Laser Eye Surgery FAQs

Laser eye surgery refers to the surgical procedure performed to correct blurriness of vision.

What are the types of laser eye surgery?

Corrective laser eye surgery is one of two types: PRK and LASIK. In PRK, or photo refractive keratectomy, the skin layer over the cornea is manually scraped, resulting in corrected vision. This type of surgery involves a longer recovery time but is less risky. LASIK, or laser assisted sub-epithelial keratomileusis, is a method where the epithelium is removed and replaced. Healing is faster with LASIK.

How long does it take to get laser eye surgery done?

The actual procedure is just about one to one and a half minutes. Patients will need to be in the surgery room for about 15 minutes for pre- and post-surgical preparations.

What is the recovery time for laser eye surgery?

Patients experience immediate clarity with LASIK and can start normal activities after 24 hours. For patients who undergo PRK, recovery time is anywhere from a few days to even weeks.

How permanent is laser eye surgery?

Corrective eye surgery through laser techniques last for a lifetime. Changes made to the cornea remain because the cornea is a very stable tissue. Cases of regression of vision are rare and can be corrected with further surgery.

Can complications arise with laser eye surgery?

Yes. Complications and side effects can occur with both LASIK and PRK. Some of the side effects are dry eyes, under- or over-correction, halo around things under light, ghosts or double vision, growth under the epithelial flap, and light sensitivity. Fluctuation of vision is a complication that is seen even 6 months after surgery.

Are there any restrictions on activities after undergoing surgery?

Normal activities can usually be resumed after 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Certain activities that might put pressure on the eye like swimming, eye rubbing, eye makeup, and squeezing eyes should not be done.

Laser Eye Surgery provides detailed information on Laser Eye Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery Costs, Corrective Laser Eye Surgeries, Lasik Laser Eye Surgeries and more. Laser Eye Surgery is affiliated with Cosmetic Laser Surgery

Laser Eye Surgery Forums

Forums that discuss laser eye surgery are very useful for many people. The forums discuss various aspects of the surgery from pre-surgical preparations to post-surgical complications.

Pre-Surgical Help

Many people who have undergone surgery discuss in forums about who needs to undergo laser eye surgery. Before deciding on whether or not to have the surgery, you can weigh the pros and cons of each kind of surgery. Any doubts can be posted on forums and answers can be obtained from experienced persons. Some forums even have expert doctors and ophthalmologists to answer individual queries for a patient before he or she undergoes surgery. Information on good clinics, methods, and things to take care of may also be available on select forums.

Some good forums carry postings about what the actual procedure involves. Step-by-step personal experiences have been written by some. Information is also available on what complications could arise due to different types of laser eye surgeries. Some give graphic descriptions of what they experience. This helps people to have a complete picture of what is involved during laser eye surgery and decide whether or not to undergo the procedure.

Post-Surgical Help

Forums not only have postings about patients' personal experiences but also have sections where one can get personal advice, depending on the nature of one's problem. Medical experts trained in laser eye surgical procedures are available to offer advice on how to deal with post-surgical complications. Some patients offer tips on how to cope with problems associated with LASIK, such as glare, haloes, and flaring.

Forums are good resources for educational purposes. They have medical literature on laser eye surgeries that describe in detail what happens in each method of surgery. People can learn about the advancements in the field of laser eye surgery through forum discussions.

Some good forums are www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/living/health/specialties/lasik_eye_surgery/ask_expert_front.htm

www.irishhealth.com/index.html?level=4&id=4220

www.lasermyeye.org/forums

Laser Eye Surgery provides detailed information on Laser Eye Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery Costs, Corrective Laser Eye Surgeries, Lasik Laser Eye Surgeries and more. Laser Eye Surgery is affiliated with Cosmetic Laser Surgery

Corrective Laser Eye Surgery

Lasers are used to reshape the tissues located on the underlying or stromal layer of the cornea, to correct vision. There are two types of corrective laser eye surgery - PRK or Photo Refractive Keratectomy and LASIK or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. Each of these procedures uses a different technique.

Photo Refractive Keratectomy or PRK

In PRK, the epithelium of the cornea is manually scraped away and an excimer laser corrects vision. The epithelium layer grows back later. This method involves a longer recovery period and more discomfort during healing than with LASIK. PRK is less risky when compared to LASIK because it does not involve cutting the cornea.

Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis or LASEK

LASEK is an advanced form of PRK that uses alcohol in a solution to first soften then remove the epithelium. After reshaping the stroma with excimer laser, the epithelium is replaced. The advantage of LASEK over PRK is that the healing process is hastened.

Epi-LASEK

This method is a further advancement on LASEK. It uses a separator to preserve a living layer of the epithelium. This layer is replaced after an excimer laser corrects vision. Discomfort and healing time are much less in Epi-LASEK, as compared to LASEK.

LASIK or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis

LASIK uses a microkeratome metal blade to cut the cornea flap and an excimer laser to reshape the eye. After the procedure, the flap is returned to its position. Unlike the PRK techniques, vision is immediately corrected. Some blurriness may be present for the first 24 hours but will improve over time.

Custom Vue LASIK

This method is very similar to LASIK. The only difference lies in the use of an advanced software called Wavefront. In this procedure, the vision is measured by mapping the optical system, using technology that is 25% more accurate than traditional methods. The excimer laser is then guided by the software to make necessary changes to the stroma.

Custom Intra LASIK

In this, a femtosecond Intralase laser is used to make the flap. The excimer laser, guided by the Wavefront software, corrects vision. This is regarded as a far superior method for corneal flap creation. It is also the most expensive type of laser eye surgery.

Laser Surgery provides detailed information on Laser Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery, Cosmetic Laser Surgery, Laser Surgery For Stretch Marks and more. Laser Surgery is affiliated with Corrective Laser Eye Surgeries

How To Make Laser Eye Surgery Cost Work For You

Laser eye surgery cost varies from clinic to clinic and country to country with the one constant being that patients are generally quoted per eye. If you have been tempted to "take the plunge" but are not sure of the cost involved, then it's advisable to get a wide cross-section of quotes from different providers.

Average Eye Surgery Costs

Laser eye surgery cost has risen steadily during the past four years. From an average cost of $1500 in 2002, prices now hover around the $2000 mark and beyond. If you have noticed cheaper quotes, under $1000, then it would be wise to check the fine print before you sign on the dotted line. Only a small percentage of providers are offering these low cost prices and in most cases, there are hidden costs or factors involved.

Costs for some of the common eye surgery procedures have risen considerably in the last few years. Common procedures such as corneal inserts and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) will set you back as much as $4000 and $2000 respectively depending on the circumstances.

What To Be Wary Of

Be wary of advertisements offering low cost eye surgery. Generally, this is a sales tactic to attract patients who then have to satisfy certain terms and conditions to qualify for the price on offer. If you answer one of these advertisements make sure you ask questions such as:

- What are the eligibility requirements to qualify for the price on offer? - Is there a fee involved for the consultation? - What sort of after care maintenance will be required and what will it cost?

It's a little like buying a car. You are attracted by the super low price being offered yet, when you go into the sales room, you discover there are other costs involved like stamp duty, dealer delivery, insurance etc. You get the picture. Just be aware of this because it will save you unnecessary stress when the final bill is presented to you after the procedure!

How To Choose A Surgeon

Choosing a surgeon takes a little skill as well. Again, asking a lot of questions will help you cover your bases. Remember, it's your eyes we're talking about here so there is little margin for error. Reputation counts for a lot in any field and it is no different with laser eye surgery.

During the consultation process, you'll get a feel for both the surgeon's integrity and that of his staff. Ask for references from former patients if possible. The consultation process itself should be thorough and at the end of it, you should have a complete understanding of the level of surgery required in your case. Not everyone is a good laser eye surgery candidate and this is the one thing you must get established. If you feel the consultation process was inadequate and rushed and your questions were unanswered, then it might be a good idea to look elsewhere.

Laser eye surgery cost is generally affordable for most people. Despite what appear to be high costs, being offered a payment plan that you can afford over an extended period of time and works for you and your surgeon is the ideal scenario. This should be another vote of confidence in your chosen surgeon who is willing to help make it work for you rather than being pressured with unsavoury sales tactics.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Understand the ins and outs of laser eye surgery cost plus get the latest eye surgery news and reviews at =>http://www.eyesurgeryplace.com

Let's Take a Closer Look at Laser Eye Surgery

Our vision is probably the most utilized sensory faculty that we have. For most people the ability to see clearly is absolutely vital. Unfortunately, our eyes frequently suffer from diseases, abuse, and genetic eye defects that may lead to poor eyesight. To help us ease our burdens with these problems, we would normally use corrective lenses such as glasses and contact lenses. But recently a new treatment for eye ailments has surfaced. Commonly called laser eye surgery, it is a procedure that restores your normal eyesight without the aid of corrective lenses.

