Saturday, May 31, 2008

Laser Eye Surgery Results - What is a Realistic Expectation

Most people who are either short sighted or long sighted are curious about laser eye surgery. Committing yourself to undergoing treatment is a big decision as it is an expensive procedure and will make permanent changes to your vision. It is important to have a realistic idea of what laser eye surgery is capable of achieving, as deciding to undergo the treatment without this understanding can potentially lead to disappointment with the results. When you have your initial consultation at the vision clinic the laser eye practitioner will explain the procedure and its outcome to you, but here is a brief outline of what you may be told.

Many people who have not properly looked into laser eye surgery believe it will give most patients 20/20 vision. This, unfortunately, is not the case. However, in around 90 percent of patients it can improve the vision significantly enough to give them many years of glasses and contact lenses free living. A normal side effect of laser eye surgery is seeing a halo effect around lights and experiencing poorer vision in low light levels. For many patients, this necessitates wearing glasses for driving at night, even if their daytime vision is extremely good.

If considering laser eye surgery it is also imperative to properly understand what ?permanent results? means in relation to the procedure. While the effects of laser eye surgery are irreversible there is, at present, no way of preventing the natural degeneration in sight that continues as you grow older so your ?perfect? vision will not last throughout your lifetime. Most patients, even those who have had extremely satisfying results from the procedure, require reading glasses by the time they reach the age of 45. However, it is important to remember that while ?perfect vision? may not be lasting many people do enjoy glasses free living for many years and, even when glasses become a necessity, their vision is greatly improved on what it would have been had they never undergone surgery.

What can be realistically be achieved with laser eye surgery is dependent on the individual?s sight. Those who have poorer vision are likely to receive greatly improved vision but perhaps not to the extent where they can completely do without either glasses or contact lenses. Many doctors will advise patients who are extremely short sighted (-8 or greater) or very long sighted (in excess of +2) against undergoing laser eye surgery as the results may be unsatisfactory.

Patients need to bear in mind that laser eye treatment is not flawless. While technological advances have made it a very meticulous procedure errors can occur. Therefore, even ?good? candidates for laser eye surgery may not receive the ?perfect? eyesight they were hoping for, as vision can be slightly under or over corrected by the procedure.

Although laser eye surgery cannot produce flawless vision, undergoing treatment with an open mind and realistic expectation of the end result means a majority of patients are extremely satisfied with their post-surgery vision. The novelty of not having to wear glasses all the time is, on its own, sufficient reason for most laser eye surgery patients to be pleased that they made the decision to undergo treatment.

Leanne has had many articles published on the topic of corrective laser eye surgery. http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

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Thursday, May 29, 2008

Laser Eye Treatment - What to Expect During Surgery

Although laser eye surgery can greatly enhance a person?s life, deciding to undergo the procedure can be quite daunting. It is normal to be nervous before undergoing any form of surgery, but in the case of laser eye surgery the fear can be increased as patients are conscious during the procedure and under normal circumstances most people would be unwilling to allow a laser beam near such a delicate area of their body. Although nothing is likely to completely calm pre-operative nerves, educating yourself about what happens during the procedure can help build your confidence.

During surgery, patients lie in a reclining chair directly beneath the laser. To allow the surgeon to operate the eye lids are fixed in place with a metal ring. While this is not uncomfortable in itself, being unable to blink can be a little disconcerting for the patient. The eye is thoroughly cleansed and drops are used to anaesthetise the area. From the start of preparation time to the conclusion of laser treatment generally takes around 15 minutes.

Lasik

In Lasik surgery, a small incision is made in the cornea to produce a small flap. This leads to vision loss for about 20 to 30 seconds. The laser ? which is programmed before the operation starts ? will then reshape the cornea. The procedure is not painful but can be quite unsettling due to the smell of burning that occurs when the laser comes into contact with the surface of the eye.

As complications can arise as a result of the incision, Lasik is considered the highest risk of the different forms of laser eye surgery, although it also has many advantages, for example a greatly improved recovery time. One of the problems which may arise during surgery is that the cornea may become detached. However, in most instances, the surgeon is able to reattach the cornea after treatment is complete.

Lasek

Lasek varies from Lasik in that no incision is made. Instead, after the eye area has been prepared for surgery an alcoholic solution is used to soften the epithelium, which is then folded to one side to allow the laser to reshape the cornea. Once the procedure is complete, this will be pushed back into place. A contact lens will be placed over the cornea to hold the epithelium in place. This will need to be worn for several days.

In a small number of cases PRK is used instead of Lasek, particularly if the patient has an unusually thin cornea or large pupils. The procedure is very similar, but an excimer laser removes a thin layer of cells from the surface of the cornea and the eye is then reshaped to allow better focusing. This is not painful, although PRK often experience more discomfort than those undergoing other forms of laser eye treatment. The protective layer of cells will grow back naturally in the weeks following surgery.

If you have concerns about laser eye surgery, or are anxious about what to expect, do not hesitate to contact the vision clinic. The staff will be happy to answer your enquiries and alleviate your fears.

Leanne has had many articles published on the topic of laser eye treatment, including laser eye surgery risks. http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Who is a Suitable Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye treatment is becoming increasingly popular as a way of permanently improving poor vision. It is a relatively safe procedure with less than 1 percent of patients experiencing serious complications. The results of surgery are typically good - an estimated 80 to 98 percent of patients see such a marked improvement in their vision that they no longer need to wear their glasses or contact lenses. But can anyone opt for laser eye surgery?

In short, the answer is no. A majority of people will benefit form laser eye surgery but it is not a suitable solution for everyone. People very thin corneas or unusually large pupils may be deemed unsuitable candidates as this makes procedures such as Lasik impractical. Lasik works by reshaping the tissue underneath the cornea, but to enable this a small incision must be made in the cornea to make a flap. If the cornea is too thin this is an unfeasible option. PRK may be a suitable alternative to Lasik as this reshapes the cornea by burning a thin layer of cells off the surface of the eye with an excimer laser, but this decision can only be made by a qualified ophthalmologist.

Another common characteristic that may stop someone from having laser eye treatment is dry eyes. A frequent side effect of the procedure is dry eyes, so if this is a pre-existing condition in the patient a doctor may be unwilling to risk aggravating the problem. Serious conditions, for instance eye diseases such as herpes simplex and glaucoma, will also exclude someone from being a candidate for treatment.

Laser eye surgery is most suitable for a patient who has had several years of unchanging prescriptions. Age can preclude someone from being a candidate on this basis. People under the age of 21 may still be experiencing changes in their sight. The longevity of the effects of laser eye treatment can be affected as a result, as although the procedure is permanent it cannot prevent further natural deterioration in sight. It may be beneficial to delay treatment until the candidate is a little older and their vision has reached a plateau. People aged 60 and above are not advised to have laser eye surgery as degeneration in eyesight increases much more rapidly after this age.

There are several other candidates who may be unsuitable for laser eye treatment on the basis that their prescription is too unstable. This includes women undergoing the menopause and diabetics whose condition is not properly controlled.

Laser eye treatment is most successful on patients who have mild to moderate hyperopia, myopia or astigmatism. For this reason, short sighted patients with a prescription of -8 or more and long sighted patients whose vision is worse than +2 may be considered unsuitable candidates as the results that can realistically be achieved may be limited.

The most reliable way to discern whether laser eye surgery is a possibility for you is to speak to your optician, who may be able to refer you to a vision clinic, or for you to directly approach a surgery or hospital which specializes in laser eye treatment. It is prudent to shop around and get a range of opinions on the best laser eye procedure to suit your needs.

Leanne has had several articles published on laser eye treatment, including Lasik. http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net.

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Does Laser Eye Surgery Work All of The Time?

