Lasik Eyes Surgery

Laser Eye Surgery: What Happens And Why

2009-05-15T03:39:00.000-07:00

Laser eye surgery often called lasik eye surgery, is a procedure that allows your eye sight to be corrected. There are actually many different types of this surgery and the equipment often changes from one doctor to the next. What the overall benefit is, though, is simple. By adjusting the shape of your cornea, you can improve your eye sight considerably. Like any other surgery, there are risks involved. But, the benefits are there for most that have laser eye surgery.

The cornea of your eye is the film of tissue that covers your pupil. In a normal eye with no vision problems, it has a very specific shape that is even and rounded. In an individual that has near sightedness or far sightedness, the cornea is misshapen to some degree. By bowing out or changing shape in just a bit or a lot of area, the cornea distorts your vision, which leaves you with problems like not being able to see things that are far away or being unable to see things up close.

With the help of laser eye surgery, though, this can be changed. The doctor will remove part of the cornea from your eye on only three sides, creating a flap. From here, he will use a high powered laser to change the shape of the stroma, which is the tissue that lies under the cornea that?s been removed. By shaving that to the desired level, he improves your vision. When the cornea lays back over the eye, it now lays there correctly, with the right curve which ultimately improves your vision.

The laser eye surgery procedure is one that should be carefully considered because there are some risks. But, if the procedure goes correctly, within some time after healing has been complete, your eyes can actually improve in vision. Some individuals gain excellent eye sight. Others improve. Talk to your doctor about the benefits that can come from your improvements.

Frank Montes has written amazing articles on laser eye surgery. Read these articles and find out everything that you need to know about laser eye surgery, vision correction, contact lenses and a lot more.

You can read more of Frank?s articles about laser eye surgery at http://www.lasereyesurgeryplanet.com

Are You A Bad Candidate For Lasik Eye Surgery?

2009-05-09T03:06:00.000-07:00

Lasik eye surgery is not the right thing for everyone. Although there are many individuals that can see remarkable improvement with eye surgery, some are just not the right candidates for the job. That?s because of the eye conditions or the risks that they face. The eye surgeon that you are working with will talk with you specifically about your actual benefits versus the risks of lasik. They will also tell you if you even are a person that can consider having lasik eye surgery at all.

Some of the reasons why lasik eye surgery may not be right for you include these.

? If you are talking medications like steroids or medications that will limit the healing that your body can do, you may not qualify.

? If the costs are too high and you simply do not have coverage with your insurance company, you too may be limited.

? If you have an autoimmune disease or some other type of major illness or chronic condition, you may not qualify. This will depend on what condition you have.

? If you have a prescription for glasses that is quite strong, have a prescription that changes often, or you have a need to wear your glasses only some times, you may not qualify.

? If your career depends on your eye sight, you may want to consider your options closely.

? Your eye?s physical condition may also make a difference. Things like the pupil?s size, the amount of tear production that you have as well as the corneal thickness that you experience, all matter.

Although many individuals are the perfect candidate for lasik eye surgery, others have other conditions that stop them from having lasik performed. Your doctor will work with you to determine your level of risk and ability to have it before making any promises to you.

For more observations about laser eye surgery from Frank, visit =>http://www.lasereyesurgeryplanet.com.

LASIK Eye Surgery: A Definition

2009-04-22T00:59:00.000-07:00

The word LASIK means ?Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.? In situ is latin and means to deal with a phenomenon in place where it occurs, as opposed to outside of it?s environment. Keratomileusis is a surgical improvement of the refractive state of the cornea. It is performed by lifting up the front surface of the eye by forming a thin hinged flap, under which the shape of the cornea is changed by using some type of surgical device.

Excimer Lasers

LASIK eye surgery is therefore surgery that is done in order that a person who wears glasses or contact lenses should no longer be completely reliant on them to see. It is a medical procedure undertaken by a qualified opthamologist. The aim is to modify the shape of the cornea (the clear covering of the front of the eye) through use of an excimer laser. An excimer laser is a type of ultraviolet chemical laser that is unusually well focussed and capable of highly delicate control. Instead of burning away or cutting materials, an excimer laser intrroduces sufficient energy to disrupt molecular bonds of surface tissues. Effectively the tissue disintegrates in a controlled fashion through ablation rather than burning. Excimer lasers can remove very thin layers of surface material with almost no heating or change to the material which is left behind.