You may think that that I?m old-fashioned but to me laser eye surgery is quite unnecessary. For one it costs a whole lot more than ordinary lenses. Why would you spend a lot of cash for a surgery when cheap glasses can produce the same results? Since this type of treatment is relatively new not a lot of research has been done to determine if it has any adverse consequences for those who have tried this procedure.

For me vision is too important and precious to gamble with. What I?m trying to communicate is that like other surgery, laser eye surgery poses possible risks. Infection, tissue scarring, and other dangers are all too possible for those who risks their eyes in this procedure. Why would I risk my vision on an untested, expensive, quick fix solution when reliable glasses can achieve similar effects?

Well, of course laser eye surgery sounds and seems a lot more attractive than good-old-corrective lenses. And who wouldn?t want to try this latest, state of the art procedure? It?s definitely more exciting to have laser eye surgery than to just have boring eye-glasses. But is it really worth the risks? I have been wearing glasses since I was thirteen and they worked just fine for me.

Other than the experience of being teased, eye glasses have no major inconveniences. I would prefer being called a nerd than trying a dangerous surgery that and damaged my eyes permanently. If you are seriously considering trying laser eye surgery, I suggest that you weigh the risks carefully. I feel that it would be wise to stick with eye glasses or at least wait for a few more years when the techniques of the procedure have been refined and most of the dangers have been eliminated.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Laser Eye Surgery. Visit our site for more helpful information about Laser Eye Surgery and other similar topics.

Laser Eye Surgery FAQ's

Because of the relatively new technology involved, most people are still unaware of the benefits, risks, and rewards of laser eye surgery. This article seeks to answer the more commonly asked questions about the process. If you are considering eye surgery to solve your ocular difficulties, then read on.

How painful is laser eye surgery?

Most people feel very little pain during the operation itself, mostly because the eye is anesthetized beforehand. When the medication wears off however, most individuals feel some discomfort and irritation. These irritations are usually minor and quickly disappear.

How long does laser eye surgery take?

The corrective surgery itself takes less than a minute. The recovery period needed is very minimal; most patients can be driven home after half an hour.

Are there any things I should not do after laser eye surgery?

Most doctors will tell you not to rub your eyes, as this may interfere with your eye?s recovery, as well as irritate the area. Most other activities are permissible though. If you have any doubts about whether or not you should be doing something, consult with your doctor.

When is an eye surgery patient able to return to work?

Many patients are capable of working a day after the operation. It really depends on you. If you feel that you can return to your normal activities without undue strain, then do so.

How long will it take for the surgery to take effect?

Most patients report dramatically improved vision three to five days after the operation.

Is the result permanent?

Clinical trials both in the U.S and abroad show that the results of laser eye treatment are relatively permanent and long-lasting. However, the need for re-treatment always remains a possibility, but usually only after many years.

Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of eye-care-hq.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about laser eye surgery.

Is LASEK Better than LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK surgery has been very popular among people who wear contact lenses or glasses because it has been proved to successfully correct common vision problems (myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsigtedness, and astigmatism) in most of LASIK patients. There have been many studies conducted on LASIK outcomes and shows that at least 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/40 or better visual acuity after LASIK surgery and over 85% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 or 20/25.

However, there is still a relatively new eye surgery that is almost similar to PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy), an eye surgery that has existed before LASIK. It is the LASEK eye surgery. LASEK stands for Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis. LASEK procedure is developed to reduce the risk of complications after LASIK surgery, that are usually occur when the corneal flap is not cut ideally during LASIK surgery - too thick, too thin, too small or big in diameter.

In LASIK surgery, a hinged corneal flap is cut by laser or blade (microkeratome) and then laser beams are used to remove the underlying corneal tissue and flap is repositioned. But in LASEK surgery, there is no hinged corneal flap formed. Instead, the surgeon will use a finer blade (trephine) and alcohol solution to loosen the edges of epithelium. After 30 seconds, a tiny hoe is used to lift the edge of epithelium and gently fold it back out of the way to allow laser beams to reshape the cornea. Then, the epithelial flap is replaced back to its position by using a kind of spatula.

The outcomes of LASEK surgery are similar from LASIK, but according to some LASEK doctors, the recovery time with LASEK is a little bit longer than LASIK. But of course, it may vary from one individual to another.

LASEK surgery is most performed on people that has too thin or too flat cornea for LASIK. So, if your doctor is suggesting you a LASEK procedure instead of LASIK, you may ask him the reason.

Lina Lee is a successful webmaster and publisher of LASIKWeb.info, a website that provides complete guide and infomation about LASIK Surgery and Custom LASIK

Are You Eligible for LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery has been performed on more than one million of people in the world. Almost all of them are satisfied with the results - they have been able to eliminate the dependence on corrective eyewear and most of them even don't need prescribed glasses or contacts to see and read anymore.

Having heard of such results, you may begin contemplating LASIK eye surgery. But unfortunately, LASIK surgery is not for everyone. Many people are considered as good LASIK candidate, but some people do not meet the criteria. You have to visit your doctor and consult with him or her, take a comprehensive eye and health examination, answer some questions and your doctor will then determine whether you are eligible for LASIK eye surgery or not, because it is very important to ensure the successful of the LASIK procedure that will be performed later.

The best candidates for LASIK are those with mild to moderate levels of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and a combination thereof - myopia with astigmatism or hyperopia with astigmatism. As technology is evolving rapidly, the future LASIK eye surgery is expected to treat severe refractive errors.

The next criterion is that you must be over 18 years old and have had a stable glass glasses or contact lenses prescription for at least two years. Some doctor may reject patients who are younger than 20 years old because their visions are still unstable. Potential candidates should be free from certain diseases such as diabetes, ocular herpes simplex, glaucoma, keratononus, cataracts or any eye diseases.

You are not eligible for LASIK if you are pregnant or nursing and have fluctuating hormones. Also an ideal candidate must be a fast healer and have no disease that may affect wound healing such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and HIV. If you are currently taking certain medications such as retinoic acid and steroids that may prevent proper wound healing, you are not a good LASIK candidate.

If you have meet all the conditions needed, it is also important for you to understand the benefits, outcomes, risks and complications of LASIK. If your expectations are too high and unrealistic and you are not a risk taker, you will be rejected by your doctor for LASIK eye surgery.

Besides the criteria from doctor, you also have to consider the LASIK cost, if it is affordable or not and whether your health insurance covers this type of surgery. Usually, the cost is ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 per eye and it may costs more if you choose Wavefront LASIK or bladeless LASIK (IntraLase). Of course it is better for you to ask and discuss the price with your doctor.

After all, if you are eligible for LASIK eye surgery, it is completely up to you to decide whether you choose to continue to the next step of LASIK procedure or just stop there because you are not willing to bear the risks.

Lina Lee is a successful webmaster and publisher of LASIKWeb.info, a website that provides complete guide and infomation about LASIK Surgery. Also find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery by asking the 50 tough questions for your LASIK surgeon

Medical Tourism: Corrective Laser Eye Surgery

More and more people are turning to medical tourism to meet their health care needs. And who can blame them? With skyrocketing costs and seemingly endless waiting lists, medical travel is a worthy option to consider. World-class facilities, highly qualified doctors, and state-of-the-art technology are common among many medical destinations.

With the amazing advances in lasers, combined with the creation of new and safer refractive surgical techniques within the past ten years, there are more people heading to their friendly eye doctors to have their vision improved.

Corrective laser eye surgery is a great procedure to couple with medical tourism. It is relatively safe, quick, and the recovery time is short. There is minimal post-operative pain involved.

Let?s take a look at the four most popular corrective laser eye surgery procedures:

- Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism eye conditions. This is the most common corrective laser eye surgery. In this procedure, a surgical incision is made to the cornea, creating a flap that is folded out of the way, allowing the surgeon to use the laser for correction. Since a flap is created on the cornea, healing is faster because the flap is replaced and allowed to reattach to the cornea. The entire procedure only takes about 15 minutes, with only 30 to 60 seconds of actual lasering. Many patients experience better vision as early as the day after surgery.

- Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) is similar to LASIK, except that the flap is created in the epithelium, rather than in the cornea.

- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is for persons who are nearsighted, who have mild to moderate farsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgeon uses the laser to remove tiny tissue on the surface of the cornea.

- Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) uses a probe as thin as a strand of human hair, utilizing radio frequency (RF) energy. The surgeon uses the probe to reshape the cornea by shrinking small areas of the tissue.

How do these corrective laser eye surgery procedures improve one?s quality of life? Patients who had these procedures were surveyed and noted the following:

- Ability to see on waking

- Freedom from glasses and contact lenses

- Improvement in personal safety

- Better participation in sports and fitness activities

As with any surgery, there are risks involved, and the wise patient will do well to be aware of any and all possible side effects and complications. Some of the most common risks involved in corrective laser eye surgery are:

- Loss of vision

- Dry eyes

- Eye discomfort (usually during the first 24 hours after the surgery) - Irregular astigmatism

- Corneal haze or glaring

- Overcorrected or undercorrected vision

- Inability to wear contact lenses in the future

- Loss of corneal flap, requiring a corneal graft

- Scarring

- Infection

- Glare around lights, including difficulties with night vision and night driving

Some people who may not be good candidates for corrective laser eye surgery includes those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, diabetes, cataracts, and herpes infections of the eye.

It?s important to remember to have a companion in your medical travel to drive and/or accompany you to and from your procedure.

After weighing pros and cons, it?s good to know that there are world-class eye care facilities, offering inexpensive, modern treatment in many medical destinations, such as India, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. When costs may be reduced by half and a nice vacation in a desirable destination gets thrown into the deal, why not consider medical tourism for corrective laser eye surgery?

http://www.medical-travel-asia.com is dedicated in telling the world that Asia is THE place for medical tourism and the right place to come and seek medical help. Asia has so many things to offer to the world, we simply want to tell people WHY.

On top of that, we also happen to know where are the best beaches here in Asia to recuperate after a surgery. Come to Asia if you are seeking medical treatment, get well, and take back some beautiful holiday memories at the same time.

However, http://www.medical-travel-asia.com is NOT engaged in rendering medical service or advice and the information provided on this website is not a substitute for a professional medical opinion. Our website is purely for educational and informational purposes. If you have a medical problem, please contact a qualified health professional.

Should You Go For Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK)?

Ok, so Laser Eye Surgery can really do wonders, allowing people who have short-sightedness or have myopia to see better without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. But, LASIK is not for everyone. How do you know if you are a suitable candidate for this vision correction procedure?

Are you a suitable candidate for LASIK?

Here's a quick checklist:

- Are you at least 18 years old and above? For many people below 18, their eyesight remains unstable, especially if they have myopia. More importantly, make sure your eyesight has stopped fluctuating before you go for LASIK.

- You shouldn't be nursing, or carrying a baby in you. These conditions actually affect the shape of your eye.

- It is best if you are not consuming any prescription drugs.

- Your health must be in an overall good condition. If you have diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, herpes infections of the eye, or cataracts etc, it's best you talk to your surgeon.

- Make sure you understand the risks of going through laser eye surgery, and have realistic expectations. If you are still not sure of what you want or what to expect, you better think twice.

If you meet the criteria set above, you should be ready to go.

Of course, no matter what, discuss your condition and situation with your eye doctor.

If you have chosen the right surgeon, he/she can best understand your expectations, and give the best recommendations for you.

Lim Zheng Yang has dedicated countless hours researching on eye problems related issues. He also specializes in information about eye surgery. For more information on lasik eye surgery, kindly visit his site

Here's The Skinny On Lasik Eye Surgery

Does Lasik Eye Surgery really work. Here is some information we hope you find helpful.

Are you near sighted? Or maybe you have trouble reading the book right in front of your face. Sure, you can reach for those glasses and all will come into focus. However, you're back to square one when you take them off. This is no solution. It's more like a temporary fix. Some individuals are just getting sick and tired of reaching for those glasses every time they need to look at something. Fortunately these days there are other options. Have you ever heard of lasik eye surgery? This is a procedure gaining popularity as time moves on. Many of us want the vision dilemma fixed permanently, and this is what lasik eye surgery offers. Have you ever had 20/20? Well, these days you can achieve that perfect vision, and do it without the burden of eyeglasses.

Do you wear contact lenses? Boy, were these all the rage in the 80's. Everyone wanted to ditch there prescription eyewear and conform to a more attractive solution to vision impairment. The contact lense not only allowed users to see clearly, but it also granted peripheral vision, which was not possible with old-school glasses. Now, the only downside was having these darn things sitting in your eyes all day. Have you tried contact lenses? They are not as comfortable as advertised. Big surprise! In addition, they are a redundant maintenance. Each morning and night you have to take them out, clean them with saline, and then store them in a container. It's time to ditch this hassle and look into lasik eye surgery. This new-age procedure is done for a reasonable price. You can acquire that 20/20 vision we all dream of. And the best part is it's permanent. There's no fumbling with contact lenses every morning or worrying about your glasses. With lasik eye surgery comes an actual solution to your vision affliction.

To learn more about lasik eye surgery, and the going rates in your area, you can hop on the World-Wide-Web. Read testimonials from others who've received lasik eye surgery and love the results. Virtually anything you wish to know regarding this innovative procedure can be found online for free. So stop wasting your time with the old-school temporary fixes, and get with the program. Hey, if my 82 year old grandmother can have 20/20 vision, then so can you.

For more information on the best Lasik Eye Surgery Advice try visiting Health Nutrition News located at http://health-nutrition-news.com where you will find valuable information on nutrition, antiaging cosmetics and other health information

What Is Laser Eye Surgery And Can It Give Me A Better Vision?

The development of computer technology the recent years has had a huge impact on the medical science. Today this technology is used in every aspect of medical field. This is also true when it comes to eye surgery. Nowadays, there are many types of surgery available to correct a persons vision problems. Laser eye surgery is one of the most advanced, and is used especially for the correction of problems like myopia (near sightedness), hyperopia (far sightedness), and astigmatism (distorted vision).

Why is the reason such problems occur in the first place? The main cause of such problems is problems with focusing the image on the retina of the eye and the reason for that varies upon three different factors:

the distance from the back of the eye to the front of it,

the shape of the cornea which is the curved clear front surface of the human eye above the iris and the pupil. It provides approximately two thirds of the eye's ability to focus.

the shape of the lens.

The shape of the cornea is changed using special devices during a laser eye surgery. One such device is called excimer laser. What this procedure does is producing a laser beam that vaporizes tissue around the eye. It actually removes targeted areas of the eye tissue without harming the surrounding area. Therefore It also goes under the name if "cold" laser.

Laser Surgery Procedures

The most common types of laser surgery procedures are

PRK (Photo-Refractive Keractomy), available since early nineties and

LASIK Eye Surgery (Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis), first introduced in mid nineties.

The PRK procedure take small amounts of eye tissue on the surface of the eye and vaporizes it using a beam of light in this type of surgery. This procedure removes enough tissue to reshape the cornea and correct vision. The recovery takes a week or less.

The LASIK surgery procedure involves a series of steps that are considered complicated.

Step one is to cut a flap of the cornea and lifted.

Step two: the surgeon removes precise amounts of the inside layers of the cornea using a laser guided by a computer.

Step three: the surgeon puts the flap back in its place and the eye heals fast by itself.

What are the benefits and the risks?

Highly skilled and well prepared medical specialists perform the Laser eye surgery. For majority of the patients, the results are very good and their lives are significantly improved. They can throw away their glasses or contact lenses after a successful surgery.

Keep in mind the importance of having realistic expectations about laser eye surgery. In some cases it might be necessary to wear glasses for reading if the patient is over 40 years of age. The eyes continue to change after the surgery and you may have to wear prescription glasses or lenses at some point in your life. A second laser eye surgery is normally not ruled out if the first one is not entirely successful.

One side effect of PRK laser eye surgery, is that the patient may have a blurry vision throughout the healing process. Fortunately, this generally clears up later.

Regression is another side effect from such surgery. What happens is that the eye returns back to its' previous condition. This might happen within six months and if it happens you might need another surgery to correct it or you have to wear glasses or contact lenses.

The negative side effects are very less in a LASIK surgery. Even the healing of the eye is faster. Since a LASIK involves cutting of some tissues of the eye the complications and risks are a bit higher than the other eye surgery procedures we have mentioned.

Dean Brooks is an internet publisher who likes to publish eye surgery information. You can go to the website Eye Surgery101.net for more

The Various Types Of Corrective Eye Surgery

There are many types of corrective eye surgery available for people today. However, it?s important to determine which one is right for you? Your condition and the treatment your doctor advises will best help determine what route you should go. If you have been diagnosed with an eye condition that requires corrective steps you may want to read up on your options so you can make the best educated decision that is right for you.