Does laser eye surgery work for every person, all of the time? Anyone who is thinking about getting laser eye surgery is worried that his or her surgery will be the one that the surgeon messes up on. No one wants to go in for laser vision correction surgery and come out unable to see. It is important to understand the risks involved with this type of surgery.

Laser surgery is not guaranteed to work every time and on every person. The surgeon's job is to inform you of the possible risks and different outcomes that can occur with the type of surgery you will be having done. At the consultation, if you come prepared to ask questions, your doctor will be happy to answer them to the best of their ability. Your doctor wants you to feel comfortable with having the surgery, but they also want to know that you are fully informed about all the possible risks.

Although laser eye surgery is a fairly new surgical technique, thousands of doctors are doing this type of surgery on millions of patients every year. This is a rapidly growing field with a new clinic in almost every major city across the country.

The Consultation

Before your surgery and even before your consultation you should do some research of your own. Take some time to research the procedure you are thinking of having done as well as the ophthalmology surgeon.

Your surgeon is required to have attended specialized training on corrective eye surgery. You can ask the clinic to forward you the training information on your physician and also ask them for the contact information necessary to verify his licensure.

Trust

Many people do not want to be seen as not trusting their doctor so they do not look into their surgeon's education or references. But it is important for you to do this. Although most laser eye surgeons are very reputable and extremely well trained, there are plenty of surgeons that are operating without the proper training.

Your surgeon does not mind you checking into their education and training. That is to say, a good surgeon will not mind. A good surgeon may even offer you this information up front without you ever asking. Just make sure and verify all the licensing and training information on your surgeon before the day of your operation.

Lawsuits

You can also ask your surgeon or just call the clinic and ask if they have any pending lawsuits against them. Because of the risks associated with this surgery it is extremely important for you to know how often your surgeon is being sued for something going wrong during the surgery process.

Even though laser eye surgery is extremely common practice you should still take the time to investigate if the surgery is right for you. You should be informed about the risks of the surgery as well as the possible benefits. You should also be informed as to your physicians history, education, and licensure before you decide to have laser vision correction surgery.

Finding the corrective eye surgery solution that is right for you can be a challenge. For helpful and informative articles, resources, facts and tips to assist you toward better vision please visit us at: http://www.yourcorrectiveeyesurgery.com

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Monday, May 26, 2008

Laser Eye Surgery - A Comparison of Lasik, Lasek and PRK

Over 100,000 people in the UK undergo laser eye treatment every year. The surgery corrects the patient?s vision by shaping the cornea, which controls how well the eye focuses, with a very precise laser. Between 80 and 98 percent of treatments improve the sight sufficiently for the patient to no longer require either glasses or contact lenses.

At present, there are two popular methods of laser eye surgery. The most commonly used form of laser treatment is Lasik. In Lasik, a small incision is made in the cornea to create a flap. Laser treatment can then be carried out. There may be vision loss of 20 to 30 seconds during the procedure. In Lasek the epithelium is removed before the cornea is reshaped with a laser. Laser eye treatment takes around 15 minutes in total.

For many patients, Lasik is a much more desirable option than Lasek treatment. After undergoing Lasek, the patient may experience moderate levels of pain for around 24 hours post surgery. Extreme sensitivity to light is also common for the first couple of days and you will be required to wear sunglasses outdoors for three months. Vision can also remain hazy or blurred for up to a week and it takes around a month before the patient?s vision will ?settle down? and the final results of the surgery are known. With Lasik treatment, there is very little post operative discomfort and the results of surgery are apparent much more quickly. Vision should initially be much less blurred than after undergoing Lasek, and the blurriness should dispel within 48 hours. A Lasik patient will probably be able to see well the day after treatment.

For a minority of patients, PRK will be recommended over Lasik or Lasek if the patient has a particularly thin cornea. PRK was the forerunner of Lasek and works by using an excimer laser to remove a thin layer of cells from the surface of the cornea to reshape the eye. No incision is required. The main difference between Lasek and PRK is that in PRK the cells are scraped off and the epithelium is left to grow back after the treatment, which takes several days. In Lasek, the epithelium is removed with a weak alcohol solution and then replaced immediately after surgery. A contact lens has to be worn for several days to hold it in place.

PRK has been around for over a decade and to date there seems to be no harmful long term effects. Lasek is also considered fairly low risk. This is largely due to the fact no incision is required for surgery in either of these laser eye treatments. Lasik, despite its benefits, is considered to be the riskiest form of laser eye surgery. The potential complications include corneal ectasia, where a build up of pressure occurs behind the weakened cornea. Further surgery is required to correct this otherwise a rapid degeneration may occur in the eye sight.

The effects of laser eye surgery are permanent, but the treatment cannot prevent further age-related deterioration.

If you are considering laser eye surgery, book a consultation at a reputable vision clinic where a doctor can assess the best treatment for you.

Leanne has had several articles published on the subject of laser eye surgery. http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Bad Laser Eye Surgery: How Can You Avoid It

Considering LASIK eye surgery? The LASIK Vision Institute claims that they have done over half a million procedures to date, and almost everyone knows someone who has had the laser eye surgery. The surgery can especially help if you have astigmatism and cannot wear contacts, or have to have custom eyeglasses. However, being optimistic about the results does not make the possible complications disappear. As with any surgery--especially new surgeries with no long-term data--there are complications.

Reliable Information Source

Before making the decision to go through a LASIK eye surgery, you should research and understand the problems that can occur and the procedure. There are many ways to do this, including going on-line or calling your doctor. Records of bad LASIK eye surgery and studies of surgical vision correction are easily available and may help you to make the decision.

Additional information sources, such as brochures or websites, may provide very different stories and they are not so reliable. The comments in promotional material are chosen to be very positive and the negative comments may be chosen in order to keep somebody from thinking about the procedure.

If you really want some un-biased, complete information (as well as have an idea of which doctor to go to--or not go to), ask around and speak with friends, co-workers, or family that have had the surgery. Just going to the doctor may result in information about the procedure, but it may not be enough. Doctors may downplay the complications because they are interested in the money (or other perks) they receive. If your doctor downplays the complications, and doesn't explain the procedure and possible risks to your satisfaction, GET A NEW DOCTOR!

What Can Go Wrong?

The consequences of a bad LASIK eye surgery can be very serious, devastating, and difficult to live with. One of the most serious consequences is the complete loss of eye sight. One wrong move made by the doctor and or faulty equipment can leave you with worse vision than when you arrived at the doctor's office. Also, infection or other post-operative complications can lead to loss of eye sight.

One of the most important phrases in our consumer culture is ?Let the Buyer beware!?. No where is this more important than in medical procedures. Informing yourself, reliable sources such as health organization, family, friends, and doctors, about the safety of the procedure before making the decision is a smart idea.

Just doing a little research--even just asking how many procedures done by the doctor, how many of those procedures were successful and how many had complications---may keep you from turning something that is just inconvenient (such as wearing glasses or contacts) to something that is life-long. While most complications associated with LASIK eye surgery are just minor annoyances, becoming permanently disabled may be more than a simple minor annoyance.

If you want to escape the hype around laser eye surgery and find all the lasik eye surgery information you need to make a decision about your lasik eye surgery including details on likely costs, benefits and potential complications visit the Lasik Eye Surgery Information Portal: www.best-buy-laser-eye-surgery.com

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Friday, May 23, 2008

Bad Laser Eye Surgery: How Can You Avoid It?


Considering LASIK eye surgery? The LASIK Vision Institute claims that they have done over half a million procedures to date, and almost everyone knows someone who has had the laser eye surgery. The surgery can especially help if you have astigmatism and cannot wear contacts, or have to have custom eyeglasses. However, being optimistic about the results does not make the possible complications disappear. As with any surgery--especially new surgeries with no long-term data--there are complications.