Flap Creation

When LASIK surgery is performed, a knife known as a microkeratome is inserted into the cornea and cuts a flap of skin. A human cornea measures from around 500 to 600 micrometres in thickness; the microkeratome creates a 100 to 200 micrometre thick flap. At one side of the flap is left a small piece of skin known as a hinge. The flap of skin is then gently folded back to show the stroma (otherwise known as the middle area of the cornea).

There are two types of microkeratomes currently in use, mechanical and laser. Both are affixed to the eye by use of a 360 degree vacuum ring, flatten the cornea with a clear plate, then cut the cornea underneath the plate.

Mechanical microkeratomes use a sharp thin metal blade. Laser microkeratomes are used in the IntraLasik procedure. They employ amplified light energy to form thousands of minute bubbles at a predetermined depth. These bubbles of water and carbon dioxide connect with each other create an incision.

Reshaping the Stroma

A laser that is controlled by a computer is then used to disintegrate a part (but not all) of the stroma and after that is finished, the flap of the cornea is fixed up and put back into place. New and more advanced ways of performing LASIK surgery are being looked at all of the time.

The purpose of eyeglasses and contact lenses is to compensate for the weaknesses of the eyes and to allow for vision that is as clear as can be. LASIK is a form of refractive eye surgery that is geared towards improving the eye?s ability to focus and not just focus, but also focus well on any object. When it comes to LASIK surgery, a laser is used to remove part of the tissue of the cornea and then it is reshaped in order to improve its ability to focus.

Visit http://www.medopedia.com for information on the wavefront Lasik procedure.

Lazer Eye Surgery: The Real Percentages

2009-04-14T00:53:00.000-07:00

Lazer eye surgery is not lazer perfect. Although there are a number of people that will get the best possible results, there are also a few that won?t have the best results. If you considering an eye surgery that will provide you with the tools that you need to stop wearing glasses, or even better to stop have to deal with the problems of contact lenses, you need to know the truth. How often is it possible for patients to get 20/20 vision with the use of lazer eye surgery?

The problem with getting a straight answer is that you often have to understand what the options are and what the likely outcomes are. You see, there are a number of factors that play into what your results will likely be. For example, there are a number of different, FDA approved lazers that can be used to treat eye conditions. Each of these has a different success rate. In addition, the extent to which you have an eye condition also matters as well as the eye condition in the first place. Each has a different benefit possibility.

You can visit the FDA website to learn about the specific benefits and results based on a number of these factors if you like. The best way for you to find out what your benefits are likely to be is to talk with your doctor. Doctors can examine your eyes, see what your specific needs and conditions are, and then access your specific possibilities. While you can get some basic information from that website, your doctor will know better about your condition.

Lazer eye surgery is something that you can consider, but you should know the benefits you are likely to earn. You?ll find that many individuals will have excellent results. Talk to your doctor to learn what he can offer to you.
Click here now to find more observations from Frank.

The Popularity Of Lasik Eye Surgery

2009-04-02T02:09:00.000-07:00

There are few among us who, at one time or another, had not had to manage some level of impaired vision. Whether age has rendered us no longer able to see far away or up close, or we have suffered an illness or disease that has compromised our vision, it is likely that, if we have not already, we will someday need corrective measures to help us see at our best.

And for those who have long managed the expense and inconvenience of eyeglasses and contact lenses, the idea of corrective eye surgery seems most appealing. It's no wonder, therefore, that Lasik eye surgery has continued to grow in popularity since it was first performed in the United States in 1991.

Lasik is relatively new on the scene to us ? the consumers; but in actuality the technology has been a long time coming. In fact, in 1948, Columbian ophthalmologist, Jose Barraquer first experimented with corneal procedures by actually surgically removing more than half of a patient?s cornea that he then froze. Once the cornea had been frozen to an appropriate temperature, Dr. Barraquer was able to reshape its surface thus removing barriers to clear vision.

Once the cornea had been reshaped it was replaced into the patient?s eye. Such technology evolved by the 1960s to the point where such corneal procedures could be done without removing the cornea from the patient?s eye; this procedure was perfected and performed in Russia and involved the use of a scalpel.

Lasik began to take shape in the early 1980s when a U.S. ophthalmologist made alterations to laser technology that had begun to be used by the U.S. military. But in 1990, Lucio Buratto and Ioannis Pallikaris developed the Lasik surgery that we know today by combining methods of two pre-existing techniques ? keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy. Both keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy are techniques in which the cornea is reshaped with the use of an excimer laser or other technology.

