Lasik Eye Surgery

With constant advances in technology, the current way of doing things is quickly becoming the old way. One of the forefronts of this new trendsetting technology seems to be the medical field. What have been considered common accessories, eyeglasses and contacts are quickly falling victim to these new advances, courtesy of LASIK eye surgery.

Although it is not for everyone, LASIK is a surgery that has been designed to help reduce, if not entirely eliminate, an individuals need for contacts and/or eyeglasses. Commonly referred to as "flap and zap" in slang terms, LASIK eye surgery is exactly as it sounds. LASIK is an acronym meaning "Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis." In Situ is Latin, meaning not removed, and Keratomileusis refers to the reshaping of the cornea. LASIK is basically a surgery utilizing a particular type of laser to permanently alter the shape of the cornea, thereby changing an individual’s vision.

There are different types of vision problems, ranging in different degrees of severity. These vision problems can lead an individual to choose a permanent solution, such as eye surgery - particularly LASIK eye surgery. Myopia - or nearsightedness in layman’s, hyperopia - or farsightedness in layman’s, and astigmatism are all very common vision problems. Sometimes, nearsightedness and farsightedness may coexist with astigmatism. Usually, contacts and eyeglasses provide a quick, but temporary fix, for a problem that is very frustrating. Vision is fine with them on, then, once they are removed, it returns to blurred and fuzzy. Eyeglasses and contacts are only temporary solutions intended to compensate for what the eye is unable to do. Prescriptions can change over time. LASIK is an alternate solution that can provide permanent results.

As with all medical procedures, not everyone is a candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Some people may be perfect candidates, while others may need to discuss this with a physician as well as their eye surgeon, and others still may not even be considered as candidates. Basically, in order to determine eligibility, it is important to speak with your eye doctor to determine if LASIK eye surgery is an option for you. Look for a reliable eye doctor or eye surgery center with a good reputation, a long history of performing LASIK procedures, and quality service.

The basic guidelines for LASIK eye surgery are fairly straight-forward. First, you must be at least eighteen years of age; some doctors may even have a minimum age limit of twenty-one. Obviously, you must have eyes that are free from any infection, disease, or any other condition that could adversely affect surgical healing. Also, do not consider LASIK if you are currently pregnant or nursing, since these hormones can affect your vision. You must also have maintained your current vision for a minimum of twelve months prior to surgery. Furthermore, you won’t be eligible for LASIK eye surgery if you have any disease, such as an autoimmune disease, that could effect surgical healing. If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, you still may not be an ideal candidate for LASIK eye surgery. As with all surgeries, there are many factors that need to be considered for eligibility.

In order to be considered a "perfect" candidate for LASIK eye surgery, there are still more guidelines. You should have maintained the same prescription for eyeglasses and/or contact lenses for a minimum of twenty-four months. The thickness of your cornea should be ideally suited to allow the eye surgeon to create a flap. Also, your vision problems should be relatively simple, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or a combination of one of the two former with the latter.

If you are interested in LASIK eye surgery and fit all of the base criteria, discuss the surgery with your eye doctor. However, if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements for LASIK, consider an alternate option. LASIK is not ideal for everyone. There are other treatments that are available, and your eye doctor will help you find one that is appropriate for you.

LASIK eye surgery is very similar to other surgeries. There is an evaluation, preparation for surgery, the procedure, and post-operative exam. Each part is just as important as the one before it, as well as the one after it. It is very important that you follow all of your doctor’s instructions for each aspect of the surgery in order to get the best results with the lowest instance of complications.

Before you have your surgery, and even before your initial evaluation, you will be given some instructions of what to do to prepare your eyes, mainly your corneas. If you are a contact lens wearer, then your doctor will instruct you to stop wearing your contact lenses and switch over to your glasses for a minimum of four weeks. Contact lenses change the shape of your cornea, and you need to allow your cornea to return back to its normal shape before you have surgery. You will also need to stop using any sort of eye make-up, face creams or lotions, perfumes, or hairspray for a minimum of twenty-four hours before your surgery.

