What Is Laser Eye Surgery And How Can It Help You?

Laser eye surgery is the most prevalent corrective eye surgery. Scads of people have undergone laser eye surgery with a high success rate, often resulting in a significant improvement in vision. Laser eye surgery wields superlative technology and provides excellent results more often than not. Peruse this article to have a clear understanding of how this fabulous technology could help you.

The corneal tissue plays a major role in providing you crystal clear vision. Basically, light rays are refracted (bent) by the cornea so that they fall on the retina (a layer of light-sensing cells). In a patient with a refractive error, these light rays don?t exactly converge on the retina, and hence the patient?s view is rather blurry. Depending on how the rays are refracted, a person may suffer from nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Now, laser eye surgery aims to correct this error by carving the corneal tissue with the aid of a high-precision laser, the Excimer. After reshaping the cornea, the light rays fall on the retina and the patient can again experience crystal clear vision.

Laser eye surgery is the preferred choice for correcting several types of vision impairments. Since the surgery has gained popularity, you could easily find an experienced laser eye surgeon in your vicinity.

Laser eye surgery, like any other surgical procedure, does have its complications. However, unlike other surgeries, laser eye surgery has a minimal complication rate ? a mere 5%. Therefore, laser eye surgery is a relatively safe and technologically advanced procedure.

Laser eye surgery does have a few side effects, such as eye irritation, under-correction, over-correction, and other minor complications. These normally wear off within a few weeks, and crystal clear vision is restored. Although rare, a few patients might require enhancement surgeries to accomplish accurate vision. All in all, laser eye surgery presents itself as a safe procedure, and is the choice of many.

After all, who wouldn?t want to throw away those awkward looking spectacles?

Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about laser eye surgery at Your Lasik Information http://www.Your-LASIK.info. The LASIK Surgeons Directory http://www.find-lasik-surgeon.com is a useful resource. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included.

How Much Does Laser Eye Surgery Typically Cost?

The cost of laser eye surgery can vary greatly depending on the type of surgery to be performed, the patient?s prescription, the equipment used, and the doctor or surgical provider in question. There are also notable regional differences in the cost of laser eye surgery, with some parts of the United States charging higher fees than other regions of the country. Nonetheless, there are several trends in the cost of laser eye surgery that appear to be consistent regardless of the type of surgery performed, the individual provider, and the location.

First, all laser eye surgery prices are quoted at a cost per eye. This is due to the fact that some patients do not require surgery in both eyes. Patients who are seeking surgery in both eyes must keep in mind that the price they are quoted will need to be doubled if the surgery is to cover both their left and right eyes.

Another trend shows that laser eye surgery prices have been on the rise for the past several years. Technological advances resulting in innovative new equipment and procedures have increased the success of laser eye surgery and reduced the incidence of side effects resulting from the procedure. However, these advances require surgical providers to purchase expensive new equipment and enroll in costly training courses that increase the provider?s expenses. This cost increase is frequently passed along to the consumer, with the result being an increase in surgery prices. For example, LASIK procedures using IntraLase technology, a method in which the corneal flap is created with a laser instead of a microkeratome, generally increases the cost $250 to $500 per eye. Customized procedures which use wavefront technology to more effectively map the surface of the eye also increase costs.

In fact, studies have shown that the average national cost of laser eye surgery has been rising at a rate of about 15-20% each year for the past 3-4 years. Currently, the average cost for LASIK surgery is $1,800 to $2,000 per eye while LASEK surgery costs $1,700 - $2,000 per eye. A PRK procedure costs $1,200 - $1,800 per eye.

Laser eye surgery becomes more costly as the patient?s prescription worsens. Individuals requiring minor corrections to their sight frequently only require a single brief procedure. Patients with strong prescriptions have a much higher risk of needing multiple procedures in order to get the desired results, as well having a greater risk of complications such as visual disturbances. For this reason, many laser eye surgery providers charge based on the prescription strength.

As briefly mentioned above, there are regional differences in the cost of laser eye surgery in the United States. Although the average cost of the procedures varied little from region to region, the differences between the minimum and maximum fees varied greatly depending on the location in which the surgery was performed.

A study performed by the national publication Review of Ophthalmology showed that the Southern and Northeastern U.S. averaged a slightly higher cost for LASIK and LASEK surgeries, at approximately $1,900 - $2,000 per eye, than procedures performed in the Midwest or West, at approximately $1,800 to $1,900 per eye. Yet the Northeast, Midwest, and West regions have large price ranges. The minimum price per eye in the Northeast was $1,250 while the maximum cost was twice the cost at $2,500. Prices in the Midwest ranged from a low of $1,300 per eye to $2,400 per eye. Most shocking though were laser eye surgeries in the West: the lowest cost provider charged just $900 per eye, while the most expensive provider charged a whopping $2,750 per eye ? a difference of $1,850 per eye. There were little price variations in the Southern United States.

Individuals interested in pursuing laser eye surgery should pay close attention to what costs are included in their provider?s quote. There is little standardization in the industry in regards to how procedures are priced, so patients may find that a lower cost provider advertises a nominal rate only to hit them up for extra fees later on. In the end, the final cost often works out to be the same, if not more expensive, than other all-inclusive providers.

When interviewing a provider, patients should inquire about the following charges:

- Pre-operative testing
- Initial exam charges
- Supply fees (surgical gowns, masks, gloves, temporary contact lenses, etc.)
- Doctor?s fees
- Equipment rental fees (for doctors who rent or lease their equipment)
- Medication costs
- Follow-up visit costs
- Charges for any necessary follow-up procedures or enhancements

Finally, keep in mind that many providers offer financing programs for individuals undergoing laser eye surgery. This may be a solution for some individuals, so patients should be sure to inquire about available options if paying for the procedure in a lump sum will cause financial hardship.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for MyEyeSurgery.com. To learn more about the cost of lasik and laser eye surgery prices, visit us.

Wavefront - Better Than Conventional LASIK Eye Surgery?

Traditional LASIK surgery achieves a simple correction of focusing power by reshaping the cornea with the aid of a laser. Wavefront LASIK is a variation of that conventional procedure and accomplishes a spatially varying correction based on readings from a wavefront sensor. In essence, a wavefront sensor measures the eye itself. It detects any aberrations by directing a weak laser source into the eye, and by sampling and processing the reflection off the retina.

Wavefront measurements reveal the irregularities of the lens, which cause optical aberrations (any deviation from a desired perfect planar wavefront). Wavefront custom sculpts the cornea to accomplish corrected vision. In many ways, Wavefront offers better results than traditional LASIK. The procedure is carried out by an ophthalmologist, with the aid of sophisticated computer-controlled equipment.

LASIK has certain potential side effects including halos or glare, which are caused due to induced spherical aberration. Wavefront has helped reduce instances of such cases where patients complain of post-operative halos or glares. A drop in such complaints is owing to the precise measurements provided by the wavefront sensor.