Reliable Information Source

Before making the decision to go through a LASIK eye surgery, you should research and understand the problems that can occur and the procedure. There are many ways to do this, including going on-line or calling your doctor. Records of bad LASIK eye surgery and studies of surgical vision correction are easily available and may help you to make the decision.

Additional information sources, such as brochures or websites, may provide very different stories and they are not so reliable. The comments in promotional material are chosen to be very positive and the negative comments may be chosen in order to keep somebody from thinking about the procedure.

If you really want some un-biased, complete information (as well as have an idea of which doctor to go to--or not go to), ask around and speak with friends, co-workers, or family that have had the surgery. Just going to the doctor may result in information about the procedure, but it may not be enough. Doctors may downplay the complications because they are interested in the money (or other perks) they receive. If your doctor downplays the complications, and doesn't explain the procedure and possible risks to your satisfaction, GET A NEW DOCTOR!

What Can Go Wrong?

The consequences of a bad LASIK eye surgery can be very serious, devastating, and difficult to live with. One of the most serious consequences is the complete loss of eye sight. One wrong move made by the doctor and or faulty equipment can leave you with worse vision than when you arrived at the doctor's office. Also, infection or other post-operative complications can lead to loss of eye sight.

One of the most important phrases in our consumer culture is "Let the Buyer beware!". No where is this more important than in medical procedures. Informing yourself, reliable sources such as health organization, family, friends, and doctors, about the safety of the procedure before making the decision is a smart idea.

Just doing a little research--even just asking how many procedures done by the doctor, how many of those procedures were successful and how many had complications---may keep you from turning something that is just inconvenient (such as wearing glasses or contacts) to something that is life-long. While most complications associated with LASIK eye surgery are just minor annoyances, becoming permanently disabled may be more than a simple minor annoyance.

If you want to escape the hype around laser eye surgery and find all the lasik eye surgery information you need to make a decision about your lasik eye surgery visit the Lasik Plus Information Portal: www.best-buy-laser-eye-surgery.com

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Thursday, May 22, 2008

Laser Eye Surgery - The Risks and Dangers

All forms of surgery carry inherent risks. The nature of laser eye surgery means that the fear of unforeseen complications can be immense as if problems do arise then the damage may be irreversible. People considering laser eye surgery are often particularly afraid they may lose their sight. So how risky is laser eye surgery, and what are the complications that can arise?

Although the risk is very small ? less than 5 percent - the corneal flap can become detached from the eye during the procedure. In some instances the surgeon may be able to reattach it, although in a small number of cases this is not possible and there is permanent sight damage.

Post operatively, patients have between a 5 and 10 percent chance, (depending on the type of laser eye treatment used), of developing an infection under the corneal flap where the incision was made for surgery. In most instances this does not cause lasting damage but it can slow down the healing process. Another rare complication is corneal ectasia, where ?bulging? is caused by a build up of pressure against the weakened cornea. The condition can be cured by a highly skilled surgeon through a corneal transplant. If left untreated the vision may become progressively worse.

There are several risks which are considered ?normal? by laser eye practitioners, and should not cause undue concern as the effects should not be permanent. The eyes may remain sensitive for several months which means, if surgery did not result in 20/20 vision and the use of contact lenses is still a necessity, that the eyes can become very uncomfortable. Dry eyes are also a common side effect and patients often require drops for six months to lubricate the eyes.

Night vision can be impaired by laser eye surgery, which can make driving at night inadvisable. Seeing a ?halo? effect around lights is also an associated risk of the procedure, and can also make driving after dark potentially dangerous. Both of these problems can be temporary, lasting between 6 and 12 months, but unfortunately this is not the case for all patients.

To reduce the risk of complications, spend time researching reputable clinics and doctors. While there are many qualified and highly skilled practitioners there are also many doctors who lack proper training and experience in laser eye treatment. Any doctor can carry out the surgery after just one weeks training, and there is no specialist qualification required to perform laser eye surgery. Success rates can vary significantly between vision clinics. Always ask plenty questions to ascertain the level of skill of the surgeon, such as his qualifications and number of surgeries performed. It is also prudent to check if the equipment at the clinic is FDA approved, as not all clinics will be using the latest (and potentially safest) equipment.

To diminish the risks of laser eye surgery further still, opt to have just one eye operated on at a time. If the first operation presents no problem and the results are favorable a second operation can be booked to correct vision in the other eye.

Leanne has had several articles published on laser eye treatment, including laser eye surgery cost. www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Laser Eye Surgery: What Is Lasik

Lasik laser eye treatment - short for Laser In-Keratomileusis ? is the surgery of the eye, through use of lasers, to correct vision. In most instances eyesight is restored sufficiently to negate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Who is a suitable candidate for Lasik?

It is unsafe for surgery to be carried out on patients with eye disorders or diseases. The biggest factors, however, in whether an individual is suitable for Lasik surgery are the age of the patient and the severity of their long or shortsightedness.

Under the age of 21 the vision may still be experiencing changes which would render the results of Lasik surgery very short lived. After this age, vision becomes more stable and any deterioration or improvement in the sight should not be so marked. However, once a person is approaching the age of 60 the rate of degeneration increases again, making laser eye surgery less feasible.

Surgery can be markedly less effective on patients whose eyesight is extremely poor. When making initial enquiries about undergoing Lasik, a doctor may advise that you are an unsuitable candidate if you are highly longsighted (+2 or greater) or extremely shortsighted (which is considered to be in excess of -8).

How is Lasik surgery performed?

When undergoing Lasik the patient?s eyelid is taped back to allow full access to the eye and prevent blinking, which may cause some discomfort to the patient. Surgery is performed by slicing a small flap in the cornea (which can cause temporary vision loss, which should not last more than 30 seconds). A pre-programmed laser meticulously reshapes the eye before the flap is replaced. The surgery should not be painful, but there is a slight smell of burning during the use of the laser, which can make it an unpleasant experience for the patient.

Post operatively, Lasik surgery patients generally experience little or no discomfort. Vision will be a little hazy and distorted for the first 48 hours but will vastly improve after this time, with the final effects of surgery becoming apparent within a month of the procedure being carried out. Eye drops are a necessity for the first 6 months after surgery as dry eyes are a side effect of all forms of laser eye treatments.

How effective is Lasik?

The statistics available for successful laser eye surgery ? where ?perfect? vision is restored ? are inconsistent, but it is believed that between 80 and 98% of patients? vision improves to the extent where contact lenses or glasses are no longer required.

The effects of Lasik are permanent, although laser eye surgery cannot prevent the natural degeneration of eye sight which is a normal part of the ageing process. The results generally are more long lived in short sighted patients, who may benefit from many years of good eye sight before requiring glasses again. The outcome of surgery is usually initially good for long sighted patients, but deterioration can occur much more rapidly and glasses are often required after two years.

Is Lasik safe?

If vision is improved but contact lenses re still required, the lenses may be very uncomfortable for the first few months after surgery. Dryness ? a common side effect of surgery ? can also cause the eye to become sore while wearing contact lenses.

The most worrying, but statistically unlikely, risk associated with Lasik is that the cornea can become detached. There is a small risk of a post operative infection developing in the corneal flap.

The best way to decide whether Lasik is a viable option for you is to book a consultation at a vision clinic or a hospital.

Leanne has had several articles published on the subject of laser eye treatment, including laser eye surgery risks. www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

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Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Laser Eye Surgery Cost

For many people who need to wear glasses or contact lenses on a daily basis, laser eye surgery is a very appealing prospect. The surgery alters the contour of the cornea to improve vision and the effects are permanent, although the procedure does not guarantee a lifetime of perfect vision as natural deterioration in eyesight will still occur. But how expensive is the procedure?

American patients generally pay between $500 and $2,000 per eye. This variation is largely due to the wide ranging variations in what individual patient?s requirements are. The lower end of the pricing spectrum will apply to people who require only straightforward corrective surgery. If you suffer from severe stigmatism, you are unfortunately going to be looking at a much greater bill for your laser eye surgery. If you live in the United States, remember to ask for a break down of what additional costs may be entailed such as post-operative medication.