There are such treatments as Conductive Keratoplasty (CK), which uses mild heat on the periphery of the cornea to reduce collagen; the heat used is from radio waves. This is a very quick procedure lasting around 5 minutes. There is also a procedure where doctors can attach corrective lens right to the eye, Implantable Contact Lenses, helping to treat severe nearsightedness and farsightedness. There is also Intacs, which were mainly used to treat mild nearsightedness but are now mainly used to treat corneal bulging

Other forms of corrective eye surgery include such procedures as IOLs or Intraocular Lenses. This form of treatment has been around for decades and is generally implanted during cataract surgery, thus helping patients to see better at a distance. However, patients were still required to use glasses to see close up. Today, this procedure offers patients the ability to have a lens that moves or allows the patient to see at all levels (close, intermediate and at a distance) without the use of reading glasses.

LTK or Laser Thermal Keratoplasty, which uses mild heat from lasers, similar to CK, correcting farsightedness or presbyopia. This procedure takes only 3 minutes. There is also SEB?s or Scleral Expansion Bands, which are new implantation devices to treat presbyopia also. This procedure takes about 30 minutes and involves placing 4 PMMA segments just under the surface of the white part of the eye. This surgery is still in FDA investigational stages in the USA, so you will want to check with your doctor to see if it is fully approved before seeking this type of treatment.

There are many options and types of corrective eye surgeries. Knowing the facts and familiarizing yourself with the different procedures will help you make the best-educated choice. If you are unsure which is right for you, then check with your doctor and let him or her know your concerns. Your doctor would be more than happy to go over everything with you and help you feel comfortable in making the right choice.

David James is a writer and administrator for Eye Surgery Experts, a site that specializes in eye surgery

Lasik Eye Surgery - What Will You Gain From having the operation?

Lasik eye surgeries are a collective name for a group of surgical procedures that rid the patient of the use of glasses or contact lenses.

These procedures are expensive, and they do have some amount of risk and possible complications. Yet, thousands of people every year undergo these procedures and get rid of the constant use of glasses on contacts. So, when you consider going for this surgery, you need to consider the advantages this procedure will bring you, and weigh it against the risks.

The advantages of having a Lasik eye surgery are substantial. Here's a detailed description of them:

1. You will look better to most people. There are some people that glasses look good on them, but for most of us, glasses have a negative effect on our appearance. It makes us look in many cases older that our real age, and in makes us look like a "nerd" (even if we're not). Many models, actors, TV performers and other people who appear before an audience, used a Lasik surgery to get rid of their glasses. If you feel that you look better without glasses, you should consider the surgery. This is especially true for people who have a high number glasses. These glasses look even worse that the others, because of the glass thickness.

2. Save money. Glasses and contact lenses cost money. If fact, it's a considerable expanse. Let's do the math: a box of contact lenses costs about $20 and lasts for two weeks (hopefully). That's $40 a month, $480 a year. If you are wearing glasses, there are high one-time expenses every time you need to buy new glasses. A new pair of glasses may cost thousands of dollars. All these expenses can be avoided if you do the Lasik eye surgery. You'll become just like "ordinary" people who don't ware glasses. They don't have these expenses and therefore can use their money for other things.

3. Sports activities. Have you ever tries to run, plan ball games, swim, box, wrestle of do any other type of sports activity with your glasses or contacts on? If you did, than you already know that it's not the most comfortable experience. Glasses and contacts limit your movements and many people who ware glasses refrain from certain sports activities because of their glasses. Having the surgery will allow you to engage in any sports you would like to.

As you can see, I believe that the advantages of getting rid of glasses are huge compared to the minor risks of the surgery and the one time cost associated with it. If you think so too, you may want to start making enquiries about the clinics that perform this surgery near your place of resident.

Visit lasik-and-eye-surgery.info from Jane Ling, For lasik eye surgery information, corrective lasik eye surgery and more information

Overcoming Eye Phobia For Lasik Surgery

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, it could be that you are completely bored of putting them on every morning. It could be that you have started with another accessory ? a chain round your neck for your glasses as you are in the habit of constantly misplacing them. The worst of all is when you are fed up of ?wearing your eyes? to see anything ! if you are in agreement with one or more of the statements mentioned here, it is high time that you tried an option which takes care of most of your problems. Do away with glasses or contact lenses. Go for Lasik surgery ? a brand new technology which can repair your eyes surgically. There are many whose vision was restored to the 20/20 level. There are more who have had even better results.

But the sheer thought of a doctor focusing a laser beam into the eye and blinding it permanently is surely a scary thought. But getting properly educated on Lasik Surgery could eliminate many of the fears. One of the proven ways to overcome this phobia is to watch a Lasik surgery done on someone else. If this also does not help, contact your eye doctor who can refer you to a clinical psychologist, who can help.

Most doctors allow prospective patients to sit and watch a Lasik surgery done to another patient. Either it is video taped which you can watch or you may like to sit and watch the procedure live, of course with the patients? consent. Once you experience the simplicity, painlessness and the convenience of the whole surgical process, you may feel comforted. More over, you may ask the patient questions like, what it felt when the surgery was in progress, how it feels now or any other questions you may have.

Information is power. So true in this case. The more information you gather, the more you learn about the pros and cons of lasik surgery the more equipped you are to face the surgical procedure, when it happens to you. Intensive and extensive knowledge about lasik surgery can put you at ease and prepare you to face the situation. Watching it happen to others is a wonderful way to learn. With eyes open all the time, the procedure is carried out ? yet you cant see a thing because your head and eyes are kept fixed in one position. If this is scary news to you, watch it happen to some one else. It will put you at ease.

In case witnessing a surgery done on some one else is not quite your cup of tea, you can try getting a psychological counseling. Professional psychologists can cure any phobia. Some try it with hypnosis, some with visual aids to get the fear out of your system. And they do this pretty fast. If you think a good psychologist is expensive, you could try another method to overcome fear. Try meditation.

Meditation helps in soothing and calming the mind and body. It can help you lose weight, give you relief from stress and anxieties and help you overcome phobias. Once you know enough about lasik surgery, you could do some research on meditation and see how meditation helps in soothing battered nerves. ?Meditation for Dummies? is a good book which teaches you a lot about mediation, the techniques and also what you can expect from it.

While all these are good ways to get fear out of your system, it could well be that you need a combination of several of these. Only you can tell, what is good for you to get over your phobias. But if you overcome your phobias and get the surgery done, you will be the one who will have the last smile. Because you would have got a better quality of life post-surgery.

The most important thing to remember is that if you don?t get over your fear you will be wearing glasses for ever (and keep on losing them also). Hopefully this should give you the right motivation to go ahead and kill that fear bug inside you.

Peter Rankin is a staff writer at Vision Digest and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Wellness Digest

Lasik Eye Surgery - 5 Reasons You Should Re-Consider The Procedure

If you are one of millions of people who suffer form some kind of vision problem, you are probably already using some kind of vision correction aid - such as glasses or contact lenses.

You also probably head of the Lasik eye surgery. Lasik is actually a group of surgical procedures that are aiming to correct near- and far-sightedness in vision. Many patients undergo a LASIK surgery as an alternative to wearing corrective glasses or contact lenses. But you should know that while procedures such as LASIK have the ability to provide acute vision there is no way to quantify the quality of vision the patient will see after the surgery.

The operation itself involves peeling thin layers from the patient's cornea, using a precise laser technology. The pealing of this layer corrects the imperfection in the patent's cornea thus giving them a correction in vision that is usually provided by their glasses or contact lenses.

In preparation to the surgery, a patient who wears soft contact lenses will be asked to stop wearing them 10 days before the surgery. Users of hard contacts are instructed to stop using them six weeks before the surgery. Before the surgery, the patient's cornea surface are scanned with a special computer and their pattern is recorded to provide precise information on how much tissue should be removed during the operation. The patients is also starting to take anti-biotic to reduce the risk of infection.

The surgery itself is performed under a mild sedative (such as Valium) and anesthetic eye drops. After the procedure, the patient is given a course of antibiotic and anti-inflamitory eye drops.

Patients are also given a darkened pair of goggles to protect their eyes from rubbing when asleep. It is advised to wear these from four to eight weeks depending on the nature of the surgery.

So, if a quick Lasik surgery can rid you of our glasses for good, why aren't all glasses wearing people go to a clinic and get it done?