Thus Wavefront can help achieve a more optically perfect eye, since the corneal tissue area to be carved is measured more precisely using advanced technology and tools. But, wavefront aberrations are not the sole cause for all types of vision impairments. Therefore, Wavefront LASIK should not be treated as a panacea for all kinds of vision defects. However, eye surgeons claim that a great deal of success has been accomplished in patient satisfaction, relative to earlier refractive surgery procedures.

Though wavefront technology has been used for years by astronomers who require adjusting their telescope optics, its application to human vision has been discovered only recently. It's true that Wavefront is a superior procedure, but it's certainly not required by or suitable for everyone. It is imperative that you go through an elaborate wavefront diagnostic to determine if you are a potential candidate for it.

Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about custom wavefront LASIK at Your Lasik Information. The LASIK Surgeons Directory will help you find a LASIK doctor.

What Happens Before, During, And After A Lasik Eye Surgery Procedure?

Since LASIK was approved by the FDA in the early 1990?s, the procedure has grown to become the most widely-performed eye surgery in the United States. LASIK is a surgical procedure performed on the eye to correct an individual?s vision and reduce dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, which literally means to "reshape the cornea from within using a laser.? The procedure has broad applications to treat refractive errors of the eye and can be used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (an elongated cornea).

LASIK works by improving the ability of the eye to properly focus light. In a perfectly formed eye light entering the eye bends and directly hits retina, allowing the eye to produce a clear image. The majority of people, though, have imperfectly shaped corneas. Imperfectly shaped corneas do not properly refract the light on the retina, with the result that the viewed image is blurry and distorted. LASIK can correct these refractive errors by permanently changing the shape of the cornea. Once reshaped, the cornea is able to better focus light, eliminating the need for glasses or contacts.

LASIK patients will be given a detailed set of instructions to follow, beginning a few weeks before the procedure is to take place. It is critical that these instructions are followed if the surgery is to be a success. Patients wearing contact lenses will be advised to stop wearing their lenses anywhere from 2-4 weeks before the procedure, to give their eyes a chance to resume their natural shape. Certain foods, vitamins, beauty products, and medication can also affect the health of your eyes and may need to be avoided prior to LASIK. Failure to follow pre-operative instructions may result in a failed LASIK procedure, or the need to completely redo the surgery.

Patients remain awake and alert during surgery, although the doctor may administer a mild sedative to help keep the patient calm and relaxed. Numbing eye drops will be applied to the eye to serve as a local anesthetic. Since the eye?s natural tendency is to blink when it comes into contact with foreign items, it is necessary to secure the eyelids to keep them out of the way of the laser. This is done using an instrument called a lid speculum. Once the speculum is in place and the eye is cleaned, a small ring is placed on the cornea to apply a strong suction to the cornea. This part of the procedure can be a bit uncomfortable, but the strong suction ensures that the eyes remain immobile throughout the rest of the surgery.

Next a flap is cut into the cornea, leaving a small hinge to keep it attached to the eye. This flap may be made using a small razor sharp knife called a microkeratome, or by using a laser ? also called IntraLase. The suction ring serves as a precise guide for the microkeratome to ensure that the flap is made cleanly and accurately. After the cut has been made the suction ring is removed and the flap is gently teased away from the cornea and peeled back (towards the hinge) to reveal the underlying stroma.

The doctor will then dry the eye and ask the patient to stare at a fixed light, without moving, until the end of the procedure. Once the eye is in the proper position, the excimer laser will be activated. The surgeon will have already programmed the laser to remove the precise amount of tissue from the exact location(s) on your eye before the start of the procedure. More severe refractive errors will require a longer laser treatment, since more corneal tissue will need to be removed. As the laser pulses a beam of light into the eye to remove the excess tissue from the eye, the patient will hear a ticking or zapping sound and may smell an odor similar to that of burning hair. Once the laser has ceased pulsing, the surgeon will replace the corneal flap on the eye and smooth it out to ensure no surface wrinkles develop.

Since an eye is vulnerable after LASIK, it is very important to take extra precautions to protect the eye during the healing process. The doctor will give the patient an eye shield to wear immediately after the LASIK procedure. This shield should be worn while sleeping to prevent a person from rubbing their eye and dislodging the flap. The eye shield also prevents a person from inadvertently putting any pressure on the eye. Antibiotic ointment should be used to prevent infection from forming, while eye drops may be used to keep dry and scratchy eyes well-lubricated as they heal.

The doctor will make a follow-up appointment to evaluate the patient?s eyes within 24-48 hours from the time of surgery. This will allow the physician to monitor the healing process, evaluate the eyes for any potential problems, and begin accessing the success of the LASIK procedure. After the initial follow-up appointment, the patient will be asked to return for regular visits every few weeks, then every few months, until such time that the surgeon is confident that the procedure was successful.

Keep in mind that LASIK is not a risk-free procedure and that not all individuals are good candidates for LASIK. If you are interested in finding more about this procedure, contact your ophthalmologist and request an appointment.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for MyEyeSurgery.com. To learn more about LASIK eye surgery and LASIK eye surgeons, visit us.

Tips If You're Considering Laser Eye Surgery

Each eye surgery and each patient is unique. In spite of this, there are a number of universal tips that can help patients better prepare for eye surgery and speed their recovery time.

First and foremost,
§ Take the extra time you need to find a reputable surgeon with extensive experience in your type of surgery.
o Finding the right doctor is the critical first step in the surgery process. Your eye surgery will only be successful if it is performed by a qualified medical professional. Selecting a doctor based on cost alone is rarely a good move, since surgeons offering cheaper solutions usually do so because they are inexperienced in performing that type of surgery. Keep in mind that should complications arise, you want someone who knows how to quickly and effectively deal with the situation and minimize any damage to your eye.

§ Thoroughly research the procedure you will be undergoing before signing any consent forms.
o This includes taking the time to ask your surgeon any questions you may have about the procedure. A good doctor will take the time to answer all of your questions, as well as inform you of any potential risks and side-effects of the surgery. Take advantage of this and be sure you are fully comfortable with the procedure before you agree to undergo the surgery.

§ Follow all of the pre-operative procedures recommended by your doctor.
o Your surgeon may advise you to avoid certain medications, foods, or activities (such as smoking and drinking alcohol) before undergoing eye surgery. These restrictions are put in place to ensure your eyes are in good condition for the procedure, giving you the best possible chance for a successful surgery and a quick recovery period. Failure to abide by these restrictions may put your health and the success of your surgery at risk.

§ Stop wearing contact lenses in advance of the surgery, as directed by your doctor.
o Since contact lens rest directly on your eye, they exert pressure on the cornea and can actually change the shape of your eye. This is an importance consideration for individuals undergoing eye surgery, especially patients of refractive eye surgery to correct their vision. In order for the procedure to be successful, it is necessary to pinpoint those regions of the eye that need to be treated. If your eye is not in its normal natural shape or state, any attempts to correct visual impairments will not be successful. For this reason, surgeons will request that many eye surgery patients stop wearing contact lenses anywhere from two to four weeks prior to the procedure.

§ Get a good night?s sleep the night before the surgery.
o A well-rested patient is less likely to be unduly anxious and will recover more quickly than someone who is stressed and suffering from lack of sleep. Remember ? adequate sleep is necessary to stay healthy.

