surgery as a way of completely eliminating their dependence on glasses, refractive surgery is not to be taken lightly. Eye surgery is not trivial.
You will need to find not just a clinic, but also a physician who is experienced in vision corrective surgery. In fact, finding the right physician to perform your Lasik surgery is the most important decision you will make. Remember, you are about to place your future vision in the hands of whichever specialist you choose.
This is an exciting time for medical discoveries. The rate of new discoveries in the medical world are taking place at a dizzying pace. New and improved methods of surgery techniques are discovered and implemented everyday. You will want to find a doctor who keeps abreast of the latest developments in refractive eye surgery techniques and who is an active participant in the operations themselves.
If you take the time to choose the right physician, one you feel comfortable with and who is able to explain to your satisfaction, both the benefits and the risks involved, you should have no problems with your Lasik surgery.
What Is The Cost Of Lasik Eye Surgery? Are You Worth It?
May 5, 2009 by admin
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.
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.