Like all good things, Lasik surgery has some disadvantages and complications. First of all, a good Lasik surgery can cost quite a bit, and not all health insurances will cover the costs (some will cover only part of the costs). And second, there are complication that are associated with thisd procedure. About %3-%6 of patients tend to suffer from one or more of the following complications:

Dry eyes Overcorrection or undercorrection Visual acuity fluctuation Halos or starbursts around light sources at night Light sensitivity Ghosts or double vision Wrinkles in flap Decentered ablation Debris or growth under flap Thin or buttonhole flap Induced astigmatism Epithelium erosion Posterior vitreous detachment Macular holes

As you can see, this procedure is not problem free. Before undergoing such a procedure, ask yourself if the glasses you wear as so bad that you are willing to do this operation to get rid of them. If the answer is less than a resounding "yes", you better reconsider this operation.

Visit lasik-and-eye-surgery.info from Jane Ling, For lasik eye surgery information, corrective eye surgery and more information

Lasik Eye Surgery On A Budget

Many consumers that where eye glasses believe that Lasik surgery is out of the question for them because of the price tag that can go along with it. The cost of having Lasik vision surgery can really be rather expensive for many looking into the procedure. Since this particular surgery is considered elective most peoples health insurance will not cover it. However there is hope to pay for Lasik surgery if you happen to be on a budget.

A lot of people that wear glasses think that the possibilities of Lasik corrective surgery for their eyes are very appealing. The Lasik vision correction procedure is highly customized for each specific eye patient. The patient almost always experiences improved vision immediately after the Lasik procedure is preformed. While the need for glasses is not always eliminated it can greatly improve eyesight. While most businesses do not offer insurance covering Lasik procedures there are some employers that offer expanded vision plans to their employees that will cover getting Lasik vision correction surgery. Some companies are in agreement with specific Lasik surgery centers so their employees can get a reduced rate on Lasik procedures.

There are several different options available to patients for patients that do not have the insurance to cover the procedure. Many surgery centers offer a variety of payment plan options. While many think it would be a wise idea to select the surgeon that will charge the least amount of money for Lasik surgery that is not the case at all. You should choose the Lasik eye surgeon that has the most experience doing this corrective eye procedure. This is the best possible way to make sure you will be getting the most favorable results from your surgery.

You should check right away to see if you would be a likely candidate for a second eye surgery. The price of this second procedure often varies from doctor to doctor. Some surgeons will not charge patients a fee for the second surgery if it is done within a certain time frame from the first surgery. Others charge a reduced fee while other surgeons will charge full price. It is a smart idea to find out this information in advance.

If you are on a budget it is very important to find out everything that a surgeon includes in a corrective eye surgery. Costs involved with these types of procedures can vary greatly from surgeon to surgeon. There are some patients that end up needing two surgeries. You need to find out if things like medications follow up visits and second surgeries are covered in the price that you are quoted. This can make an enormous difference in the doctor that you end up choosing. Most all Lasik eye surgeons include all surgery and aftercare expenses in one quote but no one likes to be surprised by extra expenses so it is best it ask right away.

You might want to consider looking for a Lasik surgery center that might offer a financing option to its patients. This is a great way to go if you happen to be on a budget. Most Lasik vision surgery centers will offer some type of payment plan option to most of their patients. Some surgeons that perform this type of surgery will suggest a local bank that may offer a low interest loan to pay for their surgery or very well may let some of their patients pay for their Lasik surgery in several installments.

Check and see if your employer offers a flexible spending account. A flex-spending account is an account offered by employers to their employees that can be spent on things like Lasik surgery. You simply deposit a certain amount of money into the account and it is set aside for procedures that your insurance does not cover. Many people use flex-spending account money in order to pay for co-payments for procedures. If you should happen to have a flexible spending account you may very well be able to use it for Lasik surgery. This could greatly reduce the amount you would have to pay for Lasik surgery or could eliminate the cost all together.

You could check and see if your corrective vision surgery could be deducted from your federal income tax as a health claim. You should definitely consult with your tax professional before making the decision to try and pay for your Lasik surgery in this manner. They will be able to inform you whether or not you could qualify for this type of deduction.

Peter Rankin is a staff writer at Vision Digest and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Wellness Digest

What Happens During Lasik Eye Surgery?

Lasik Eye Surgery was first started in the Soviet Union and has been a very popular form of myopia corrective surgery for the last 10-15 years.

LASIK laser eye surgery is no different than any other type of surgical procedure. LASIK laser eye surgery is considered a very simple surgical procedure that is repeated many times all over the world every single hour.

Once a patient has been verified to be suitable for lasik eye surgery, he or she will sit down in a reclining chair in a room specially designed for LASIK laser eye surgery. There will be a large machine with a microscope attached to it and a computer screen as part of a laser system. The whole process should not take more than 30 minutes to complete.

The first step your doctor will take is to clean your eye and place a numbing drop of liquid in it. With the LASIK laser eye surgery now underway a ring will be placed around the eye to create suction to the cornea. This will cause the first discomfort of the surgery and blurred vision, but it will only be temporary.

While the suction ring is still around your eye a cutting instrument, called microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in your cornea. From this point on during the LASIK laser eye surgery you will experience some fluctuating blurred vision.

During the evaluation for LASIK laser eye surgery your doctor should have informed you that you will need to be able to stare at a laser for 60 seconds or more during the surgery. You will do this after the tissue has been folded back and dried out by the doctor during the procedure. The laser will direct your eye to the spot that the surgical laser will use to perform the vision correction.

At this point LASIK laser eye surgery may take on an unexpected smell, that of something burning. This is probably because your eye is under the intense scrutiny of the laser that is correcting your vision problems. Though the laser may make some very human sounds (ticking) and smells (burning hair) it is still a very controlled process.

The computer in the room that is hooked up to the laser controls the amount of energy delivered to your eye. Some tissue will be vaporized and finally the flap of the corneal tissue is put back in place, effectively ending LASIK laser eye surgery.

After LASIK laser eye surgery is completed your doctor will supply you with a eye shield or patch for your eye to prevent irritation. It will make you look like a one-eye pirate but you will quickly realize how many times your eye gets bumped or you involuntarily rub it when you cannot do so.

Take the eye-patch off only when you feel confident that you won't be accidentally rubbing your eyes at anytime.

Sarah Hutts is the editor of two websites, http://www.health-wellness-care.com and http://www.beauty-fitness-secrets.com. There are more similar health, beauty and fitness articles at these websites. You may distribute this article as long as you mention her websites.

The Benefits Offered By Bladeless LASIK Eye Surgery

The risks involved in LASIK eye surgery is relatively small compared to other types of surgery. However, there is still a risk which is there because of the use of the blade that is used to cut the flap in the cornea. The use of this blade comes with the element of human error. This is because all human beings make mistake from time, although this risk is reduced the more highly trained someone is. However, this risk is still there.

Bladeless LASIK lowers that already small risk even further as it removes the need for a blade. This function is taken over by IntraLase lasers which are controlled by computers and can therefore provide a more precise cutting action. Because bladeless LASIK is so delicate that it can even be used on people who have thin corneas. These are people who usually not approved for other types of laser surgery.

Bladeless LASIK offer a number of advantages. The IntraLase laser used during bladeless LASIK allows for an increased curvature, hence lowering the margin of error even more. The fact that a laser is used instead of a blade leads to less infections and irritation. Not only that, bladeless LASIK only leads to a shorter recovery period compared to other types of LASIK eye surgery.

Before bladeless LASIK, many people who had surgeries had to come back for follow-ups or to redo a surgery that didn't go so well. There is also a great deal of irritation that follows other surgeries. However, with bladeless LASIK most of these are something of the past, because of a success rate that is very close to 100%.

So now you may wonder, why do we need an eye doctor for if the lasers are doing everything? Well even though many of the actions are controlled by lasers, these lasers still have to be directed. And to be able to do that you need to have the knowledge of both laser technology as well as eye surgery, which only a trained LASIK eye surgeon can give you. Surgeons who do bladeless LASIK now also need to know how to operate the computer that controls the InterLaser lasers.

Although bladeless LASIK may cost a bit more, many people think it is worth spending that extra money, considering the near perfect results you get. Not to mention the reduced irritation and shorter recovery time.

For more info on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit LASIK EYE ADVICE now.

The Benefits Offered By Custom LASIK Eye Surgery

Custom LASIK surgery is specially designed around you and your unique needs. Now imagine the following scenario. You are going in for a scheduled brain surgery and are told by the neurosurgeon that instead of tailoring the surgery especially for you, they would try something that works for most people.