§ Make arrangements to have someone you trust drive you home from the surgery.
o Your vision will be blurry and you may be under the effects of a sedative after undergoing your eye surgery. Regardless of the type and extent of the procedure, patients are in no condition to drive immediately after the surgery. Ensure your safety and well-being by arranging for a ride home in advance.

§ Know what side-effects you may experience before undergoing the procedure
o Inquire about potential side-effects and make sure you know what to expect during the recovery period before you go in for the procedure. On your surgery day, you will likely be distracted and anxious and will not retain much information. It?s important to know what to look out for after your surgery so you can catch any potential problems immediately, before they can cause significant damage and jeopardize your health.

§ Call your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual side-effects
o If you experience anything unusual or are concerned about how you are recovering from your procedure, contact your doctor immediately. Refer to the potential side-effects of the procedure as discussed above, and use these as your guidelines for what is normal and to be expected. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and call your doctor ? it?s always better to be safe than sorry.

§ Take all medication as prescribed.
o The medication prescribed by your surgeon is designed to speed the healing process and protect your eye from adverse side effects. Therefore, it is imperative that you take all medication as prescribed.

§ Avoid touching, rubbing, or bumping your eye while it is healing.
o Any direct contact with your eye while it is healing can result in damage to the eye and may result in severe complications. Wearing an eye shield as needed, especially while you are sleeping, can help you avoid unnecessary contact with your eye.

§ Avoid makeup, lotions, and creams while your eye is healing.
o These items can interfere with the eye?s natural healing ability and prolong your recovery period.

§ Stay away from medications that can interfere with your body?s natural healing process, such as steroids
o Some medications can prevent your eye from properly healing and delay the recovery process.

And last, but not least
§ Give yourself time to recover from the surgery before jumping back into your busy life
o Keep in mind that you are recovering from an invasive procedure. It will take some time before you start feeling like your normal self. Taking it easy for a few days will enable your body to rest and heal faster than it will if you subject it to undue stress.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for MyEyeSurgery.com. For more eye surgery tips and to learn more about laser eye surgery, visit us.

Lasik Eye Surgery Can Give A New Lease On Life

Going through life dependent on glasses or contacts is fine for some, but others quickly tire of being unable to navigate the world if their corrective lenses get misplaced or break. There are few greater feelings of helplessness then that felt by a person who suddenly cannot see a foot beyond the end of their nose. These people often turn to eye Lasik surgery to help bring their world back into focus.

No matter how you crack it, eye surgery does sound a little scary, but for anyone who has studied the results, the fear factor is easily overcome. A person who undergoes Lasik successfully will soon find they are able to see things better than they have in years or even better than they ever did. A new sense of freedom is born and self-confidence and self-esteem boosts are incredible.

But what is Lasik and how does it work? In a nutshell, this surgical procedure to correct vision involves the reshaping of the cornea, which is the covering on the front of the eye. A laser and a knife are used to cut a small flap in the cornea, a hinge is left at an end of the flap and the flap is folded back to uncover the stroma, or middle section of the cornea. The laser, which is computer controlled, basically vaporizes a portion of the stroma and the flap is put back.

While this might sound horrific, the procedure makes sense. The cornea itself is the part of the eye that focuses light and creates a picture on the retina. It works sort of like a camera lens does to focus light on film. When light is bent and focused, it's called refraction.

When people have difficulty seeing, generally it is because the shape of the cornea and the eye are not in perfect synch. This means the picture on the retina will be blurred or distorted. This is called a refractive error, for which there are three main types: myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. People with myopia are nearsighted, this means they can't see objects that are far away with ease. Hyperopia is farsightedness and an astigmatism is a distortion of the image.

Lasik surgery basically corrects these conditions and helps people focus better, often removing the need for corrective lenses entirely. Lasik is not for all people, however, and pre-exams will be required for a doctor to determine if the eye procedure will work in an individual case.

If Lasik is the chosen route to help correct vision problems, those who undergo it will find it has a pretty high success rate. Although doctors cannot guarantee results, many find they end up with 20/20 vision after the procedure.

The other benefit of Lasik is that it's relatively painless and the surgical site heals very quickly. Most patients can see quite well right after the procedure and within a week vision should be completely in focus.

Lasik eye surgery is a route more than worth investigating for those who no longer wish to be dependant on contacts or glasses. The freedom provided is amazing and the vision improvements in successful cases are also impressive.

Lasik Eye Surgery.

http://www.lasikeyesurgeryhelp.com

Refractive Eye Surgery - Is LASIK the Best Option?

Refractive surgery is a general term referring to the collection of many different surgical procedures, all with the key intent to fix the refractive error of the eye. Refractive surgery is the preferred treatment for rectifying a variety of vision impairments. Its popularity is owing to the fact that it produces efficacious and predictable vision improvement without any major side effects.

Essentially speaking, refractive surgery is any eye surgery employed to improve visual acuity and decrease dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The refractive surgery field encompasses operative procedures for all types of refractive errors, be it myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism or presbyopia. The most common procedure is to use lasers to reshape the corneal tissue.

Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure. Especially recommended for treating nearsightedness, it consists of cutting a flap in the cornea in order to carve the tissue underneath and give it the desired shape. The eye surgeon may either use a microkeratome (a precision surgical instrument) or a laser to cut a flap of the corneal tissue. Then onwards, the underneath tissue is reshaped with the aid of the excimer laser (a high-precision ultraviolet chemical laser).

Other refractive surgery procedures include Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelium Keratomileusis (LASEK), EPI-LASIK, Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), Radial keratotomy (RK) and arcuate keratotomy (AK), among others. Cataract extraction and intraocular lens implants may also be considered as types of refractive surgeries, since the key intent is to extract the lens with a refractive error and replace it with a new lens that provides clear and improved vision.

As of now, LASIK is a clear winner among the available eye corrective surgical procedures. All the above listed refractive surgery procedures have potential complications. However, LASIK has a minimal complication rate of a mere 5%. With the technology in hand and with proper pre-operative examination, your laser eye surgery would go as smooth as a walk in the park.

The LASIK Surgeons Directory will help you find a LASIK surgeon. Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news and information about LASIK and refractive surgery at Your Lasik Information.

Lasik Eye Surgery: Is It Right For You?

If you have poor eyesight and you have worn eyeglasses or contact lenses all your life, then you might want to consider LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK is the acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileuses. This is a procedure where the patient has to undergo surgery to reduce or totally eliminate a person's poor eyesight.

There are certain eye imperfections that cause poor eyesight. Examples of these are:

- Astigmatism

A person with astigmatism sees 'distorted' imaged which is a result of deformities or irregularities on the lenses of the eyes.

- Nearsightedness

A person who is nearsighted has a condition called myopia. Here, the patient experiences difficulties seeing objects at a distance.

- Farsightedness

On the other hand, a person who is farsighted sees far objects without difficulty but the same does not apply to near objects. This condition is
also called hyperopia.

To treat these ailments, LASIK eye surgery is used, and this is the most common method of refractive surgery performed for patients nowadays.