The surgery itself is an outpatient procedure. It takes approximately thirty minutes, usually fifteen per eye. Since the procedure is outpatient, make sure to arrange for transportation home, since your eyes will obviously be recovering and will be out of commission for the time being. The surgeon will have you sit in a reclining chair, and will begin by numbing the eye, or eyes, and cleaning the eye and the surrounding area. A medical device, referred to as a lid speculum, will be positioned to keep your eyelids open for the duration of the surgery. You will be asked to stare at a light to help keep your eyes still. The surgeon will then use a cool laser to cut a flap into the outer layer of your cornea, allowing access to inner layers. The surgeon will then use another cool laser to remove or reshape other corneal layers determined by your specific vision problems. The surgeon will then reposition the flap and give you eye shields to wear to help protect your cornea until it is healed. After this is over, you will be allowed to leave and will be sent home with further instructions.

Even though LASIK eye surgery is painless and only involves some pressure and minor discomfort, you may have some mild pain afterward. On the bright side, you will probably notice some vision improvements almost immediately. If the pain is too much, though, your eye surgeon will be able to prescribe a mild pain killer. Usually, the only discomfort is an itching or burning sensation causing you to want to rub your eye. However, whatever you do, do not rub your eye. This can cause the corneal flap to dislodge, causing unnecessary complications. You will probably have other symptoms in addition to the mild discomfort, such as glares or redness in your eyes. All symptoms will improve with time.

Be sure to schedule a follow up with your eye surgeon within the first two days following your surgery. The doctor will do an eye exam to see how your vision is improving, as well as check for possible side effects and infections. You will then need to make further follow-up appointments as your doctor recommends.

In approximately six months, your vision will become constant. All of the post-operative symptoms should be entirely gone, and you should notice considerably improved vision. You may not have perfect vision, but the need for eyeglasses or contacts should be greatly diminished. This is something to consider and keep in mind. Some LASIK patients will still require some amount of vision correction after the procedure.

LASIK eye surgery is only one option of many for vision correction. There are the more commonly used temporary methods of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as other permanent methods such as precision surgery, or other laser surgeries. Some, such as the eyeglasses and contacts, offer low costs and quick results. However, other options, such as LASIK eye surgery, offer permanent results, well worth the price.

LASIK eye surgery is a painless procedure, which can be completed in one afternoon, usually in under an hour. You are in and out, with immediate results. There is a faster recovery time after LASIK eye surgery than other procedures. Moreover, the initial discomfort is far less than other procedures. LASIK eye surgery is also capable of altering even the most severe of refractive vision problems.

Most of the individuals interested in LASIK eye surgery meet the eligibility requirements, and have far fewer side effects than other procedures. LASIK eye surgery is commonly used, and, therefore, many eye surgeons are capable of performing the procedure very well. In addition to the low incidence of risks and complications, LASIK eye surgery is one of the very few eye surgeries which can be performed more than once, if needed. If you do not get a full vision correction, or need further adjustments in the future, that is an option with LASIK.

Obviously, the ultimate benefit to LASIK eye surgery is the improved vision. Most recipients of LASIK eye surgery no longer need assistance from eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are able to see without the aid of anything. The improved vision usually lasts. LASIK eye surgery is quick, painless, and ends with a relatively easy recovery.

Just as with any medical procedure, there are known risks and complications to LASIK eye surgery. Common side effects include dry eye, seeing starbursts and/or halos around lights, and sensitivity to light. More extreme side effects include damage to the cornea, such as scar tissue or inflammation, droopiness in the eyelids, lasting discomfort or pain, and even worsening vision.

Some side effects can be easily treated with home remedies. Dry eyes can be treated using over the counter eye drops that simulate tears or even a prescription medication. Although it is a continual treatment, it is more of a nuisance than anything else. Glares and starbursts may actually diminish over time, anywhere from a few months to a few years. However, they may be long lasting. Sensitivity to light may also gradually disappear over time.

Although some side effects are only mild, other may require further treatment, even a second LASIK surgery may be necessary. If corneal damage is involved, the damage may be permanent. However, risks of this caliber are usually very rare. The rarest complication of LASIK eye surgery is worsening of the vision, which occurs in approximately less than one percent of all participants.