In the UK, patients can expect to pay around ?500 to ?850 per eye, depending on which type of laser eye surgery is necessary. The prices quoted at the clinic or hospital will generally be all inclusive.

Although laser eye surgery is, by many people?s standards, very expensive it is a cost effective solution to poor eye sight. Many patients who have gone through the procedure enjoy many years of good vision and the saving made by no longer needing to purchase contact lenses or pairs of glasses invariably adds up to more than the cost of laser eye surgery. So although the initial cost is steep in the long term it is very worth while financially.

It is important to bear in mind that the cost of the procedure should not be your only consideration when selecting a doctor to perform the surgery. Due to the nature of the surgery, any problems which occur may be irreversible so it is essential to find a reputable doctor. While it may be tempting to use the cheapest vision clinic, they may be offering a greatly discounted price because the technology and equipment they use may be less up to date, or their doctors may be newly trained and lack experience. Worryingly, any doctor may carry out laser eye surgery having undergone just one weeks training. Regardless of the price, always ask as many questions as possible about the credentials of both the clinic and the physicians, and check their equipment is FDA approved.

A reputable doctor is also as essential as not everyone is a good candidate for laser eye surgery and the results can be very disappointing if it performed on an unsuitable patient. Doctors will not usually perform it on anyone under the age of 21 as their vision may still be changing (sight deterioration tends to reach a plateau after this time). Patients over the age of 60 may also be discouraged from having the surgery as vision can deteriorate much more rapidly after this age. Eye diseases will also exclude you from being a candidate. Doctors may also be reluctant to perform the surgery on someone who is either severely short sighted (-8 or more) or long sighted (in excess of +2) as the surgery may not be effective.

A majority of patients who have undergone laser eye surgery agree it is a very worthwhile expense.

Leanne has had several articles published on the subject of laser eye surgery, including Lasik. www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

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Monday, May 19, 2008

How LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Can Cure Your Nearsightedness

LASIK laser eye surgery is a complex surgery procedure used to treat all degrees of nearsightedness. The physician who performs it uses a small knife to cut a flap of the cornea, then removes part of the underneath tissue with a laser and put the flap back in its place.

In LASIK eye surgery, the skills of the physician or surgeon are more important than in the PRK procedure, where the computer does most of the work. This is the reason why it is mandatory to find a high-skilled and experienced surgeon who has done several such procedures before to perform it. The success of this procedure depends mainly on the doctor.

Advantages Of LASIK Eye Surgery

Most physicians agree that this kind of eye surgery is very appropriate for correcting very severe vision problems. It also allows a faster recovery than PRK and other procedures. In addition, patients who have undergone a LASIK laser eye surgery can see accurate enough to drive and read within just a week or so.

Does LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Have Risks?

For a limited number of patients, LASIK laser eye surgery can have some negative side effects, which include over or under-correction, scarring of the cornea, astigmatism, corneal infections, lower contrast sensitivity or problems with driving at night.

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery versus PRK & RK

There are physicians that still consider other surgical procedures as well. Some patients who had previously decided on LASIK laser eye surgery are often advised to undergo a so called PRK or RK procedure instead. After studying all the options they have and consider the possible side effects, many of them eventually agree on other methods.

Many clinical centers, while they do perform LASIK laser eye surgery in many situations, they claim that other procedures or methods are in some cases more suitable. For instance, some physicians believe that for a small number of patients with low or moderately nearsighted eye conditions, a RK (radial keratotomy) is more appropriate.

RK is an earlier eye correction surgery procedure that does not need an Excimer laser. The incisions are made radically along the exterior portion of the cornea with a hand-held scalpel. Such procedures are intended to help reshape the curvature of the cornea and allow light rays that enter the eye to focus properly on the retina. The success of the method depends on the length and number of these incisions. Some surgeons use this type of eye surgery for a small number of people with a disorder called mild myopia.

In contrast, other physicians and surgeons consider LASIK laser eye surgery as the best option whatsoever. While they do mention other options to their patients, such as PRK or RK, they don't recommend them in favor of these procedures.

Other doctors claim that a RK procedure involves penetrating around 90 percent of the cornea, which can have negative impacts on the structure of the eye. Furthermore, once you have undergone a RK surgery, you can never repeat it or have a PRK. This is the reason why some physicians would never suggest this method to anyone.

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

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Friday, May 16, 2008

Lasik Eye Correction Surgery What Is It?

A new and very popular vision correction method is Lasik eye correction surgery. What is it? Lasik eye correction surgery uses a laser beam to reshape the cornea.

The reshaping of the cornea allows it to do a better job of focusing images onto the retina. This reshaping can often improve vision to the normal 20/20 or better and the patient no longer needs the glasses or contacts to correct their vision.

Millions of people each year are choosing to have Lasik eye correction surgery. The results for most are fantastic. People who are farsighted, nearsighted or who have astigmatism may be good candidates for Lasik eye correction surgery. The only way to know for sure if you're a good candidate is to see your ophthalmologist.

The goal of Lasik eye correction surgery is to change the shape the cornea so it does a better job of focusing images onto the retina, for sharper vision. An important thing to remember while making the decision whether to go through with the procedure is that the eye surgery is irreversible. In most cases laser eye surgery is safe, however just as with any other type of surgery, there are certain risks. These risks may vary from patient to patient.

Lasik Eye Correction Surgery- Making The Decision

To help with your decision take the time to learn exactly how the surgeon will perform the procedure. You should also investigate the experience level of your surgeon. The experience level can play an important role in the success of your surgery.

Lasik eye surgery is relatively pain free and a simple procedure. A small flap is cut on the surface of your eye. The laser is then used to perform the necessary re-shaping of the cornea. Once this is complete the flap is put back into place and the surgery is complete.

A few days for recovery are required. After that your eyes are fine and your vision is in most cases greatly improved. Most people no longer need their glasses or contacts. Thus far the most reported side-effect is dry eyes. This doesn't occur in every case, but has been reported.

If you 're considering Lasik eye correction surgery, visit your doctor, get the necessary information, and take time to make your decision once its done it cannot be reversed.

Its great to be free of contacts and glasses.and still see better than you have in years. Lasik eye surgery is a great technology.

If you're considering Lasik and need more information about how laser eye surgery works or are curious about Lasik eye surgery and risks that are associated, click on over the Mike Herman's site http://www.FocusingOnLasik.com and find what you need.

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Laser Eye Surgery, Do You Know What It is?

We have all heard about someone that has had a "laser eye surgery" performed with success and sometimes we think if we should have one too as an alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses. But, what is a "laser eye surgery"?

When we talk about it we are referring to the name the ophthalmologists use: Lasik eye surgery, which is actually a procedure that merges two previous eye surgery techniques, with better results in terms of vision improvement as well as minor incidents of infection and reduced recovery time.

The term Lasik is an acronym for Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. Succesfull refractive eye surgery can help to reduce common vision disorders like miopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. In most cases you will not need to use glasses or contact lenses anymore.

Lasik eye surgery was developed as a synthesis of keratomileusis (improving the refractive state of the cornea) and photorefractive keratectomy (changing the shape of the cornea). Lasik quickly became accepted for its greater accuracy, with very few complications when compared to either of the prior procedure types and shortened recovery time for patients.

Laser eye surgery is performed with a mild sedative and patients remain awake and aware, though relaxed from the sedative. Additionally, the use of anesthetic eye drops help to decrease movement and responsiveness of eye muscles so that the procedure can be more safely carried out.

The surgery procedure is as follows, a very fine blade is used to make a series of tiny flaps in the surface of the cornea. These flaps are then folded back to reveal the stroma, which is the middle section of the cornea. The lifting and folding back of these flaps is the part of this procedure that tends to be somewhat uncomfortable for the patient.