The word Lasik refers to Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a form of refractive laser eye surgery that was first performed in the United States in1991. During the procedure, the patient?s eye is immobilized with the use of a cornea suction ring after which the surgeon creates a flap through an incision made in the top layer of the corneal tissue.

The flap is then lifted back to reveal the mid-section of the cornea ? known as the stroma. The surgeon then uses a low-powered excimer laser to resurface the stroma. The corneal flap made during the procedure is then replaced over the stroma; the healing process is natural and generally speedy. The procedure itself is very quick ? usually less than 10 minutes an eye ? and virtually painless. The most discomfort experienced by the patient is general anxiety in anticipation of the procedure.

Today, over one-million people in the United States alone have undergone Lasik surgery ? generally with very good success. In fact, it is a very small percentage of patients ? less than 6% - who have experienced any complications following their procedure. Such complications generally include light sensitivity, dry eye, double vision, and scarring. These incidences, however, are very rare and can be greatly reduced by having your procedure performed by a reputable and experienced surgery center.
http://www.TheLasikZone.com brings you the latest on Lasik. Lasik is very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on Lasik.

Finding Reputable Lasik Eye Surgery In New York

2009-03-25T03:13:00.000-07:00

As more and more people choose to seek alternatives to pricey and inconvenient eyeglasses and contact lenses, the popularity of Lasik eye surgery continues to grow exponentially. The Lasik procedure was first performed in the United States in 1991; today over one million people in the U.S. have undergone the procedure. For patients looking to embark on Lasik, finding a reputable surgery center is paramount to achieving success.

For those living in the New York area, reputable Lasik eye surgery in New York is relatively easy to find. In such a populated area ? and one that is a medical hub of the east coast ? Lasik has been made available to the masses.

Lasik eye surgery works to repair the way in which our eyes refract light. In a normally functioning eye, the lens of the eye works to refract ? or bend ? light to the retina. The retina ? a group of cells in the lining in the back of the eye then takes that light and converts it to messages that can be understood by the optic nerve of the brain. The optic nerve receives these messages as visual images. When one link in the chain is affected the end result changes ? much like the childhood game of Whisper Down The Lane.

In the case of refractive disorders such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, light is not refracted properly to the retina. In turn the message that the retina sends to the optic nerve in the brain is received as a blurry image. Lasik surgery corrects the way in which we refract light through the use of laser technology.

During a Lasik procedure the eye is numbed, held open with a speculum, and immobilized with a corneal suction ring. After immobilization, the surgeon cuts a small incision in the top layer of the cornea making a flap. The flap is then folded back and the surgeon is able to access the underlayer of the cornea known as the stroma.

A low-powered laser is used to resurface the stroma so that light is refracted correctly going forward. After the laser procedure, the flap is replaced over the eye and allowed to heal naturally. Such a surgical procedure ? while completed quickly ? requires enormous precision and skill by experienced surgeons. Those undergoing Lasik eye surgery in New York often have little problem finding reputable and experienced surgical centers.

Ultimately, finding Lasik eye surgery in New York requires some research from the prospective patient. Those living in the New York area can often get a referral from their regular eye doctor or primary physician. But often the best way to find reputable Lasik eye centers is through a recommendation by someone who has had the procedure performed.

Talk to people who you know to have had the procedure and ask questions regarding their particular experience ? including comfort level, respect received by the staff, the way in which surgeons addressed their questions and concerns, billing procedures, and aftercare.

Make sure to conduct your own research when it comes to finding Lasik eye surgery in New York; visit surgical centers in which you are interested and interview the surgeons to make sure that you are compatible with them on a personal and professional level. Ultimately ? no matter where you have your procedure performed ? you should feel as if you have been educated thoroughly regarding the procedure and have had all your questions answered.
http://www.TheLasikZone.com brings you the latest on Lasik. Lasik is very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on Lasik New York.

The Rise Of Lasik Eye Surgery

2009-03-19T04:05:00.000-07:00

The days in which eyeglasses and contact lenses were the only option to those with impaired vision came to an end in 1991 when Lasik eye surgery was first performed in the United States. Today, with more than a million patients having undergone the procedure, Lasik has become commonplace among eye patients who wish to minimize the long term expense and inconvenience associated with eye care. Lasik is something of a miracle for those who have struggled with compromised vision. And while it may be something that is relatively new to us, it utilizes technology that has actually existed for quite some time.