'The Procedure'

In LASIK surgery, there is a knife-like tool that is mainly used for the procedure: the microkeratome.

This is used to produce a very thin and rounded flap in the clear, outer layer covering the front or the eye which is the cornea. A more technologically-advanced way to create this flap is by the use of laser.

The shape of the cornea is changed permanently once this surgery is performed.

After the flap on one side of the eye is produced, this is folded back to reveal the stroma. The stroma is the mid-section of the cornea.

Afterwards, the microkeratome or the laser beam will vaporize a part of the stroma by producing computer-controlled pulses.

Then, the flap is put back into place after making the necessary corrections.

There are other types of refractive surgery that may be performed on a patient,depending on the degree of visual disability.

'The Pros & Cons'

This type of surgery that aims to correct poor vision is very popular. Why do you think this is so? Here is a list of the advantages of LASIK eye surgery:

1. You will not feel pain while undergoing the procedure.

2. The results are immediate. Right after the surgery, you will experience an improvement with your eyesight. At the very least, you will get to literally "see" results a day or two after the operation.

Still, there is a downside to this type of medical procedure. Take a look at some of them and decide for yourself if undergoing the surgery is worth the risk:

1. Complications may arise.

Different patients respond differently to treatment. If there are certain health issued that your doctor is not aware of, the procedure may not have positive results.

2. There are certain jobs or profession which prohibit an employee undergoing LASIK eye surgery.

Be sure to check with your employer first if you think that this surgery might in any way inhibit you from doing your work.

3. The procedure is quite costly.

Over the years and because of its gaining popularity, the costs have gone down considerably.

However, it is still quite a hefty amount to squeeze out of your pocket if you are on a budget.

If you plan to undergo this type of surgery, ask your doctor about the
rates.

'Should You Do It?'

If you are not the type of person to boldly take risks,LASIK eye surgery may not be right for you.

Before deciding to undergo the procedure, make sure that you know about the costs, health risks and take all the necessary precautions.

Also, talk with your doctor about what you should do before, during and after the surgery.

Ask them what you can expect to feel and the results that you will get right after the procedure.
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides LASIK eye surgery resources on www.your-lasik-eye-surgery.info.

Thinking about LASIK eye surgery? There's a lot to think about.

Humans are essentially visual creatures. The thought of someone interfering with our eyes is difficult to bear for any of us. But millions of people every year have what, at first sight, seems like a highly invasive technique on their eyes. Why do they do it? For centuries we've struggled with spectacles for vision correction. Everyone knows that they're not really the answer. Then came along contact lenses. And when breathable, extended wear lenses came along, we thought they were the pinnacle of ocular technology. Not any more. Now we have LASIK - Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomilieusis - using a computer controlled micro laser to remove parts of the cornea and reshape it for a considerable improvement in vision. But for something as valuable as our eyesight, it's clearly imperative to consider all the implications. Here are just a few to think about:

LASIK may not give you perfect vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) reports that seven out of 10 patients achieve 20/20 vision, but 20/20 does not always mean perfect vision. If you have LASIK to correct your distance vision, you'll still need reading glasses around age 45. You may need additional enhancement surgery to give you the best possible vision after LASIK. You should be at least 18 years old (21 for some lasers), since the vision of people younger than 18 is usually still developing. You may be a candidate for monovision (correcting one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision). If you can adjust to this correction, it may eliminate or reduce your need for reading glasses. In some instances, surgery on only one eye is required. You may experience a decrease in contrast sensitivity, "crispness," or sharpness. That means that even though you may have 20/20 vision, objects may appear fuzzy or grayish. Your vision probably will be blurry the day of surgery, but it will improve considerably by the next day when you return for a follow-up exam. If you wear bifocals or reading glasses you will need glasses for reading after LASIK. LASIK cannot restore the flexible (back and forth from distance to near) focus of youth.

It's possible, though unlikely, that you may have corneal scarring, irregular astigmatism and an inability to wear contact lenses. Your optometrist will measure the curvature of your cornea and your pupils. You may be rejected if your pupils are too large. She'll also measure the topography of your eyes to make sure you don't have an irregular astigmatism or a cone-shaped cornea and the the pachymetry, or thickness, of your cornea. You need to have enough tissue left after your corneas have been cut and reshaped.

As you can see, there's a lot to think about, not least the cost, which currently is about $1700-2000 per eye. Talk it over with you optometrist and above all don't feel pressured by anyone into having LASIK, they are your eyes after all.

Mike Thompson writes on a wide range of subjects and runs www.lasik-laser.com he's been involved with laser eye surgery since it was developed.

What Is Refractive Eye Surgery?

Refractive eye surgery is a type of eye surgery that is used to rectify refractive errors of the eye and decrease dependency on corrective lenses such as eyeglasses and contact lenses. Successful refractive procedures can reduce myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness, and astigmatism or elongated corneas. A number of different procedures exist for refractive eye surgery depending upon the type and severity of the refractive error.

There are four main types of refractive eye surgery procedures: flap and photoablation procedures; corneal incision procedures; thermal procedures; and implants. Currently, the most common refractive eye surgeries involve the use of lasers to reshape the cornea.

Flap procedures involve cutting a small flap in the cornea so that the tissue underneath can be reshaped to correct the refractive error. LASIK, short for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is the most popular refractive surgery and is used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The LASIK procedure involves using a microkeratome or IntraLase to cut a flap into the stroma, moving the flap out of the way, removing excess corneal tissue with an excimer laser, then replacing and smoothing out the flap. LASEK is best suited for individuals with thin or flat corneas. The LASEK procedure uses a small trephine blade to cut into the shallow epithelium, after which the eye is bathed in a mild alcohol solution to soften the edges of the epithelium. The flap is gently moved out of the way so that an excimer laser can remove excess corneal tissue, after which the flap is replaced and smoothed out. Epi-LASIK, like LASEK, involves a shallow cut into the epithelium, but makes use of epikeratome to create a thin epithelium sheet for removal instead of the harsher blade and alcohol.

Photoablation, the second stage in flap procedures, makes use of ultraviolet radiation to remove excess corneal tissue. PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, was the original laser eye surgery procedure. PRK involves numbing the eye with local anesthetic eye drops, and reshaping the cornea by destroying miniscule amounts of tissue from the surface of the eye. The laser used, an excimer laser, is a computer-controlled ultraviolet beam of light. It burns cool so as not to heat up and damage the surrounding eye tissue.

Corneal incision procedures such as radial keratotomy and arcuate keratotomy use miniscule incisions in the cornea to alter its surface and correct refractive errors. Radial keratotomy, or RK, uses a diamond tipped knife to make a number of spoke-shaped incisions in the cornea. The result of the incisions is that the cornea flattens out, minimizing the effects of myopia. Arcuate keratotomy, or AK, is very similar to RK. The diamond knife is used to cut incisions that are parallel to the edge of the cornea, as opposed to the spoke-shaped incisions of the RK procedure. These procedures have been much less common with the emergence of laser-assisted refractive eye surgeries.