After that, an excimer laser is used to reshape the corneal stroma. What happens is that, the extra ?bumps? of the cornea are vaporized. The process is very gentle because the laser is able to release the molecular bonds that hold the cells of the corneal surface together, thus leaving the adjacent stroma undamaged.

In this second step, when the flap is lifted, the patient?s vision will become blurry and filled with white light that surrounds the orange laser light. This can be somewhat disorienting to the patient, but knowledge of the procedure alleviates much of the ?feeling of encountering the unknown?. Since the procedure is very short in duration, this period passes relatively quickly.

Once the procedure is complete, the flaps are held in place with a natural adhesive until healing takes place. Patients should use a darkened pair of goggles to protect their eyes from bright lights and protective shields to prevent rubbing of the eyes when asleep, they are advised to avoid sunlight and other known irritants over the few days following the procedure. Recovery is very rapid and most patients feel great after only a day or two.

Jorge Sanchez is an accomplished Webmaster and publisher of http://www.Laser-Eye-Surgery-Advise.com where he provides more advise on eye surgery solutions, corrective eye laser surgery and details on how does laser eye surgery works.

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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Is Laser Eye Surgery Risky?

Laser eye surgery has been such an enormous boon for the "seeing-eye" world that thousands of people with defective sight problems can thank this relatively simple and quick procedure for restoring their sight to acceptable and satisfying levels. But are you aware that their are risks associated with laser eye surgery?

It's foolhardy to think that any type of surgery is risk free and laser eye surgery is no different. The question you have to ask yourself is whether the benefits of having this type of procedure outweigh the risks and in most cases patients will choose the former.

The good news is that the chances of suffering serious vision-threatening side effects from laser eye surgery are extremely low. But there are risks nevertheless and you should be aware of them.

What Are The Side Effects?

Corneal infection is always a possibility following procedures such as Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Lasik. However, the risk is so low that when it's presented as a possible worst case scenario to patients, they generally dismiss it as non-threatening. The percentage factor is something like 0.1 per cent which is extremely low. Those who experience it will suffer no long term effects and it usually means a slower healing process and some extra discomfort. It's hardly reason for concern considering the benefits from receiving the surgery.

Corneal infection aside, one of the more common side effects of laser eye surgery is what is termed as under or over correction. What does this mean? Simply put, it's difficult to predict exactly how a patients eyes will respond to treatment so in some cases, corrective lenses may be needed in the short term or further surgical treatment is scheduled.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are another side effect of laser eye surgery but again, it's not sight threatening and can be treated easily with lubricating drops. Patients are generally more worried about the inconvenience of the extra healing time which can amount to several weeks.

PRK patients in some instances will report a condition known as corneal haze. Corneal haze occurs during the recovery process and while it is not threatening in the majority of procedures, there is always the possibility that vision could be impaired somewhat if the haze becomes excessive. As a prospective patient, you should be made aware of this but again, it shouldn't affect any decision you may make in going ahead with surgery.

Lasik Risks

Flap damage is a risk for lasik patients. The worst case scenario is that the flap could be irrepairably damaged or even lost however, once again the chances of this occurring are extremely low. Another risk for lasik patients involves the possibility of suffering a distorted corneal shape which may occur during healing. If this occurs, it will have some impact on the overall quality of vision.

If you are concerned about the side effects of laser eye surgery then you need to discuss them with your surgeon. We've covered a few but there are others, including a condition known as regression. It simply means that the eye may retreat to it's former state following surgery. This could occur several months following the procedure and further surgery may need to be scheduled. The bottomline... yes, there are risks associated with surgery but in the world of "laser eye" they are extremely low.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Are you aware of laser eye risk? What are the advantages? Get the latest eye surgery news and reviews at:http://www.eyesurgeryplace.com

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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Important But Basic Information On Eyelid Surgery Commonly Known As Blepharoplasty

Plastic surgery is becoming more commonplace, and one very popular procedure is blepharoplasty. This involves removing excess fat from the patient's upper eyelids. Any excess muscle or skin is also removed, which helps to give the eyes a younger and more vibrant appearance. For someone with upper eyelids that appear to drop, or who has excessive bags under the eyes, this procedure can be enormously beneficial. Often it's done in conjunction with other types of facial surgery, giving the whole face a more youthful appearance.

Generally, this type of surgery is best performed on someone who overall has a good self-image, but just feels their eyelid area is having a negative impact on his or her appearance. It's important to be realistic about what blepharoplasty can achieve, and discussing potential outcomes with your surgeon is a good idea. There's a certain level of planning involved before the surgery can be performed, and you will need to undergo a few basic medical tests. These include testing your vision, as well as the ability of your eyes to produce tears.

When you are discussing blepharoplasty with your surgeon, make sure you give clear instructions about which lids are to be worked on. Some patients may only want their upper eyelids altered, while others wish to improve the appearance of all four lids. Making your wishes clear to the surgeon will reduce the chance of miscommunication. If you're not sure about anything to do with the procedure, ask your questions during the consultation phase. Your surgeon is an expert, and so can give you the best information about your operation and what it can achieve.

Also, make sure you get a comprehensive quote for the surgery, which includes all the extras required. That way you won?t get any nasty shocks afterwards. Blepharoplasty is an outpatient operation, and can usually be performed in the plastic surgeon's own facility. Local anesthesia is used, which means the eye area will be numb but you will still be aware throughout the procedure. Generally, however, the surgeon will administer sedatives and perhaps painkillers, so that the surgery is less distressing.

Afterwards, your eyelids will be sore. It's important to keep your head elevated for as much of the day as possible, to help minimize bruising and swelling after the operation. A good plastic surgeon will want you to visit again about a week after the surgery, to make sure you are progressing well. It's generally possible to get back to normal activities in around ten days, and strenuous activities can be recommenced after around three weeks. It's possible, however, that the eyelids will still remain slightly pink for up to six months. But eventually that will fade too, leaving you with attractive new eyelids.

For more information on Blepharoplasty to include tips on choosing a plastic surgeon try visiting http://www.cosmetic-surgery-info-guide.com where you will find helpful tips, advice and resources dealing with breast augmentation, plastic surgery and liposuction.

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Sunday, May 11, 2008

Laser Eye Surgery Cost - Why It Varies So Much

The cost of laser eye surgery depends on different factors related to your eye as well as on the geographical location of the surgical center in which you are going to have the surgery done. Normally the laser eye surgery price is given for one eye. This is actually the international standard by which it is quoted.

LASIK Laser eye Surgery Cost

The price of the lasik surgery procedure that is advertised varies widely. You might not get it done for the advertised price since any complication you might enter into as well as after surgery treatments are normally not included in this price. So, just be prepared that you might fall into a category that is not eligible for that price. As a matter of fact, it has been shown that only about three percent of all LASIK providers have a laser eye surgery cost lower than $1000 per eye. Therefore, I recommend that you look for any hidden costs or the fine print if you come across any advertisement that promises laser surgery for bargain prices.

During the last few years the eye surgery cost has increased. The costs listed below give you an idea of such an increase in the price.

o In 2002, the average LASIK laser eye surgery cost ranged between $1,550 and $1,600.

o By October 2003, it had already increased to approximately $1,710.

o At the end of 2004, LASIK laser eye surgery cost raised above $1,800.

o In the first half of 2005, the average price was $1,965.

The figures above include several types of businesses, from individual surgeons use rented equipment to those who own it. It also includes every type of clinic from regional clinical centers to nationwide eye surgery provider networks.

You could see the increase in the price of laser surgery for example in the TLC Laser Eye Centers, a leading LASIK provider. They had an average price of $1,800 in 2002 but at the end of 2004, the average LASIK laser eye surgery cost rose to $1,957 and at the beginning of 2005 the price was $1,983.