Lasik eye surgery focuses on the reshaping of the eye?s cornea ? the transparent tissue that covers the iris (the colored segment of the eye) and the lens (the part that rests behind the iris). The lens is the part of the eye that bends or refracts light to the retina ? cells that exist in the lining of the back of the eye. The retina?s job is to then take that light and convert it to messages that can be received by the optic nerve in the brain.

When the eye experiences refractive difficulties ? such as what is experienced in nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and a host of other issues ? the light that our eye receives is not refracted properly and the message that our brain receives is that of a blurry image. Traditionally, eyeglasses and contact lenses have been utilized to correct how light is refracted by our eye. But modern times have seen the rise in popularity of Lasik eye surgery ? that makes such corrections with the aid of a laser.

Experimentation with surgically correcting the cornea first began in the late 1940s when a Columbian ophthalmologist was able to successfully treat patients by removing over half of their cornea, freezing it, resurfacing it once it was frozen, and then replacing it in the patient?s eye. In the 1960s, an ophthalmologist in Russia was able to elevate the technology by making adjustments to the cornea while it remained in the patient?s eye; such adjustments were made using a scalpel.

In 1990, Lucio Buratto and Ioannis Pallikaris developed Lasik eye surgery; the first of which was performed in the United States in 1991. Lasik stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and makes correction to the cornea to improve light refraction. During Lasik eye surgery, the patient is first given numbing drops to anesthetize the eye. The patient lies down and the eye is held open with a speculum and immobilized with a cornea suction ring. The surgeon then cuts a thin flap into the top layer of the cornea. The flap is folded back to reveal the underlayer of the cornea ? the stroma. Using low-powered laser technology, the surgeon then resurfaces the stroma to improve light refraction. When the procedure is completed ? normally in less than 10 minutes ? the flap is replaced over the cornea and allowed to heal naturally.

Most patients report virtually no pain during Lasik eye surgery and only mild and infrequent discomfort. Recovery time is short; patients can generally resume normal activities ? with a few safety guidelines ? the day following the procedure.

http://www.TheLasikZone.com brings you the latest on Lasik. Lasik is very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on Lasik eye surgery.

Fort Myers Laser Eye Surgery

2009-03-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

Fort Myers Laser Eye Surgery Is As Great Choice

Fort Myers is a good place to consider laser eye surgery which is usually carried out to correct the following conditions - hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism among others.

The eligibility of patients is to be undertaken by undergoing a batch of tests to ascertain the suitability of the candidate for the procedure. This appraisal is very important, because there are many people who would not benefit the surgery even if the laser eye surgery in Fort Myers was 100% successful the benefits could only be temporary as the deterioration of the eyesight may still be in progression.

Laser Eye Surgery In Fort Myers - There is no better place to look

There are many surgeries around the country who service the laser eye surgery customers and each have their own particular pros and cons. You will always have to decide in the long run whether the surgeon and facility is going to carry out the procedure using only the most up to date equipment and procedures and of course you have to feel comfortable putting your future eyesight in the hands of someone else, not an easy thing to do.

So what will you be looking for from your chosen Fort Myers laser eye surgery clinic? Procedures such as Epi-Lasik, PRK and LASEK ? these are each a different way of using the laser technology to help sufferers of eye problems.

There are some less common forms of procedures that are undertaken ina Fort Myers laser eye surgery including, wavefront technology, LASIK and monovision LASIK (for presbyopia).

The type of laser eye surgery you require for your condition would need a specialist surgeon who is familiar on a regular basis with using the procedures and equipment that is required for your circumstance. If you can, seek advice from people who already have been down the track and already have been through the corrective surgery and find out their recommendations. If this not possible always ask for forms of reference via a third party who has no apparent affiliation with the surgeon or Fort Myers clinic.

There are ample numbers of eye surgeons to choose from in Fort Myers so you are really spoiled for choice. Best to be a little nosy here at this point and ask questions, lots of questions from your circle of friends and neighbors in the area. Being shy at this point could cost you money and possibly the wrong choice of surgeon. There is no better recommendation than through someone who has already been through what you are contemplating or at least they can put you in touch with someone who they know who has.