Thermal procedures use heat to correct temporarily hyperopic refractive errors, or farsightedness. The thermal keratoplasty procedure involves putting a ring of 8 or 16 small burns on the eye immediately surrounding the pupil. The application of the heat increases the slope of the cornea, making it steeper, through thermal contractions. There are two main types of thermal keratoplasty. Laser Thermal Keratoplasty, or LTK, is a no-touch procedure that uses a holmium laser. Conductive Keratoplasty, or CK, uses a high-frequency electric probe.

The final type of refractive eye surgery involves the use of implants. Implantable contact lenses, or ICL, can be used to correct severe levels of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The implants are actually tiny contact lenses that are inserted through a small incision in the side of the cornea. Implants are seated so they sit immediately in front of the eye's natural lens just behind the cornea. ICL works in conjunction with the eye?s natural lens to refocus light on the retina and produce a crystal clear image.

Each of these procedures has its advantages and disadvantages, and not all individuals are suitable candidates for refractive eye surgery. Individuals who are interested in learning more about surgical options should contact their ophthalmologist for more information about these procedures, as well as inquire about other new cutting-edge procedures. Since ophthalmologic surgery is constantly growing and changing with emergence of new technologies and methods, there are always new techniques in development. As new equipment is developed and methods refined that can improve the success and minimize the side effects of refractive eye surgery, new procedures will emerge to replace outdated techniques.

Gray Rollins is a writer for MyEyeSurgery.com. To learn more refractive eye surgery and finding a lasik eye surgeon, visit us.

The Different Types Of Laser Eye Surgery

When most people think of laser eye surgery, they automatically think of LASIK. While it is true that LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery, there are a number of other laser procedures that can produce equally successful results for individuals suffering from myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. In fact, there are actually four different types of laser eye surgery: PRK, LASIK, Customized LASIK, and LASEK.

PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, makes use of a specialized cool laser beam, called an excimer laser, to remove excess corneal tissue. The removal of this tissue corrects the shape of the eye so that light entering the eye can be properly focused on the retina. The outer surface layer called the epithelium, is removed to expose the underlying corneal tissue. Once this tissue is revealed, the excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. The main distinction between PRK and LASIK is that PRK does not make use of a corneal flap. Instead, the epithelium is allowed to gradually heal through the body?s natural healing process. To protect the exposed cornea, surgeons fit patients with a lightweight contact lens to serve as a bandage for the eye. The contact lens also reduces discomfort. The lens is usually only worn for a few days, two to three days post-operative, at which time the eye is allowed to heal as normal with no bandage.

LASIK is the most widely known and performed type of laser eye surgery in the United States. LASIK stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, which literally means to "reshape the cornea from within using a laser.? LASIK differs from PRK in that a small flap is made in the stroma of the eye. This flap, made by either a microkeratome or IntraLase, is then peeled back to expose the underlying corneal tissue. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea to correct any refractive errors. Once the cornea has been reshaped, the cornea flap is put back into place and smoothed out. The flap acts as a natural bandage to help the eye heal and protect the delicate cornea. The benefit of LASIK is that the use of the flap helps the cornea heals more quickly than it would using the PRK technique, and reduces much of the discomfort felt during the healing process.

Many ophthalmologic surgeons are now offered the next evolution in LASIK surgery, which they called Customized LASIK. The general procedure used to correct refractive errors is the same as is used for traditional LASIK procedures, with the addition of wavefront devices used to map the unique surface of the patient?s eye. The wavefront device passes a narrow ray of light through the systems and into the eye, measuring any optical distortions that result as the light exits back out the eye. Any irregularities identified are then fed back into the system so that the laser can automatically correct for aberrations on the surface of the eye. Proponents of Customized LASIK claim that the use of wavefront technology enables surgeons to treat higher order aberrations that can contribute to low-light visual disturbances such as halos and glare not corrected by traditional LASIK, eyeglasses, or contact lenses. Customized LASIK can provide patients who suffer from higher order aberrations with an increase in visual clarity.

The final type of laser eye surgery is LASEK, or Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy. LASEK is especially helpful for patients who have a thin or flat cornea, making them questionable candidates for LASIK and Customized LASIK procedures. During LASEK, a small trephine blade is used to cut into the outer skin of the eye, called the epithelium. Once the cut has been made, the eye is bathed in a mild alcohol solution to allow the edges of the epithelium to soften. This permits the surgeon to gently tease the epithelium flap out of the way to expose the underlying tissue. An excimer layer reshapes the eye under the flap to correct any refractive errors, after which the flap is replaced over the treated cornea. As with LASIK, the replacement of the flap in LASEK speeds up the natural healing process and serves to minimize discomfort resulting from the procedure.

Although the end result of PRK, LASIK, Customized LASIK, and LASEK is the same ? the reduction of refractive errors ? the method by which these corrections are made differ. Each procedure has its advantages and disadvantages and is best suited for certain types of patients. Individuals who are considering laser eye surgery to correct their vision and reduce dependency on corrective lenses are urged to contact their ophthalmologist to inquire about available options and learn if they are a strong candidate for one of more of these procedures.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for MyEyeSurgery.com. To learn more about Laser Eye Surgery and Lasik Eye Surgery, visit our site.

What Is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, is a type of cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat from the upper and lower eyelids. Age, illness, and even heredity can result in puffy or drooping eyelids that cause individuals to look tired and worn out. In extreme cases, sagging eyelids may even interfere with vision. Eyelid surgery can correct this by removing extraneous fat and trimming sagging skin and muscle tissue. Once the incisions have healed and the swelling has gone down, eyes look rejuvenated, more alert, and youthful.

Selecting a reputable plastic surgeon is critical to a successful surgery. The surgeon you select should be Board Certified and have considerable experience with blepharoplasty. Once you have selected a surgeon, the initial consultation is very important. Make sure to bring detailed copies of your medical records, since the doctor will need to complete a medical history. The doctor will perform a close examination of your eyes and eyelids, including a vision exam, as well as discuss your goals for the surgery. Your surgeon will also use the initial consultation to go over the details of the procedure, the expected results, the risks, and the costs involved.

If you are considering eyelid surgery, it is important to thoroughly research the procedure, even if this just means talking over the details with your surgeon. Blepharoplasty is a relatively safe procedure, although like all other surgeries, you do run the risk of complications. When performed by a qualified surgeon, complications resulting from blepharoplasty are infrequent and typically minor. Minor complications may include temporary swelling of the eyelids, excess tearing, temporary blurred or double vision, tissue tenderness, sensitivity to light, and scarring at the site of the incision. More serious complications include infections and a reaction to the anesthesia used in the procedure. Occasionally patients find that they have difficulty closing their eyes after blepharoplasty. Most often this is a temporary side effect, although there have been reports of the condition becoming permanent. In rare cases, patients may experience a pulling down of their lower eyelids, called ectropion, which requires additional surgical procedures.