The same is the case of a company called LasikPlus, another famous nationwide provider, which reports an average price of $1,344 per eye in 2005, which is slightly lower than $1,351 at the end of 2004, but much higher than $1,173 at the beginning of 2003.

Costs for Other Types of Eye Surgery

The costs of the other types of eye surgery also vary depending on various factors. The surgeon who is performing the surgery as well as the place of surgery play a role in the price. Here are the average prices per eye for other common eye surgery procedures:

o Corneal inserts: $2,800 to $3,800

o CK: $1,200 to $2,500

o PRK: $1,000 to $1,800

o LASEK: approximately the same prices as for LASIK

Newest Technology Laser Eye Surgery Cost

Laser eye surgery procedures that use the newest technologies are also more expensive. In LASIK with the IntraLase technology, the surgeon cuts a flap form the cornea with a laser, not a microkeratome. On average, an increase of $250 to $500 is there in these procedures. This increase is partly explained by the fact that the surgeon has to cover the cost for the system. Patients paying for this procedure are said to have less flap complications and require less treatments after surgery. It is found that they have a better chance to achieve a 20/20 or even higher acuity.

You can reduce your burden on the cost of laser eye surgery by going for a good financing option. There are many companies that finance you for such a procedure. Fixed rates and long term plans are available from many finance companies. Most of the laser eye surgery centers, and the surgeons co-operate with some finance companies so that the patients who come for surgery can get a good financing option.

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

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Friday, May 9, 2008

Before You Get Lasik Eye Surgery - You Need To Read This

Do you have an eye problem? Consider Lasik eye surgery. Lasik surgery is the most recent and successful surgery method today that makes use of a laser to remodel the cornea, thereby improving vision.

Many people regard vision as the most important of the five senses. Hence, it is essential to perform basic research on the overwhelming number of corrective eye surgeries available today. Lasik eye surgery is the most popular and prevalent eye surgery available at the moment. If you are considering this kind of surgery, it is important to know how Lasik vision correction actually works.

Lasik surgery uses the best laser eye correction technology currently available and has highly trained surgeons and technicians doing the surgery. The excimer laser has an amazing precision ultra violet laser that is capable of cutting an amazing 0.5% of the width of a human hair!

The patient is required to take certain precautions for a period of 7-10 days before the Lasik eye surgery. Then a thorough pre-operative test is conducted to detect cornea astigmatism and other irregularities that are then take into consideration for this surgery. During surgery the patient remains awake, numbing drops are used in the eye so the patients feels no pain.

During the operation a circular flap is cut in the cornea using a laser, then this flap is laid aside, but not removed from the eye, to reveal the mid corneal section that is to be operated on by the precise Excimer laser. In a very finely controlled manner, the laser carves and reshapes the cornea. Since the Excimer laser is a cool laser, it does not damage the adjacent tissue as heat would. The flap is then repositioned precisely to allow natural binding of the corneal layer.

The whole process is done in such a manner that it corrects any refractive vision error that the patient might be suffering from. The process is so simple that one can go back to work the very next day. The main reason for Lasik surgery being popular compared to the other types of refractive surgeries is that Lasik surgery is relatively painless during and after the procedure and the patient gets back his or her vision immediately after the operation or the next morning at the latest.

Both types of eyes disorders, farsighted and nearsighted, can be treated with Lasik eye surgery. The too-steep cornea is flattened for nearsighted people and for the farsightedness, the cornea is made steeper.

If you are considering Lasik vision correction surgery, it imperative that you choose a very reputable eye surgeon. In order to find a good surgeon, refer to the advertisements in your local dailies, TV, Radio, and from local online directories. Review these advertisements according to the reputation and fees of the Lasik surgeon. However, don?t just rely on the ads. After skimming the ads, set an appointment with a surgeon and have a thorough discussion with him on the matter.

Besides choosing the right doctor, another thing that you must also consider is whether you are a good candidate for Lasik laser eye surgery. In order to find this out, go to a doctor and get your eyes examined. By consulting with a doctor, it can be easily determined which method vision correction surgery you need.

Before undergoing the laser eye correction surgery, your eyes need to be cleaned and treated if any trace of dry eye disease is found.

So, before you opt for laser eye surgery, do sufficient research on the subject so you can understand and choose the services you need and best fits your situation.

To find the best Lasik eye surgeon resources in your area, please visit JustLasikVision.com where you will find more information about laser vision correction, top Lasik Los Angeles and Lasik Miami surgeons and Lasik vision help

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Is Lasik Eye Surgery Right For You?

Are you planning to get the lasik eye surgery to get rid of those boring spectacles? Well it is a crucial decision of your life I must say. You need to be very much sure before going through the surgery. Indeed just read on, as the information on this page will help you to decide, is lasik eye surgery right for you?

Lasik surgery is a medical process with an aim to correct the vision of your eyes. It is in fact a new procedure developed in the early 1990?s. The lasik eye surgery is efficient to help to improve the shape of eye cornea to have better vision. The purpose of this surgery is to eradicate or totally avoid any need for remedial devices for eyes with reduced vision, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses.

All what you need to decide before going for lasik surgery is that whether it is right procedure for you or not? To make the best decision, you should take your own time to find out more information about it. I have collected some important points for you to know about the lasik surgery.

Before the patient decides to get the lasik surgery, he or she is required to meet the doctor regularly. The patient is expected to follow some guidelines as directed by the physician. The doctor will observe the situation of the eye, make measurements and then prepare a topographical map of patient?s eye to prepare the case.

In the lasik surgery procedure, as a patient you need to be fully awake. You will have mild anesthesia particularly in the eye area. Your eye is kept wide open because powerful lasers rays are guided by your trained doctor to work on eye.

The eye doctor while surgery makes a flap on the cornea. The laser rays work at around 4000 adjustments each second. This makes enough room for the best possible accuracy of precision. It is the job of the doctor to guide the laser rays to reshape the cornea of the patient?s eye. This, as a result allows the patient to have an improved vision.

As the eye goes through a surgery and a flap is made, it is very important for the patient to take due rest as suggested by the doctor. The patient is required to relax at home and go to sleep or keep eyes closed for several hours. This will make the eye of the patient to get healed successfully.

There is a chance of infection, but a very uncommon one. To avoid all chances of eye infection, doctor gives the patient an antibiotic medicine beforehand to be prepared.

It is not in the hands of the doctor to give full guarantee that the patient can regain the ability of full vision. But he can assure you that most of them do gain their proper vision back.

Lasik surgery is improving continuously with technology. You may find it as an exciting and helpful procedure to restore the eyesight though it may or may not be permanent. Are you ready to decide what is best for you and your eyes?

Author: June Mala ? 2006 RcKa Hot Tips Online

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Thursday, May 8, 2008

eye surgery lasik-newyork lasik surgery- lasik-tampa lasik surgery


eye lasik surgery: To evaluate the optical aberrations induced by LASIK refractive surgery for myopia on the anterior surface of the cornea and the entire optical system of the eye.It is the best amongst all eye surgery that is most effective with less pain, fast result. People says it "Lasix", but it "laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis."

Complications: If you are worrying of complications during the operation then forget about it there are very rare chances of complications,unfortunately if their is some complication then it can be resolved immidiately without any problem and timely.This surgery takes a very less time to operate.So, forget about the complications.At the time of operation the particles that are in the eye produce complications but these are removed with precautions so there is no reason of complications.

Surgeon: One thing that is most important is that you must choose an experienced sugeon. After consulting a eye consultant you must go for the operation. Before going for the operation all tests must be done then proceed.You must go to your regular eye practitioner and consult with him about the best surgeon in profession then personally go and discuss with the doctor.