Speaking of finances, this a is a factor you will no doubt be using in your decision also. Obtain all the facts and figures and make sure there are no hidden fees to surprise you further down the track. A little ringing around to competing laser eye surgeons should give you a fairly good idea as to the going rate being charged. Peace of mind can be found by doing your due diligence here.

Factors to consider are surgeon fees, hospital rates and medicines required. After surgery home care and possible accommodation requirements if you are out of town. Don't forget the ongoing consultations after the event.

If you are looking for a laser eye solution in the Fort Myers area go to our Laser Eye Surgery website for all the information on this subject.

Laser Eye Surgery Information

2009-03-09T01:17:00.000-07:00

The laser eye surgery is just one of the many methods of refractive eye surgery. This form of surgery is a surgical procedure to correct common eye disorders such as, short sightedness, long sightedness, and astigmatism which is a form of vision distortion.

Although there are many methods to correct refractive eye disorders, laser eye surgery is the most advanced method available at the moment. It is also most popular surgery to correct refractive eye disorder in developed countries because of its precision and predictability.

The FDA first approved the excimer laser eye surgery in 1995 for correcting mild to moderate short sightedness or myopia. The approval comes with a restriction that only surgeons trained in laser refractive surgery and in the calibration of such equipment can perform the surgeries. Recently, the laser eye surgery had also been approved for photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and Keratomileusis (LASIK) surgical procedures.

PRK is an outpatient eye surgical procedure done with local anesthetic eye drops. This form of eye surgery gently reshapes the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue from the outer surface with a cool, computer controlled ultraviolet light. The beam of light is very precise and each pulse can remove 39 millionths of an inch of tissue in 12 billionths of a second.

PRK method is clean, efficient and fast and takes only a few minutes to complete. Patients will usually recover within 1-3 days and be back at their daily routines.

Studies conducted by the FDA showed that about 5 percent of patients continued the need to wear glasses after a PRK surgery and up to 15 percent needed glasses occasionally, such as when one is driving a car or playing golf.

Also, many PRK patients experienced mild corneal haze following the surgery of which there is nothing to worry about as the symptoms are part of the post surgery healing process. Some patients are expected to experienced glare and halos around lights. Again there is no cause for alarm as the symptoms will disappear in due course.

As a result of these studies the FDA along with the Federal Trade Commission issued a letter to the eye-care industry in 1996 to warn that unrealistic advertisment claims, such as "No more eyeglasses forever" and unsubstantiated claims about success rates could be misleading to potential PRK patients and may give rise to expensive medical legal suits.

As with any surgery, patients are best advised to do some research and read up about the types surgery available over and above consultations with their surgeons.

Chris Chew is a researcher. More articles at Lasix laser eye surgery and Lose weight surgeries

How To Decide If Wavefront Lasik Eye Surgery Is Worth The Extra Cost

2009-03-01T22:27:00.000-08:00

Wavefront technology is not only used in wavefront lasik eye surgery itself, but also in the initial diagnosis. This diagnosis produces a 3-D map that can be used to guide the laser extremely accurately when the actual surgery is carried out.

Studies that compare wavefront-guided lasik to conventional lasik have shown that a higher percentage of those undergoing wavefront guided lasik eye surgery achieve 20/20 vision without the aid of glasses or contact lenses compared to those treated without the assistance of wavefront technology.

And perhaps just as important, with wavefront technology there is less chance of suffering from problems such as a loss of visual quality, a loss of contrast sensitivity and problems connected with night vision.

All eyes have some sort of imperfection, called an aberration. It is the degree of aberration that matters.

Lower-order aberrations are the ones you hear about most often - myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

There are also higher-order aberrations, which account for about 15% of eye problems, and have exotic names such as coma, spherical aberration and trefoil. These aberrations cause problems that can include difficulty seeing at night, halos, issues with glare and blurred vision, and account for about 15% of eye problems.

Simply put, lower order aberration determine how much you see, while higher order aberrations determine how well you see.

Unfortunately, ordinary lasik surgery increases the chance of higher order aberrations. With wavefront lasik eye surgery, however, while higher order aberrations still increase they do so to a lesser degree than with conventional lasik.

What is Wavefront Technology?

Wavefront technology is a system that collects information about the eye from hundreds of separate points over the central 6 millimetre area of the cornea. This creates a unique ?map? that is specific to the eye being measured.

This information can then be linked to the laser to enable a completely customised and very accurate surgical procedure.