Most eyelid surgeries are performed under a local anesthesia which is used to numb the tissue and muscles around your eyes. Your surgeon may also give you a sedative, either orally or intravenously, to help relax you since patients are kept awake during the procedure. Under local anesthesia, you will not feel any pain but may experience some tugging or pressure during the surgery. In certain circumstances, some surgeons opt to perform blepharoplasty under a general anesthetic, in which case the patient is asleep throughout the entire procedure.

The surgeries typically last from 90 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how many eyelids are to be corrected. During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions along the natural lines of the eyelids ? just under the eyelashes on the lower lids and in the deep creases of your upper eyelids. Excess fat is removed through the incision, and sagging muscle and skin are trimmed to neaten your appearance. Once the trimming is completed, your surgeon will use tiny sutures to stitch up the incision.

Once the surgery is complete, your surgeon will advise you on how to care for the incision. You will likely to be told to keep your eyes lubricated with an antibiotic ointment and take pain medication to control any discomfort you feel during the healing process. Cold compresses can be used to minimize swelling and bruising although patients will find that even with the compresses the swelling, tenderness, and bruising will be present for several days and may even last up to a month. Your eyes may tingle and feel gummy or dry for several days as well. Expect to return for a follow-up visit to your surgeon a few days after the procedure for a checkup and removal of your stitches.

Remember that the healing process takes time and it may be several weeks before you are completely recovered. In time the incisions will become less and less noticeable, fading into a thin white line that will be barely noticeable. The end result of the surgery though, should be brighter more alert eyes that make you look well-rested and youthful.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for MyEyeSurgery.com. To learn more about Eyelid Surgery and Lasik Eye Surgery, visit our site.

3 Reasons You Should Do Eye Laser Surgery

There are a number of reasons why you should do eye laser surgery, but also many reasons why you shouldn't. This article examines those reasons, in order that you can make an informed decision if eye laser surgery (or Lasik) is right for you.

To start, we can discuss the conditions which are certainly treatable by Lasik, and mean that you could or you should do eye laser surgery.

Myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia farsightedness or astigmatism are all treatable by eye laser surgery. As long as your vision has remained unchanged for at least two years, then you would probably experience benefit from having the procedure done.

There are some caveats to these though, and we can start with your age.

If you are under 18 years old, then eye laser surgery is most definitely not right for you. The FDA has not approved any laser for the use of LASIK for people under 18, because in all likelihood, your visions prescription will still be changing. There is also the legal argument that minors may not be able to sign a legal consent form.

There are also some other considerations.

You should be aware that eye laser surgery, like all other surgical procedures, does come with some risks attached to it, and your vision at the end may be less than perfect. Furthermore, it is possible that you may encounter side effects such as a 'glare' effect. If you are not willing to accept the potential risks, then eye laser surgery is not right for you.

Once the Lasik procedure has been completed, there will be a significant amount of time required to recover. In other words results will not be immediate. You will also need to follow a fairly strict regime of medications such as eye drops. If you feel unable to do this, then eye laser surgery is not right for you.

If you have any of the following conditions:-

* Diabetes
* Auto immune diseases
* If you are Immunocompromised at all
* Collagen vascular disease

Then you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery.

If you are taking any medications which might impair or prevent your natural healing, then you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery. The type of medications in question are steroids or immunosuppressants.

There are a number of existing eye conditions which also mean that you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery. Some of the conditions in question are as follows:-

* Keratoconus or other corneal thinning disorder
* Corneal scarring
* Glaucoma
* Cataracts
* A recent occurrence of ocular herpes.
* Retinal disease
* Dry eye

Any of these conditions should preclude you from undertaking eye laser surgery.

I hope this article has been of use, and you leave better informed about eye laser surgery than when you arrived. If you have doubts or questions, then always refer to your Lasik surgeon or doctor.

You can visit his website about eye laser surgery, to review information on 3 Reasons You Should Do Eye Laser Surgery at http://www.optic-surgery.com/.

Photorefractive Keratectomy Laser Eye Surgery

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery procedure that is carried out with the key intent to correct a patient?s vision. PRK permanently changes the shape of the frontal corneal tissue using an excimer laser, which is a high-precision ultraviolet chemical laser. The outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, and then a small amount of the corneal tissue is burnt off using the laser. Such an ablation renders the desired shape to the cornea and allows for optimal refraction.

PRK is a technologically advanced surgical procedure. For instance, a computer system tracks the eye position around 4,000 times per second, redirecting laser pulses for precise ablation. As mentioned above, the epithelium is removed prior to ablation. This does not hamper the patient?s vision, since the epithelium is a soft and regenerating layer, which is capable of completely replacing itself within a matter of days. However, the deeper layers, once burnt off, will remain that way because they possess limited regenerative capability. This theory is the cornerstone of the Photorefractive keratectomy surgical procedure.

PRK differs from LASIK in a way that the epithelium is removed in PRK and allowed to regenerate. On the other hand, LASIK does not involve epithelium removal. Instead it consists of cutting a flap in the cornea in order to make the desired incisions. Compared to LASIK, a patient who has undergone PRK experiences more pain and recovery is slow. However, both procedures are similar in the respect that they make use of a laser.

Photorefractive keratectomy is a viable procedure, but it does have possible complications. Apart from slow recovery and pain, the patient may experience glares and halos. As in any refractive surgery, there is a possibility of over- or under-correction. Eye surgeons typically perform PRK on one eye at a time, in order to gauge the results of the procedure and ensure its efficacy.

In a majority of cases, PRK has proven to be a safe and efficacious procedure to correct myopia. However, since the procedure is irreversible, it is recommended that the patient consults an eye doctor instead of jumping on a conclusion.
You will find the Directory of LASIK Surgeons http://www.find-lasik-surgeon.com useful. Nicola Kennedy provides news, views and information about alternatives to LASIK eye surgery at Your Lasik Information. Copyright http://www.Your-LASIK.info This article may be reprinted so long as the resource box and live links remain intact.

How Long Until Vision Clarity? Recovery From Lasik Eye Surgery

As with any other surgery, LASIK also has a recovery period. Since LASIK involves cutting a flap in the corneal tissue, the recovery typically pertains to the healing of the cornea. Patients who have undergone LASIK surgery may experience blurry vision and watery eyes until the cornea heals completely. However, it is true that in case of LASIK, the patient requires less time for full recovery, relative to other refractive surgery procedures.

It is reported that LASIK helps restore vision clarity shortly after the surgery. However, there are a few exceptions and LASIK does have associated complications. During recovery, a patient may suffer from halos/starbursts, light sensitivity, astigmatism, dry eye syndrome, or other minor side effects. But these conditions normally dissipate over a period of a few weeks. Moreover, instances of such complications are minor ? a mere 5%.

In general, your eye surgeon would schedule post-operative meetings, in order to test your vision and assess the results of the surgery. These post-operative visits are highly beneficial for a speedy recovery, since the doctor may advise certain valuable tips and precautions that you must take. Though quite rare, a few patients might require enhancement procedures to attain optimum visual acuity. Such aspects may be discussed at these post-operative visits.

Following the LASIK surgery, you should be able to resume your daily life fairly quickly. However, it is recommended that you should not take part in any major sporting activities for at least a month or so after the surgery. For instance, tiring contact or water sports are highly detrimental to recovery.