Would you be ok with such a suggestion or would you freak out? Now, something like that would just freak me out and I believe the same goes for you.

The point that I'm trying to make is that it is always better to have surgery tailored for your exact needs than have something that works for most people. Because you are a unique human being with unique needs. Something that works for somebody else might not work for you.

And when you talk of sensitive areas such as the brain or your eyes you cannot take such a chance. If something goes wrong you can become blind for the rest of your life.

Now in the past LASIK eye surgery was not so advanced and what happened was that there were standard procedures surgical procedures that were applied to every person undergoing LASIK eye surgery. However things have changed with the advent of custom LASIK laser surgery.

Custom LASIK eye surgery captures three dimensional photos of your eyes as they are accepting light. These imagesare then used to map out a surgical strategy for your LASIK surgery. This procedure is known as wave-front technology and is more exact compared to contact lenses, glasses or other LASIK procedures.

By making use of computer-based tests to analyze the way your eye allows light in, the best course of action can be plotted. As this is a three dimensional image that perfectly fits the patient's eye, the surgeon ensures that the dimensions of the flap over the cornea are exact.

Even though custom LASIK offers superior results, it may not be the best option for everyone. Hence you must first be approved by the FDA who will evaluate your specific eye condition to see if you qualify. First your custom LASIK surgeon will present you with the available options. If you choose to have custom LASIK, he will then look at the condition of your eyes to see if their condition is such that custom LASIK would offer the best results.

Custom LASIK offers the following advantages:

- Improved odds of getting a 20/20 vision

- The occurrence of glare or night vision disturbances are decreased or eliminated

-Lower odds of losing contrast sensitivity or vision quality

Research indicates that in spite of the higher cost of custom LASIK, more and more people choose this procedure compared to non custom LASIK. Nevertheless, it is necessary to consult with your eye doctor before the surgery on what can be corrected. This is because even though custom LASIK is possibly the best LASIK procedure in terms of its results, it may not fix all types of vision abnormalities at present.

For more info on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit LASIK EYE ADVICE now.

How To Get Ready For LASIK Eye Surgery

Getting ready for any surgery is a tedious process and preparing for LASIK is no different. One must ensure that everything is ready and that you look good. While preparing for LASIK isn't as difficult as with some other surgeries, there are still a few things you need to take care of before you go in for LASIK.

If you are wearing contact lenses, take note. You must remove your contact lenses a few weeks before you have your LASIK consultation. The reason for this is because some contact lenses reshape your cornea themselves, hence causing problems with LASIK. Here are some FDA recommendations based on your contact lenses:

-Soft contact lenses should be removed and not worn for at least two weeks prior to your LASIK evaluation.

-Rigid gas permeable lenses should be removed and not worn for at least three weeks prior to LASIK evaluation.

-Hard lenses should be removed and not worn for at least four weeks prior to LASIK evaluation.

This is done so as to allow your cornea to regain its shape and size.

Once you arrive for your consultation the LASIK surgeon will be able to take the true measurements of the shape and size of your cornea and design the procedure around your measurements.

When you meet the LASIK surgeon to talk about your upcoming surgery you should tell him a little bit about yourself. Tell him/her about any past or present medical conditions you suffer from. Also tell him of any medications you may be taking or are allergic to. It is very important that you inform your doctor about all of this so that he can decide if you're a good candidate for LASIK.

After you've shared your personal information with the doctor, he/she will then use this information to if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Ask him to explain to you the risks and benefits of the surgery as well as other alternatives. In other words he should tell you what to expect all the way, from beginning to end.

Don't use any perfume, cream, lotion or make-up the day before the surgery. This is to prevent any debris from getting into your eye. The LASIK surgeon may even ask you to scrub and wash out your eyes thoroughly before LASIK surgery to prevent any type of infection from occurring.

Lastly, it would be prudent that you arrange with a family member to be transported to and from the LASIK center. Before the commencement of the LASIK surgery, the doctor may order that you be given medicine to help you relax. Such medicine could impair your vision and reaction time, but it is nothing to be alarmed about. After LASIK surgery you may have impaired vision and may need a few days just to recover your eyesight, hence the need to have someone drive you to and from the LASIK center.

For more info on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit LASIK EYE ADVICE now.

The Risks Associated With LASIK Eye Surgery

Every surgical procedure poses inherent risks and in this respect LASIK is no different. It just so happens that when a patient's body is opened up and different tools are used that bacteria of some sort can enter the body. Not only that, the patient may have a reaction caused by the medication. There are risks to LASIK surgery too, but they are fewer and far in between.

The risks associated with LASIK continue to drop as the medical establishment perfect the equipment and refine their processes. The risks involved in LASIK further drop as patients become better informed and therefore choose the best doctors for their surgery.

Doctors too improved their screening methods to ensure that only the right candidates are admitted to have LASIK surgery. The latest research now shows that with the right pre-testing and surgical care in place, the risk of complications occurring in LASIK surgery is less than 1%.

The risk most common in LASIK surgery is a complication relating to the flap created by the surgeon to cover the cornea. In traditional LASIK surgery the flap is created when the surgeon cuts tissue with a surgical tool called a microkeratome. Since this tool, which is basically a metal blade is handled by a human being there is the risk of human error occurring.

When this type of traditional LASIK is performed, the risk is that when the flap is used as the natural bandage after the surgery it may not be the right size. Hence, the complication is an irregular bandage which irritates the eye and causes what is called an irregular astigmatism. This specific LASIK risk is greatly decreased by a newer "bladeless" LASIK procedure.

In bladeless LASIK the blade or microkeratome is no longer used and the risk of complication is hence decreased. It is replaced by another type of laser called IntraLase, which eliminates the potential human error.
Ask your doctor as part of your original process how they deal with a similar situation.

When evaluating these LASIK risks it is recommended that you ask you LASIK surgeon how he/she would correct such problems. Some complications that result from LASIK surgery can be made even worse by over or under correction. Ask your doctor as part of your original process how they deal with this specific situation.

For more info on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit LASIK EYE ADVICE now.

Is LASIK Eye Surgery For Everyone?

Can everyone who has a problem with their eyesight apply to have LASIK? Clearly, LASIK has got great potential and benefits but just like with any new procedure there are risks associated.

The risk of complications or impaired eyesight after LASIK vision correction can be greatly reduced if you make an effort to establish if you are a good prospect to have LASIK surgery. Not everyone who wants their vision corrected is necessarily a good candidate to have LASIK surgery. Here are a few things to consider before you decide on LASIK:

? If you are risk averse, you probably shouldn't have LASIK laser surgery. There are possible complications that can come about as a result of LASIK that you should consider before having the procedure done.

? Does your insurance cover LASIK vision correction? How would LASIK laser surgery or possible complications affect your career? If having this procedure would impact your life negatively you might consider another alternative.

? Although the cost of having LASIK done is getting cheaper, it is still quite expensive and you'll want to make sure it isn't prohibited by your employer.

? A requirement for LASIK vision correction is that you must be an adult with refractive stability. Refractive instability is common among patients who are 20 or younger with fluctuating hormones. This is caused by several conditions including diabetes, pregnancy or breastfeeding or taking medications that cause fluctuation in vision.

? People who regularly engage in contact sports or suffer from a condition or disease which may affect the healing of a wound might have to consider an alternative to the LASIK vision correction surgery.

There are a number of other situations one should discuss with your doctor prior to deciding on LASIK laser surgery. If you suffer from conditions such as herpes or shingles that affects the area around the eyes, you should disclose that information. Also, any other conditions, including glaucoma, ocular hypertension, eye diseases, eye injuries, previous eye surgeries, or keratoconus should also be discussed.

Please ask your doctor to screen you for the following conditions prior to LASIK eye surgery:

? Blepharitis

? Large pupils

? Thin corneas

? Previous refractive surgeries

? Dry eyes

Only once you have considered and cleared all of the above conditions or discussed them with a LASIK surgeon, can you determine if you are an excellent candidate for LASIK laser surgery.

For more info on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit LASIK EYE ADVICE now

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Explained!

Over the last number of years, the world has witnessed amazing advances in the field of medicine, especially with the advent of LASIK laser eye surgery. This revolutionary procedure has both given hope and excited those who experience problems with their eyesight.

But what exactly is LASIK eye surgery?

What happens during LASIK laser surgery is that the lasers correct refractive errors in the cornea. The laser perfectly controls the tearing of the corneal tissue, thereby reshaping the cornea and changing its focus. LASIK surgery follows a simple two step process:

1. A slight, thin flap of tissue is created on the outside layer of the eye or cornea. This flap encourages healing and provides comfort on the way to better vision.