Cost: Cost varies according to your eye condition in eye lasik surgery,their are also many factors which effect the cost generally it starts from $500 onwards.Their are timely changes in the cost. http://eye-lasik-surgery.blogspot.com<

Do you know eye lasik surgery but ist one thing that eyes are the gift of the god that given to human being.you can imagine if some one losses his/her eyes,his/her life becomes miserable.Without eyes one cannot imagine the life.So,if you are suffering from the eye problem as a low vision, troubles wearing your spectacles then you should go for the lasik surgery. <a rel="nofollow" href=http://eye-lasik-su

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Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Compare Eye Laser Surgery Techniques and Lasik Vision Correction and Get What You Need

If you're trying to compare eye laser surgery techniques and lasik vision correction, the comparison is relatively easy. The decision to have the surgery may not be so simple. Laser eye surgery is the treatment of choice for millions of people each year. Lasik vision correction is typically used for those who suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

In truth Lasik vision correction is one form of laser eye surgery. LASIK and PRK are specific, but different subtypes of laser eye surgery. There are many other types of laser eye surgery performed each year for a variety of problems with the eye. Cataracts and diabetic retinopathy are just two of the common eye conditions that can be treated with eye laser surgery.

Lasik Vision Correction- Eye Laser Surgery Popular Choices

Lasik vision correction has become a very popular choice for those who don'twant to depend on glasses or contacts to correct their vision. Make sure you understand laser eye surgery is a permanent vision correction procedure. Laser eye surgery is a procedure that uses lasers to reshape the cornea of the eye. This permanence and stability is one of the reasons that laser eye surgery is now so popular and well accepted.

One of the reasons some people hesitate to consider Lasik vision correction is the fact that it is a relatively new procedure. There hasn't been enough time pass to determine what the long-term results of the procedure may be. Still there are millions of people who are very happy with the results of their Lasik surgery. Many no longer need glasses or contacts. Vision is often returned to 20/20 or better once the Lasik surgery is performed.

Not everyone is a candidate for the Lasik vision correction.

Laser eye surgery is a precise and minimally invasive laser treatment that reshapes the cornea, permitting your eye to focus properly. The most popular type of laser eye surgery is called LASIK. The basis for all laser eye surgery is to reshape the cornea so that it changes the focal point of the eye. Laser eye surgery is a procedure that has been used to correct vision over the past 15 years.

Laser vision correction surgery involves the use of lasers or other devices to treat the refractive errors of the eye. It is important that you read and understand Lasik eye surgery technology and procedures before making the final decision to have the surgery. Another important consideration is the experience level of the surgeon that will perform the procedure. Many feel the more experienced the surgeon, the less chance of problems.

If you're think about LASIK or any other eye surgery and wonder about LASIK eye surgery and the associated risks, or just want to know more about how laser eye surgery works, then click on over to Mike Herman's site http://www.FocusingOnLasik.com

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Understanding PRK Laser Eye Surgery

PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy is one of the types of laser eye surgeries that is very popular today. Like other laser eye surgeries, here, too, the cornea of the eye is reshaped and the success rate of this surgery is said to be very effective. In fact, it has been known to restore 20/20 vision or sometimes even better! Results have proved that 80% of those who opt for this surgery can throw away their glasses or corrective lenses. And that for most people who have vision that needs correcting, is very good news indeed!

How is PRK laser eye surgery different from LASIK and LASEK? The difference lies in the fact that here, what the laser does is pulse the top of the cornea so there is no need to cut a flap in the cornea as the other laser surgeries do. So let?s look at all the benefits that PRK laser surgery offers. In the first place, if you want to go in for PRK, your case should be a moderate one of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Then you can be almost sure of benefiting from this surgery. As it does not entail slicing the cornea and making a hinged flap in it, there is less likelihood of complications during and after the surgery. Cutting a flap sometimes hinders the healing process, especially if the patient accidentally rubs his eye before it is fully healed.

Does PRK laser surgery have any disadvantages? Well, one of the complaints is that there is more pain after the surgery. This could also mean discomfort for many days, as well as the eye watering and getting irritated for a much longer time. Further, in order to regain a 20/20 vision, it might take several months and though the results are usually good, there is no guarantee that you will not have to use glasses after the surgery. People have also complained about experiencing glare and seeing halos around images. The cost of PRK laser surgery is around $2000 for each eye, which is pretty much the same as for LASIK surgery.

Let?s take a look at what PRK laser surgery involves. First of all the surgeon will have to do a complete medical history before the procedure can be fixed up. He has to satisfy himself that you are a good candidate for the surgery. So this would involve a bit of eye testing. After this, a date is set. This is what happens at the surgery. The patient is given a local anesthetic and then cool laser beams are pulsed on the top of the cornea. This is done till the cornea has been reshaped properly. Then a bandage that looks like a contact lens is put over the eye and has to be kept on till the eye heals. The patient has to go and see the surgeon regularly in the course of the next few months.

For quite a few weeks, the vision will alternate between blurry and good. So you might just have to wear glasses during this time. And it is recommended that you do at night. The eyes will have to be kept moist with eye drops. You should not be driving for a while after you have had PRK eye laser surgery. Sometimes, the best vision that you can expect after this surgery will come about in six weeks, sometimes it takes six months.

What you need to be very particular about is to get an ophthalmologist who is well-trained in PRK laser eye surgery. Make sure that you interview several and get referrals before you make your choice. Look at the fine print so there is no chance for misunderstandings or miscommunication. And don?t be tempted to pick an ophthalmologist just because he offers a discount. In fact you should steer clear of those who give large discounts or use a lot of advertising.

For more helpful information about vision care and lasik surgery visit http://www.vision-care-guide.com

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Tuesday, May 6, 2008

How LASIK Eye Surgery can Help You

Many people speak highly of lasik eye surgery, but there are others who believe it?s a risky procedure that could possibly have devastating consequences. Whatever you decide about having LASIK surgery is a something only you can determine, however it is smart to find out precisely what is involved before making any decisions.

Eye surgery is done on people who have opted to not wear either glasses or contact lenses any more. A medical procedure, LASIK is performed by a authorized eye surgeon. Essentially it changes the shape of the cornea and increases the person's visual acuity. Note that it is not always an unqualified success (however rarely), and there are concerns with long term implications of having this surgery done. As of now though, long term implications seem to be promising with adverse effects seldom being reported.

New and better ways of performing LASIK eye surgery are being continually researched. The main advantage of the laser being used to perform the most delicate part of the procedure is that almost any margin of human error is removed, improving the success rate of the procedure.

The cornea is the part of the eye which focuses light; this light then creates an image on the retina. It actually works much like a camera does when taking a photo. The problem is that this "photo" is not always clear; for many people their eyes are not a perfect lens shape. This is when the images people see become blurred, again much as a photograph is when it is out of focus.

Since light is bent and refracted when sending images from the cornea to the lens of the eye, when it's distorted, they become refractive errors. This is when eye glasses or contact lenses need to be worn usually for the rest of that person's life.

There are three types of refractive errors which can be improved with LASIK surgery: Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism.

Myopia is near sightedness which is when a person has difficulty focusing on anything in the distance.

When someone has Hyperopia, they are far sighted. This means they can see things far away, but have difficulty focusing on anything which is close to them.

Astigmatism occurs when there is a distortion of the image on the retina. These are caused by irregularities in the cornea or lens of the eye.

All three of these eye conditions are quite common, and it is possible to have more than one at the same time. This is where eye glasses and contact lens come into their own. Properly fitted eyewear adjusts for the problems connected with refractive errors and allows the vision to be corrected.

Lasik surgery takes these curative actions a step further, allow vision to be further improved. LASIK surgery can?t always promise 20/20 vision, but it can provide substantial improvements. These can also help in improving a person's self-confidence and quality of life.