LASIK is the preferred choice of many among the available types of refractive surgery. After LASIK surgery recovery, majority of patients have had excellent results, without any serious or long-term complications. Furthermore, they have been able to see as well as they did with their eyeglasses or contact lenses - a dramatic change in a person?s life, with a whole new range of activities available that he or she could not enjoy while wearing eyeglasses.
You will find the Directory of LASIK Surgeons http://www.find-lasik-surgeon.com useful. Nicola Kennedy provides news, views and information about LASIK eye surgery recovery at Your Lasik Information. Copyright http://www.Your-LASIK.info This article may be reprinted so long as the resource box and live links remain intact.

New Vision-Lasik Eye Surgery

Lasik Eye Surgery

Your doctor will also look for signs of dry eye disease, which must be treated and cleared up before LASIK can be performed. Locate a local lasik doctor. The information about lasik eye surgery does not constitute a patient doctor relationship. LASIK eye surgery is still considered new technology. Laser surgery is a refractive technology that reverses the effects of refractive errors in the eye. Pain is rare with LASIK, although some patients will experience some discomfort. Most Dallas patients have described a pressure sensation but no pain during LASIK eye surgery. Both nearsighted and farsighted people can benefit from the LASIK procedure. Some health conditions will disqualify you altogether for LASIK, but others may just postpone the procedure until a later date. Atlantas lasik vision correction surgery specialis... Laser surgery reshapes the eye's natural lens, known as the cornea, to focus light at the proper point for clear vision. An instrument called a microkeratome is used in LASIK eye surgery to create a thin, circular flap in the cornea. Other Lasik injury can be more permanent, and they can result in serious degradation of visual acuity. Laser eye surgery is fast becoming the most technologically advanced method available for correcting common eye disorders. Learn how to choose a LASIK surgeon; then use one of the resources below. that Lasik increases the likelihood of a retinal detachment in a patient with high myopia and preexisting lattice degeneration. In laser surgery, corneal tissue is removed so that the eye focuses in a new way. Having just had lasik eye surgery I can see what a great job you've done here. laser eye surgery has fallen in price. Clavenna lasik prk laser eye surgery lasik eye surgeons Minnesota lasik prk laser eye surgery lasik eye surgeons Dr. is a top lasik eye surgeon. Find out about the LASIK outcomes that have been achieved, and how to set realistic expectations for your own laser eye surgery.

Author:Td Gunnerson http://www.emadeenterprise.com/lasik-eye-surgery

What Is Lasik Eye Surgery?

In the last decade or so, LASIK eye surgery has witnessed a phenomenal growth in its popularity. As of now, millions of people are choosing LASIK to meet their eye surgery needs. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that LASIK eye surgery is still a relatively new process about which a lot still needs to be known. In this article, we will tell you what LASIK eye surgery is and why you must ensure that the LASIK eye surgery you are getting is of high quality conducted by professionals.

First, a few basic facts:

- LASIK eye surgery (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a procedure that is used to modify the cornea and allow a patient to see without the use of glasses or other visual aids. It can correct problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (misshapen cornea). While not all patients may experience a complete restoration of vision, they can certainly see much better than before

- LASIK eye surgery involves minimal or no pain and requires much less recovery time than other eye surgery procedures like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

- Dr Lucio Buratto and Dr. Ionnis Pallikaris jointly developed the LASIK eye surgery procedure in 1990. They based their technique on two older eye surgery procedures ? keratomileusis and PRK. These surgical procedures involved more complications and brought about less than perfect results, so when LASIK offered fewer risks and better results, it proved an immediate success. In 1991, LASIK was twice performed officially by Dr. Stephen Slade, in Europe and later in the US

THE PROCESS

- Before you undergo LASIK eye surgery, you will be instructed to discontinue the use of contact lenses for 1 to 4 weeks prior to surgery to allow the cornea to return to its original shape

- At the start of the surgery, you will be administered a mild anesthetic, usually orally, and numbing eye drops, which will eliminate pain in most cases, though some patients still complain of some discomfort

- A device called a microkeratome is attached to a suction ring placed on your eye, the blade of which is used to cut a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. The flap is folded back, exposing a layer of tissue called the stroma, which is inspected for debris and dried

- You will then be asked to focus on a fixed spot as your doctor begins the laser, cutting and removing corneal tissue based on the measurements taken at the initial examination. The flap is then repositioned and left to heal. Because no stitches are used, you will be required to wear an eye patch to prevent rubbing, irritation, and pressure that might disturb the healing process

- Both eyes can be operated on at the same time if you are healthy enough and have enough recovery time. In some cases, a surgeon will recommend that the patient receive monovision treatment, which is the correction of only one eye. LASIK eye surgery typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes per eye

WAVEFRONT LASIK: NEW TECHNOLOGY ON THE BLOCK

The newest technology in LASIK is the wavefront laser. The first of these types of lasers received FDA approval in 2002. Wavefront technology sends a wave of light to the retina. The light then bounces back to a sensor, which measures the irregularities of the cornea and produces a 3-D map of the eye?s visual system.
The data from the sensor is then translated into a mathematical formula that the doctor uses to program the computer that controls the refractive laser. After wavefront LASIK, 90-94% of patients enjoy 20/20 vision or better as opposed to 80% with traditional LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK COMPLICATIONS

During surgery, complications related to the cutting or hinging of the flap occur in less than 0.5% of patients. Other complications occurring at less than a 1% rate include the development of irregular astigmatism owing to scarring, healing, or beam problems, infection, or other vision problems (halos around lights, blurry night vision), surgery performed off the center of the pupil owing to surgeon error or the inability of the patient to focus on a fixed point.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?

This can vary depending on your doctor and the type of laser used. The minimum requirements are that a patient must be at least 18 years old and has had no drastic change in vision over the past year. For patients with severe refractive errors LASIK eye surgery may not be an option, but almost anyone with stable and healthy eyes can be treated with some type of surgery.

COST OF LASIK

Plenty has been said about the cost of LASIK eye surgery. Some clinics, for example, may claim that they can perform the surgery at a starting cost of $299 per eye. But you should realize at once that the amount is far too low and that no one actually gets the surgery at that cost. On average, the cost of LASIK eye surgery is about $1,700. Marcus Grant http://www.health-articles.net http://www.custom-lasik.org

Laser Eye Surgery

Is the world a complete blur for you without your glasses or contact lenses? And when you do get your glasses on, do you resent the lack of freedom in all your movements? Perhaps it?s time you went in for corrective eye surgery.

Most corrective eye surgery is technically known as refractive eye surgery, an elective procedure intended to correct common eye disorders, or refractive errors, such as myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness) and astigmatism (distorted vision).

Where does laser eye surgery come in?

Laser refractive surgery is rapidly becoming the most technologically advanced and popular method available today to correct refractive errors, primarily because it provides near-total precision and predictability. However, there are still a relatively small number of ophthalmologists in the US who are trained in laser refractive surgery and in the calibration and operation of the laser.