2. The surgeon folds open the flap on the inner cornea to correct the eyesight. Once this is done, the flap is closed to its original position and sealed with stitches.

The word LASIK refers to Laser-Assisted In Sutu Keratomieusis, a process which is characterized by the reshaping of the cornea to refract light in the lens. While LASIK eye surgery is by no means perfect, it is a very viable and increasingly safe surgery.

Government regulations have led to improvements regarding the types of lasers to be used for LASIK laser surgery. If you or anyone you know are considering LASIK laser surgery I would advise you to carefully research the types of lasers used by your local doctors when performing LASIK.

New improvements coupled with the regulated costs of doctors mean that LASIK surgery has become more affordable, making it a possibility for some who could only dream of such improvement a few years back. Some surgeries are referred to as ?bladeless? or ?custom? LASIK, meaning they are more tailored towards the individual and are therefore more effective

Finally LASIK surgery is an exciting prospect to anyone who has suffered from vision problems in the past. However, just as when buying a car or house, you need to carefully consider all your options before embarking on LASIK.

For more info on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit LASIK EYE ADVICE now.

The Cost Implications Of LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery is generally considered to be more expensive than other more conventional surgical procedures. This can in part be attributed to the use of high-tech equipment such as lasers.

Having said that, I think it is worthwhile to mention that the cost of LASIK continues to come down. This is in part due to improvements being made to the overall process, such as the use of more efficient and cheaper lasers.

According to the FDA, the average cost of LASIK eye surgery was in the region of $1,344 in 2005. This is a significant reduction from the original numbers listed in 2002 of nearly $1,600.

However, be as it may, when deciding on the type of LASIK eye surgery or surgeon, price should never be the overriding factor. Remember you?re not buying shoes, you?re taking a risk! So why not take the best calculated risk by going to someone who has built up a good reputation?

Here are a few things that may help you understand why the costs of LASIK laser surgery are high.

? The fee of leasing the building where the surgery is located.

? The leasing or purchase of the laser as well as maintenance of the blades or lasers can increase LASIK cost. Surgeons may also be upgrading to newer and more efficient lasers.

? There may be additional, per eye fees to be paid to the developer or manufacturer of the laser, if the machine is leased.

? You may need special gowns, masks, gloves, medications, or surgical solutions to keep the operating room sterile and safe.

? There may be advertising and insurance for the office.

When you are considering different LASIK surgery options it may be a good idea to ask your surgeon the following:

? What is and what isn?t included in the cost of the LASIK eye surgery?

? What if complications occur or if enhancements are needed. Will I be charged and if so, how much?

? What about the cost of LASIK medications such as anti-inflammatory or painkillers?

? Will I need temporary contact lenses after LASIK? Are they included in the cost or will they be paid for
separately?

? What about follow-up visits after LASIK? What are the costs if they are not included in the fee for the surgery?

Don?t forget to contact your insurance company to determine if they cover the cost of LASIK laser surgery. Some insurance companies don?t cover the cost of LASIK because they see it as a cosmetic enhancement.

If financing is not a problem you should strongly consider using a LASIK surgeon who best fits your needs and addresses your concerns.

For those who already had successful LASIK procedures, the cost of LASIK laser eye surgery is a small price to pay compared to the joy offered by their newly improved vision.

For more info on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit LASIK EYE ADVICE now

The Cost Implications Of LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery is generally considered to be more expensive than other more conventional surgical procedures. This can in part be attributed to the use of high-tech equipment such as lasers.

Having said that, I think it is worthwhile to mention that the cost of LASIK continues to come down. This is in part due to improvements being made to the overall process, such as the use of more efficient and cheaper lasers.

According to the FDA, the average cost of LASIK eye surgery was in the region of $1,344 in 2005. This is a significant reduction from the original numbers listed in 2002 of nearly $1,600.

However, be as it may, when deciding on the type of LASIK eye surgery or surgeon, price should never be the overriding factor. Remember you?re not buying shoes, you?re taking a risk! So why not take the best calculated risk by going to someone who has built up a good reputation?

Here are a few things that may help you understand why the costs of LASIK laser surgery are high.

? The fee of leasing the building where the surgery is located.

? The leasing or purchase of the laser as well as maintenance of the blades or lasers can increase LASIK cost. Surgeons may also be upgrading to newer and more efficient lasers.

? There may be additional, per eye fees to be paid to the developer or manufacturer of the laser, if the machine is leased.

? You may need special gowns, masks, gloves, medications, or surgical solutions to keep the operating room sterile and safe.

? There may be advertising and insurance for the office.

When you are considering different LASIK surgery options it may be a good idea to ask your surgeon the following:

? What is and what isn?t included in the cost of the LASIK eye surgery?

? What if complications occur or if enhancements are needed. Will I be charged and if so, how much?

? What about the cost of LASIK medications such as anti-inflammatory or painkillers?

? Will I need temporary contact lenses after LASIK? Are they included in the cost or will they be paid for
separately?

? What about follow-up visits after LASIK? What are the costs if they are not included in the fee for the surgery?

Don?t forget to contact your insurance company to determine if they cover the cost of LASIK laser surgery. Some insurance companies don?t cover the cost of LASIK because they see it as a cosmetic enhancement.

If financing is not a problem you should strongly consider using a LASIK surgeon who best fits your needs and addresses your concerns.

For those who already had successful LASIK procedures, the cost of LASIK laser eye surgery is a small price to pay compared to the joy offered by their newly improved vision.

For more info on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit LASIK EYE ADVICE now

Is Laser Eye Surgery for You?

If you look at the million of people all over the world that glasses or contact lenses to see clearly you will soon realize why laser eye surgery has become so popular. In the majority of cases, after surgery the patient will no longer rely on glasses or contact lenses to see the world through un-blurry eyes.

Many people turn to laser eye surgery commonly referred to as LASIK, as a way to get rid of the hassles of wearing corrective lenses. How many of us get tired of wearing glasses all the time? You may not wish to wear glasses for several reasons besides how you think you look. You may be a person that only needs glasses to read items up close and you keep taking them off and then forgetting where you put them. You may have to search through your purse to get your glasses just to read product labels in the store. All of these things can take the joy out of shopping or even reading the morning newspaper. If you decide to get contact lenses to rid yourself of those ugly glasses, then you will have the hassle of putting them in your eyes every morning, worrying about losing them, and of course cleaning them.

Today, these are just a few of the reasons that people are turning to laser eye surgery. However, are you a good candidate? People who are nearsighted or farsighted are using good candidates. However, if you expect to receive 20/20 vision from surgery you should forget it. Most people do not receive perfect vision after laser surgery.

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea, which improves the way in which light enters the eye. Most of the time, surgery is about 1 minute per eye. You will need to wear a shield until the cornea can heal.

Before heading out and searching for a laser eye surgeon you should learn if you are a good candidate. The best way to do this is to be examined by more than one ophthalmologist. Remember, not all ophthalmologist are licensed to perform this type of eye surgery and then there are some that their sole income is based on this procedure.

Just because this surgery is performed as an out patient procedure, it is still surgery and some complications can arise. Learn what the risks are prior to signing the dotted line.

For more information about Laser Eye Surgery and the risks involved you can check out lasereye.org.uk

What to Expect After Laser Eye Surgery

Just as each person is different in many ways, the symptoms after laser eye surgery can be different for each person. Many people are now opting for this procedure as a way to see clearly without the aid of glasses or contact lenses, but some expect to walk out of the office with perfect vision and no complications or symptoms. The one thing that you must remember is this is a surgery procedure and all surgeries have risks.

The most common symptoms following laser eye surgery include the fluctuation of vision. During the first few hours after surgery, your vision will not be clear. It can fluctuate from clear to blurry for at least the first couple of hours and in some cases a bit longer.

Dry eyes are another complaint of some patients. The eyes will not have the natural tear producing characteristics for a few hours. This is the most common problem and can last for several days.

Many individuals see an indifference to light as well. When exposed to bright lights indoors or outdoors the eyes can feel aggravated. Your eye doctor will normally recommend that you wear an eye shield the first few hours after surgery to aid in helping the cornea to heal and to shield the eye from bright lighting.

Some individuals notice a glare or halo effect after surgery. In some cases, a second procedure must be done to correct this problem. However, in most cases, this symptom will also disappear over time.

If the eyes are not protected after surgery with an eye shield, dust and other objects can cause an eye infection, which will cause the eye to burn and itch.