A further advantage is that wavefront can help identify patients who are not good candidates for Lasik surgery. Lasik surgery is certainly not for everyone; it can in fact worsen existing visual problems, so the initial diagnosis is crucial.

What is a wavefront?

Wavefront technology has been used by astronomers for many years, but the first wavefront mapping of the eye was done in 1994. Towards the end of 2002 the Food & Drug Administration approved the Custom Cornea Wavefront Lasik.

In essence, a bundle of light rays enters the eye. When the light enters the cornea, the very front of those light rays is perfectly flat - like a sheet of paper. In a perfect eye, the light will be reflected back and exit still flat.

But of course, the light passes through an imperfect crystalline lens and so is distorted when it emerges. It is this distortion that creates the "map" that tells the specialist what problems exist within the eye, how they can best be corrected, and provides the information is used to create the prescription that will be used to reshape the cornea.

How is Wavefront Technology Used?

When an eye specialist uses a conventional instrument called a phoropter, he changes the lenses and then asks the patient which lens produces the best image. This process is subject to subjective feedback (what the patient thinks he is seeing as opposed to what he is really seeing) and can only detect two eye abnormalities, these being cylindrical and spherical.

The cylindrical one causes astigmatism, while a spherical abnormality results in myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness).

Wavefront technology, on the other hand, is much more accurate, measures many more points, and can detect an infinite number of aberrations.

There are limitation to the use of wavefront lasik eye surgery. If you are too myopic or too hyperopic, or have too much astigmatism, you will probably not be a candidate.

Thin corneas will be a problem, while having abnormally-large pupils may increase the risk of ending up with poor vision at night.

There is also the issue of cost. Most, if not all, doctors charge more for wavefront lasik eye surgery than for conventional. As a rough guide, expect to pay about $3000 and up per eye.

In summary - wavefront technology offers precise and individualized prescriptions for Lasik eye surgery patients. If you meet the requirements, it also offers an increased probability that the resultant wavefront lasik eye surgery will provide a successful outcome with fewer side effects.

You'll find more lasik information at Darrell van Zyl's site, http://www.lasikeyesurgeryanswers.com

Lasik Eye Surgery: A Good Surgeon Is The Key

2009-02-20T22:16:00.000-08:00

Over the years, the popularity of lasik eye surgery has grown leaps and bounds. From being a procedure that only a few opted for, it has become one of the most commonly opted refractive surgery procedures for the eye.

With costs dropping and the procedure becoming more affordable, lasik eye surgery clinics have mushroomed all over the US. There have been many stories about patients suffering from complications after the procedure, though in reality, these numbers are minuscule when compared to the actual number of patients who have had the procedure done on them successfully.

So how do you make sure that you get the best lasik eye surgery possible for the best price? After all, it is a procedure involving one of the most delicate body parts, the eye, and any problems during the surgery could cause dreadful loss to you, including the ability to see.

One of the key elements to a safe surgical procedure without the risk of complications is choosing the right surgeon to perform the operation. Find the right surgeon and you are halfway down the home stretch already.

While reading the advertisements placed by various facilities offering lasik eye surgery, one of the highlights, along with the facilities offered, is the price. Do not let price be the determining factor in choosing a facility to get the procedure done. Also check that the surgeon at the facility is good.

One good way of checking this out is finding out the credentials of the doctor. This does not require too much of detective work. Just see if the surgeon is accredited with any of the academic medical centers. If the person is actually affiliated with or accredited to such an organization, you know that you are in safe hands.

Another good way of finding out if the surgeon performing the lasik eye surgery is good is to get a referral from your regular optometrist. Since he is the guy you consult regularly, he will be able to point you in the right direction regarding getting a good surgeon to do the procedure. The problem with consulting an optometrist attached to a facility itself is that you will not receive this kind of clarity from that doctor.

Even if you do not have a regular optometrist to get a good referral for lasik eye surgery, you can get one online. You can log on to the website of the Academy of Ophthalmologists, www.aao.org, and search for a good surgeon using the ?Find an Eye M.D.? feature on the site. Another good way to go is to get in touch with centers in your area that provide refractive eye surgery procedures.

The surgeon that you choose should be thorough in his knowledge of the different refractive eye procedures, not just lasik eye surgery. Such all-round knowledge is always a confidence booster for the patients, and also gives you the choice of looking at different options without having to go to another surgeon. Such a surgeon can give you the proper guidance on the method of surgery most suitable to your requirements.

http://www.TheLasikZone.com brings you the latest on Lasik. Lasik is very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on the Lasik eye surgery.