When determining if LASIK eye surgery is an appropriate option of treatment, cost is definitely a contributing factor. Prices vary among doctors, and they can range from as little as less than $1,000 per to eye to considerably more than $2,000 per eye. The average price of LASIK eye surgery is usually right in the middle at approximately $1,500 per eye.

Although LASIK eye surgery and the eligibility requirements are constant, prices are determined by a multitude of factors. The cost is per eye, and is estimated based on operating costs for the surgeon, the amount of corneal correction that is needed, follow-up costs, and, if the procedure is being finance, interest costs. The advertised price may not end up being the final cost. There are many hidden fees that may show up, as well. As with anything, review all fees carefully, particularly if you are using the financing available at your eye surgeon’s office to pay for your LASIK procedure.

Since cost plays a key part in determining which eye surgeon you will have perform the LASIK procedure, many outpatient clinics tend to offer substantial discounts, or even ridiculously reduced rates. Beware of anything that sounds too good to be true, because it just may be. Make sure that cost isn’t the only determining factor you utilize in choosing an eye surgeon. A bargain price could mean substandard practices, resulting in a poorly done LASIK procedure. Check out the surgery facilities and eye doctor carefully, and ask for recommendations from friends and family if at all possible. You should select an eye surgeon with a good overall reputation and ample experience in LASIK procedures.

If you find that the cost is too much for you to handle, there are many options. You can choose to not have the surgery altogether. You may even opt to wait, saving up for the surgery until you can afford it. Some people choose to have the surgery financed, which isn’t always available. However it is you may choose to pay for the surgery, just make sure that you are aware of all of the costs beforehand.

One of the most important aspects of LASIK eye surgery is finding a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable. There are a number of surgeons out there who are more than qualified to perform LASIK eye surgery. However, it isn't as easy as opening the phone book.

A good place to start in your search for an eye surgeon is with your primary care physician. They can give you a list of qualified surgeons that they have probably worked with before. You can even ask your physician if they have a particular one on the list that they would recommend over the others.

When choosing an eye surgeon, make sure that you ask questions. The more informed you are about the surgeon, the easier it will be for you to make an informed decision. The best time to do this is during a consultation appointment. Many eye surgeons will offer free or very affordable LASIK consultations. LASIK eye surgery is still a relatively new procedure, and the eye surgeon needs to be educated in all of the new technology as well as the old. Make sure that the surgeon you choose has experience, and is willing to share that with you. Don't be afraid to ask for proof of anything that sounds skeptical. If the facts are true, the doctor should be willing to share them with you. If the surgeon makes promises that are not in line with the facts about LASIK, consider moving on to another surgeon.

As with any medical procedure you may be considering, LASIK eye surgery may not be an ideal choice for every individual. There are many factors to consider in determining whether or not you should choose LASIK eye surgery for your vision correction. LASIK eye surgery is entirely a personal choice, and it should not be rushed into for any reason.

First, discuss LASIK eye surgery with your primary care physician. They can help you go over the eligibility requirements to see if you are even a candidate. If you are not, then the discussion will end right there. LASIK eye surgery should never be performed on anyone who does not meet the eligibility criteria; it will only cause damage. If you are a candidate, get referrals to several different eye surgeons from your physician- you do not want to limit your search. Once you find one that is right for you, make an appointment for a consultation.

Upon your first meeting with the eye surgeon, which should be an initial consultation, discuss all of the factors involved. Go over the procedure, in detail, common risks and complications, as well as any side effects that you may personally experience based on your own surgical needs. Get information on cost, and find out what you may have to pay for follow-up needs. Make sure all of your questions are answered. If you are not happy with anything after your first consultation, schedule another, or find a new surgeon.

The decision to have LASIK eye surgery is a decision that only you can make – do not rush into it. Do not schedule any surgery until you feel confident that you are aware of all of the aspects of the surgery, and you are entirely sure that it is something you want. If you are ready, go for it. Don’t let anyone push you into the decision to have LASIK eye surgery if it is something that you feel is not entirely right for you.