Visit http://www.medopedia.com for info on LASIK Wavefront technology

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Saturday, May 3, 2008

Different Types of Eye Surgery

Eye surgery technology has come a long way. Gone are the days of using steel blades, going through painful procedures, and not knowing whether the procedure has been successful.

You see, we are a blessed bunch. With the advancement of technology, most eye problems, conditions or disorders can be dealt with, albeit to a certain extent.

If you need any professional eye care advice at all, speaking to your opthamologist about your needs and whether surgery is necessary goes a long way to help you maintain a healthy, functional set of eyes.

Here, I've listed the types of eye surgery available for the different eye problems people are facing.

For some, you can follow the link where I briefly explain more about each procedure. But for the most

Do consult an eye care professional or opthamologist if you are really keen to know the exact details of each procedure.

Ok, the list goes as follows:

-Refractive Surgery (yep, this includes LASIK)

-Cataract Surgery

-Glaucoma Surgery

-Corneal Surgery

-Vitreo-retinal Surgery

-Eye muscle Surgery

-Oculoplastic Surgery

Now, while this list is non-exhaustive, it covers the most common ones.

It's always best to start with a good eye care regime and develop good eye habits. But if there indeed comes a time where surgery may be required, discuss with your opthamologist and explore all options available before you decide.

Lim Zheng Yang has dedicated countless hours researching on eye problems, including conditions like Glaucoma, Astigmatism and Cataracts. For more information, kindly visit his site for more eye information.

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Thursday, May 1, 2008

Laser Eye Surgery Dangers!

Dry Eyes Treatments will vary depending on the level of dry eye syndrome. Most people can use artificial tears or similar eye drops or ointments that simulate the action of tears. These eye drops vary from temporary relief, ones that adhere to the eyes and protect for long term, some with preservatives and others without. It is best to ask an eye care professional which one is better suited for your dry eyes syndrome. Some are sold over the counter and trying out which one works best for you is a solution.

Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye correction surgery can be a great thing if it is successful, and you are able to ditch the eye glasses and contact lenses because of it. Before you jump into any surgery, you should always know the pros and cons about it. This way if the surgery is not successful, and you fall into the few people that have side effects from the surgery, you will not have any surprises. When you are weighing the pros and the cons, always consider each and every one of them to the fullest extent. You should know what you are getting into, before you have eye surgery done, and know the risks, as well as the benefits.

Pros and Cons of Eye Surgery
The cons are important, and there are more cons than there are pros when it comes to laser eye correction surgery. However, you should be fully aware of all of the cons, and talk them over with your loved ones that help you make important decisions in your life.

1. Dry eyes
Having dry eyes from laser correction surgery is a con. When you get dry eyes from having the eye laser procedure performed, you are looking at a lifetime of it. Dry eyes can be uncomfortable, and make you feel as if you have something in your eyes on a regular basis. However, that is not the only side effect of dry eyes, they can also itch, and just feel scratchy. You can use drops to help relieve this con of laser eye surgery, but drops do not always help.

2. Still needing eye glasses or contacts
There are times that laser eye correction is performed, and the patient will still need to wear eye glasses or contacts to see correctly. Sometimes this con occurs when the surgeon did not remove enough bad tissue from your eyes, or maybe he removed too much. Because the amount of tissue that he removes is based on your particular eye prescription, there is really no way to tell how much is not enough, or too much until the procedure is over.

3. Loss of vision
The worst con from having laser eye correction surgery is the chance of loss of vision. When you experience this con, your vision cannot be corrected by contact lenses or eye glasses. You will have permanent loss of vision, and as a result, will not be able to have it corrected. This is a huge con that you really should consider, and decide if the risk is worth it to you.
While the cons are rather extensive, they may outweigh the pros in your book. However, if you are someone that really despises contact lenses, you may be willing to take the risks.

4. 20/20 vision
While 20/20 vision is not always the outcome, it could be a possibility. The chance of having perfect vision after laser eye correction surgery may be worth all of the risks to you. You will be able to go swimming and not have to worry about your contact lenses in your eyes. Waking up in the morning and not having to reach for your eye glasses may be a joy that you want to experience, and make all of the associated risks worth it. You will also want to read about the pros that are associated with laser eye correction surgery.

5. Slimmer eye glasses
While sometimes 20/20 vision is not something that occurs after laser eye correction surgery, the thought of no longer wearing thick glasses may appeal to you. If your vision is not corrected 100 percent from the laser eye surgery, it may mean that you will just need a different prescription for your eye glasses. For some, the idea of slimmer and sleek eye glasses may be worth the pain and discomfort that you may feel after surgery.

While the cons can outweigh the pros, you should take all of them into consideration before you jump into laser eye correction surgery. Know your pros and cons, and know what you want your outcome to be after the procedure. Be sure that you discuss all of the above with your surgeon, and let him know how you feel about each possibility.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial Conjunctivitis is caused by certain types of bacteria that have made their way to the eye. Common bacteria include staphylococci and streptococci. Allergic Conjunctivitis is caused by allergic reactions to different substances such as fumes, cosmetics, medication, and many others. Pink eye usually effects people who have allergic conditions.
Can Eye Infection cost you your eyesight? Find out home remedies!

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Lasik FAQ: Answers To Common Questions About Lasik Eye Surgery

* What is lasik surgery?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. This is a refractive surgical procedure which is performed by an ophthalmologist. This surgical procedure is done in order to correct the vision of the patient, thus lessening his or her dependence on any corrective devices such as contact lenses or eyeglasses.

* How risky is lasik eye surgery and what exactly are the risks?

Some patients are happy with the result of LASIK surgery. But, like other surgical procedures, risks are inevitable. This is why it is necessary that you know your limitations and the possible complications of the surgery.

The risks of LASIK eye surgery include:

Patients might lose their vision.

Patients may develop unbearable visual symptoms.

The surgery may either be undertreated or overtreated.

Patients might develop serious dry eye conditions.

* How much does lasik eye surgery cost?

If you opt for the traditional LASIK, the surgery can cost from 1,600 to 2,000 dollars per eye, but if it is customized LASIK that you want, it will cost you around 2,000 to 2,500 dollars per eye. The prices for LASIK surgery differ depending on your chosen LASIK surgeon.

* Does insurance cover Lasik surgery?

Although LASIK surgery is not a cosmetic surgical procedure, it is still considered elective surgery. Such surgeries are covered mostly in Asian and European countries, but most insurance policies in the United States, Canada and Latin America do not cover it. Furthermore, not even Medicare will cover it.

However, it is probable that the rate for LASIK is deductible on U.S. federal taxes. Therefore, before having the surgery, check to see if it can be considered a deductible health care expense.

* Is the Lasik procedure painful?

Patients do not experience any discomfort during the LASIK procedure itself, because the eye is given an eye drop anesthetic before the procedure takes place. If the patient suffers much discomfort after the procedure, he or she can take Ibuprofen or Tylenol during the first two days after surgery.

* How long has Lasik technology been around?

LASIK technology has been around for more than 10 years now. The first time it was performed in some clinics in the U.S was during the early 1990s. From that time, more than a million procedures of LASIK were performed. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has endorsed it as the newest eye remedy technology.

* What procedures can a laser perform?

There are three types of procedures that a laser can perform. The most popular of the three is the LASIK. In this procedure, a thin coating of the cornea is removed to make a flap. This allows the laser to take tissue from underneath the flap. After the flap is replaced, eyesight is restored in an instant.

Another procedure is the LASEK or EPIFLAP surgery. This includes the incomplete removal of the outer layer of eye cells and the epithelium, which show the cornea. The cornea is flattened or otherwise reshaped using a laser, then the outer cells are repositioned and after several days, the eye will heal.

The third one is the PRK. This procedure includes the full removal of the epithelium or outer cells of the eye.
Lanny Frankel is editor of Lasik FAQ, the online Lasik guide. He also writes Lasik FAQ's for PrettyGreatAnswers.com.

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