The excimer laser, which is used in this type of surgery, received FDA approval in 1995 for correcting mild to moderate nearsightedness. At present, the excimer laser is approved for use in procedures called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK).

Photorefractive Keratectomy

Performed with local anesthetic eye drops, PRK is a refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea by removing tiny amounts of tissue from the outer surface with a computer-controlled ultraviolet beam of light. The beam is so precise that it can notch a strand of human hair without breaking it. The procedure is the commonest form of laser eye surgery, takes only a few minutes, and you can get back to normal life in a couple of days.

Is Laser Surgery for You?

Millions of patients have experienced total freedom from any kind of eyewear after laser surgery, but there are cons too, as with every surgical procedure. It is best to find out whether you are eligible for laser eye surgery. Here?s a checklist so you don?t end up with worse eyesight than you had before you went in:

- People who are slow healers or have ongoing medical conditions like glaucoma or diabetes are not good candidates for laser surgery

- Those with uncontrolled vascular disease, autoimmune disease, or people with certain eye diseases involving the cornea or retina are also poor candidates, so make sure you have a long chat with your doctor before you opt for surgery

- Pregnant women should avoid refractive surgery of any kind because the refraction of the eye may change during pregnancy


Facts you should know

- You needn?t worry if your pain threshold is low, since there is hardly any discomfort during surgery. Once the anesthetic wears off, the degree of pain varies from individual to individual, but any irritation is minor and usually vanishes within hours

- Worried about when you can return to work? Usually in one to three days post-surgery, but a better idea is to wait until you feel up to it

- Convalescence is minimal, and usually you can be driven home about 30 minutes after surgery. Typically, your eyesight improves within 3 to 5 days

- According to numerous surveys in the U.S. and worldwide, the effects of surgery appear permanent. As people age, however, their vision deteriorates naturally, so re-treatment may be necessary

- Laser surgery does not really restrict your activities, except you should not rub your eyes after surgery. Other than that, you can do whatever work you feel up to provided you follow doctor?s orders

The risk factor

In one word, minimal, but there have been a handful of cases where complications resulting from laser eye surgery have resulted in corneal transplants. So here goes:

- There is about a 0.1 percent chance of the cornea becoming infected after PRK, which usually means added discomfort and a delay in healing, but no long-term effects within a period of four years

- It is as yet not possible to definitely predict how your eye will respond to laser surgery. As a result, you may still need lenses after surgery for good vision. In some cases, a second procedure can improve the initial result

- Some patients find that their best vision with corrective lenses is worse than it was before the surgery. This is a result of either irregular tissue removal or development of corneal haze

- However, corneal haze is part of the normal healing process after PRK. In most cases, it has little or no effect on the final vision. However, some cases of excessive haze interfere with vision. As with under-correction, this can often be corrected by additional laser treatment.

- In some patients the effect of surgery gradually fades over several months. In such cases, a re-treatment is once again usually sufficient

- Some patients experience the halo effect, an optical effect noticed in dim light. As the pupil enlarges, a second faded image is produced by the untreated peripheral cornea. This can interfere with night driving. However, recorded cases are extremely rare.

As of now, a number of other lasers for eye surgery are being tested to determine their safety and efficacy. Such tests may allow for clinical studies involving the excimer laser and the correction of farsightedness, provided the FDA grants approval, which is something a potential patient should always check.Marcus Grant http://www.health-articles.net http://www.cost-of-lasik-eye-surgery.net

Laser Eye Surgery-What Actually Happens

Laser eye surgery is fast becoming on of the most popular elective surgeries in the world today. It is a fairly straightforward procedure, but many people do not know how it is performed. This lack of knowledge may be stopping some good candidates for the surgery from having it done.

The surgeon will be performing the surgery with a rather large machine. While it may look intimidating, it is necessary as it has a camera, the laser and computer attached to it. The doctor will cut a flap in the cornea with a scalpel, and then switch to the laser for the remainder of the surgery.

That is it. The laser eye surgery is completed. Now it is time for the recovery process to begin. Since the cornea is not sutured together after the surgery, the surgeon will place an eye patch over it. This patch will protect the cornea from being accidentally harmed.

When you go to the clinic for your procedure, you will be taken to a room with a recliner. This is where you will be seated. Your eye will be numbed and the eyelid clamped open to prevent blinking.

Most patients return to work with in a couple of days and most normal activities with in a couple of weeks. Your recovery will, of course, depend upon you and your particular situation. However, you should expect to have better vision within a short amount of time following the surgery.

When you are contemplating laser eye surgery, also known as LASIK eye surgery, the first step is to speak with your eye care professional. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you are indeed a candidate. During the prescreening phase, they will go over a list of requirements such as:

No change in eye prescriptions with in the last year
That you have no eye diseases
That you can sit still for an hour straight
That you fully understand after surgery care

It is a good idea to have someone drive you to the clinic for the procedure, as you will not be able to see clearly enough to drive yourself. You may also experience light sensitivity for a short period of time.John Mancini has been writing about Eye Surgery online and offline for a long time. Visit http://ez-laser-eye-surgery.com or http://lasik-eye-surgery-expert.com to read more about matters like lasik eye surgery and lasik procedure.

How Does LASIK Eye Surgery Work? Keratomileusis - The Carving Of The Cornea

At present, LASIK or "Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis" is the only commonly performed keratomileusis procedure. Keratomileusis involves an altering of the shape of the corneal tissue with the aid of an excimer laser, which is a powerful ultraviolet laser. This laser eye surgery is performed by ophthalmologists in order to correct different types of vision impairment. LASIK is the preferred treatment for patients with refractive error, since the procedure entails rapid recovery and minimal pain overall.

LASIK surgery leverages technology to its fullest. For instance, a computer system tracks the patient's eye position 4,000 times per second, while the lasers make the desired incisions. It might sound like a dangerous procedure, but it's time to debunk this myth. LASIK surgery is a completely safe procedure performed with high precision. That is, the laser carves the corneal tissue in a finely controlled manner. LASIK surgery is not that cumbersome when compared with other types of eye surgery, and has a relatively low frequency of complications.

Though LASIK surgery is performed with the patient awake and functional, the eye surgeon typically administers a mild sedative and anesthetic eye drops. No matter what the type of vision impairment, altering the shape of the cornea is a viable solution. In general, the procedure has very few side effects and offers instant results. However, a few complications may arise depending on the extent of the patient's refractive error and other irregularities in the corneal tissue.

LASIK eye surgery, with excellent technology at its disposal, is improving at a rapid rate. However, there is no conclusive evidence as to the chances of long-term complications owing to the surgery. Although relatively uncommon, a few complications may arise, namely corneal infection, slipped flap, haziness, halo or glare. An important point to note is that this laser-assisted procedure is irreversible.

LASIK has gained popularity due its efficacy and improved precision. The procedure also boasts of the smallest complication statistics relative to other eye surgeries. With only a 5% complication rate, LASIK sounds like a safe enough procedure to rectify your vision impairment.

Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, information and views about the Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery at Your Lasik Information. http://www.Your-LASIK.info.