Right after laser eye surgery, most individuals with farsightedness see a major improvement within 24 hours. Objects that are far away may still seem a bit blurry but over the next few days, this will improve. Persons with nearsightedness have noted improvement in their vision within one hour after surgery. However, some have had a few problems in reading shortly after surgery until their eyes have had time to heal. In some cases, reading glasses are prescribed until the eyes have had sufficient time to heal.

Bring someone along with you the day of your laser eye surgery. You will not be able to drive for a few hours after surgery. A flap is created in your cornea so surgery can be accomplished and this flap needs time to heal properly before you can take off the protective eye shield.

Remember, to keep all your appointments with your eye doctor to ensure that your vision is better.

For more information about Laser Eye Surgery and the risks involved you can check out lasereye.org.uk

Lasik Eye Surgery

People who suffer from myopia or shortsightedness are treated with the help of Lasik eye surgery. This surgery is very popular since it is relatively painless and offers a fast recovery.

Lasik surgery is a combination of very simple steps which, if followed systematically, lead to a successful operation. Before going in for Lasik eye surgery, the first thing to do is find a good surgeon. The surgeon will take a close examination of your eye to decide if you are in need of Lasik surgery. There are some health conditions which, if found, will completely disqualify you as a candidate for the operation. Also, people are specially instructed to discontinue wearing their lenses at least 7 to 10 days prior to the day of the surgery. Once this is finished, the actual surgery takes place, which is over in less than a minute.

The most common query that people involves what would happen if they move their head while the surgery is taking place. However, this should not be a worry, since surgeons are experts in the technique of taking their foot away from the pedal which directs the ultraviolet beam the moment they notice a patient move his head. Once the surgery is over, it is advisable not to rub the eyes.

On the whole, the surgery is not painful, except that sometimes a scratchy feeling or some discomfort is experienced, due to the anesthesia given. Some people might be sensitive to light for some days.

One of the major advantages of Lasik eye surgery is that it frees you from dependency on spectacles or lenses. However, with old age, since the eyes change, a re-treatment might be necessary.

Lasik Eye Surgery provides detailed information on Lasik, Lasik Eye Surgery, Lasik Surgery, Lasik Complications and more. Lasik Eye Surgery is affiliated with Lasik Eye Surgery Information

Risks and benefits of Lasik eye surgery

Lasik eye surgery has revolutionized the ophthalmic industry. Refractive surgery corrects eyesight and restores near-perfect vision. LASIK is a surgical technique which corrects a person's vision reducing the need for spectacles or contact lenses. Known as Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis or LASIK, the surgery involves changing the shape of the cornea.

It is important to first determine whether or not you are a candidate for eye surgery. Generally, patients under 18 years of age, those with hormonal disturbances, or those who suffer from diabetes or hypertension are not recommended for surgery.

As in any medical treatment there benefits as well as risks involved.

The benefits are:

* Clear natural vision.

* Pain free surgery.

* Improvement in quality of life. Bad vision will not prevent you from becoming a pilot, professional athlete, or a part of the armed services.

* Eye related problems like a squint are corrected improving your appearance and enhancing your self esteem and confidence.

* The surgery reduces allergies of the eye and irritations that develop from use of glasses or contact lenses.

The risks to be considered are:

* Possible loss of vision that cannot be corrected with surgery, use of glasses, or contact lenses.

* Development of glares, halos, or double vision. Some patients develop problems with night vision, and the ability to see clearly in dim light, fog or when there is low contrast.

* Even after surgery there may develop a need to use glasses or contact lenses. There are patients in whom the surgery fails to restore 20/20 vision.

* There are chances of getting dry eye syndrome due to the inability to produce tears. There can be discomfort and a blurring of vision. This dry eye problem may become permanent and there may be a need to undergo drop therapy.

* Patients with large refractive errors do not achieve good results with the surgery, vision is not restored completely.

* There are chances of farsighted patients experience decreased vision with advancing age.

* There a post operative risks like flap complications, corneal swelling, eye dryness, light sensitivity, and blurring of vision.

Although studies show that complication rates are comparatively low and death or serious complications rare, you must:

* Find out about the surgery in detail.

* Ask the surgeon to go over your specific case in detail and discuss the risks if any.

* Select a surgeon and Lasik center with care. Never choose based on proximity to where you live or low costs. Opt for the surgery only when you are certain it will benefit you and not because it is fashionable to have Lasik surgery. In most countries the surgery is not covered by health insurance and you will have to bear the costs of the procedure. Weigh all the pros and cons before going ahead.

Andrew Bermam is a freelance writer for Contact Lenses, the premier website for cheap prospective contact lenses online services to buy all brands of contact lenses like Freshlook contact lens, soft contact lens, bifocal contact lens, solutions and more. He also freelances for the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion Forum for Health site

Is PRK Eye Surgery Right for You?

PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a type of laser surgery used to correct moderate near sightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Like other laser eye surgeries, your vision is corrected by reshaping the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the clear, front part of your eyeball. Light travels through the cornea and is focused on the retina in the back of your eye. If the cornea is misshapen, the light does not focus on the retina, and your vision is impaired.

In PRK eye surgery, the eye surgeon uses a cool, pulsating laser beam on the surface of the cornea. In Lasik eye surgery, a flap is cut in the cornea, and the laser beam is directed under the cornea.

PRK is very accurate in correcting nearsightedness. About 80% of patients have 20/20 vision without glasses one year after surgery. PRK typically costs about the same as Lasik eye surgery. The recovery time to best corrected vision is longer with PRK than it is with Lasik eye surgery. The typical PRK patient has about 80% of their best vision after a month, and 95% to 100% after 3 months. Lasik corrects vision much faster than that.

There will be some discomfort for the first 24 to 48 hours after PRK eye surgery, and frequently patients experience light sensitivity as well.

PRK is performed under local anesthesia, and takes about 10 minutes for both eyes. Generally, a bandage contact lens is applied immediately after the surgery. This contact lens is worn for three to four days to allow the surface of the eye to heal. You will visit your surgeon the day after surgery, and probably several times over the next six months. Once the surface of the eye has healed, the bandage contact lens will be removed.

Your vision might fluctuate for the first few weeks following surgery. Your eyes will be dry, even if they don't feel like it. Your physician will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and keep your eyes moist.

Your vision will gradually improve over time. After two to three weeks, you will see well enough to drive a car. Your best vision, however, will not be reached until 6 weeks, to 6 months after the surgery.

PRK has become less common recently. More eye surgeons prefer Lasik procedures because healing time is faster, and the results are more predictable. The final decision on what type of eye surgery to have is up to you. Be sure to know all the facts, and ask lots of questions.

Gerri Stone publishes information and resources about Laser Eye Surgery

Your Expectations for Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is one of those elective surgeries that you may have your own ideas of what the outcome will be that may not necessarily be the true outcome. As with any type of elective surgery you must realize what your expectations, ideas, and hopes are for the outcome of the surgery. Is it your expectations that your vision will be 20/20 as it was when you were a child?

Before any type of elective surgery including laser eye surgery, you should discuss your hopes and expectations with your ophthalmologist. He should be able to explain that not all of your ideas are true with laser eye surgery. Yes, your blurry vision will be improved but maybe not to the extent that you desire.

Normally, individuals with very poor vision to the extent that their vision is so bad that they cannot be fitted with contacts are very pleased after laser eye surgery. Any improvement over wearing those thick ugly glasses is a lifesaver. However, if you are one of those individuals who are mild to moderately nearsighted then you must know that 90 percent of patients are able to drive during daylight hours without wearing glasses or contacts. The other 10 percent still need to wear corrective lenses. Out of the 90 percent that can see to drive without their glasses during the day, the majority, still have to wear glasses at night to see to drive.

When you think of good vision, you may not really be considering all the aspects of good eyesight, which include such things as depth of field, night vision, color vision, contrast sensitivity, and bi-ocular vision. The depth of field is if you can see clearly from near to far. Color vision is if you can differentiate between the colors of red and green. Contrast sensitivity is the ability to differentiate between the various shades of gray. Night vision is the ability to see in low lighting conditions. Bi-ocular vision is your eye working together properly.

To ensure if you will be happy with your laser surgery you should of course talk it over with your eye surgeon. Remember, you may not receive perfect vision, but your eyesight will be improved over what you now have without wearing glasses or contact lenses full time. The choice is yours, just be sure that you will be happy with the results.

For more information about Laser Eye Surgery and the benefits that are available you can check out lasereye.org.uk