The Average Cost Of Lasik Eye Surgery - Discover The Real Figures

2009-02-16T22:26:00.000-08:00

You'll see advertisements offering lasik eye surgery for as little as $500 (remember that's per eye), but that is nothing like the true average cost of lasik eye surgery.

One published estimate suggests that in reality, fewer than 3% of treatments cost less than $1000 per eye.

Certainly, prices have been rising steadily since the start of this millenium.

One study suggested that the average price in 2002 was around $1600. A year later it had passed $1700; by 2004 it was another $100 higher and by 2005 it was nudging $2000.

Prices seem to have stabilized a little since then; one of the major players, TLC Laser Eye Centers, says that in 2006 its prices were still around $2000.

Supply and demand certainly influences prices. Market Scope, which is a leading supplier of information in this market, estimates that at the turn of the century there were about 1.44m lasik surgeries in the United States.

Three years later the figure had dropped to 1.15m, but has recovered substantially since then. Part of the reason for the fluctuation was a rash of lawsuits that drove a number of the discount surgeries out of business; those that survived had to move prices up to ensure they can deliver quality procedures and stay in business.

It's difficult even to talk about the "average cost" of lasik eye surgery because prices are anything but standardized, and phrases such as "lasik cost" or "lasik price" are almost impossible to pin down.

However, if you read the fine print carefully, add back all the exclusions, you'll find that the true average cost of lasik eye surgery is closer to that figure of $2000 per eye than the $500 suggested by some discount lasik clinics.

If you live on the West Coast average prices will be higher than elsewhere.

If you pick an experienced surgeon (and other research shows that experienced surgeons have a much lower percentage of "problem" procedures) your cost will go up still further.

The base cost per eye will increase by between $350 to $500 if you need "custom lasik" treatment such as wavefront technology, which is used to map and measure the eye's visual field with great accuracy - which in turn results in a higher success rate.

If the surgeon uses IntraLase (a type of laser) to create the LASIK flap rather than a microkeratome (a type of blade) expect the lasik eye surgery price to go up by a further $250 to $500 per eye.

The benefit of the different (and more expensive) Intralase technology is that most surgeons using it report a substantially lower incidence of problems with the "flap" that is created as part of the Lasik procedure.

The equipment used both in testing and in the actual procedure can vary widely. Eye clinics will analyze the tear film, measure the thickness of the cornea, map the corneal topography, measure the pupil size, use different types of laser - and have good arguments in favour of the processes and equipment they offer you.

So it's easy to see how the average cost of laser eye surgery edges upwards from what is in effect a base price quoted in the advertisements. Experience, equipment, procedures - all play a part in moving the price along.

Remember to read the fine print; there is no substitute for an informed decision about what the full costs of the treatment will be; averages can be very deceptive when dealing with something as variable as the average cost of lasik eye surgery.

If you have questions on lasik costs , or need lasik eye surgery answers , you can visit Darrell van Zyl's site at http://www.lasikeyesurgeryanswers.com

Los Angeles Laser Eye Surgery: What Happens During Surgery?

2009-02-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

Throughout Los Angeles, laser eye surgery has become a procedure that is quite sought after. There are countless companies offering these services and it seems like a very simple procedure. As you will learn, it is a straightforward procedure but there are some aspects that are quite worrisome to those that are unaware of what is happening. With a good Los Angeles laser eye surgery professional, though, the process will be quite and without flaw.

You should know what will happen during the surgery. Here?s a quick look at what happens.

? Your doctor will position you in a reclining chair with a ring over your eye. This ring will hold back your eye lid so that the doctor can clearly enter the eye. He will clean the eye and surrounding area and will administer a drop of medication into it to numb the eye.

? Then, he will use a high pressured tool that will create suction on the cornea. He?ll use a cutting instrument to remove the correct layer of cornea from your eye in a flap fashion so that it does not become completely removable.

? The eye surgeon will then use a light that your eyes will stare into. The laser will be a different light that will work over the course of the eye to remove the correct tissue. Most don?t feel anything at this point.

? The cornea is then put into place. No stitches are used but an eye shield will be put in place to hold the eye in place to allow time to heal.

The whole procedure will likely last about 30 minutes. Throughout Los Angeles, laser eye surgery procedures do differ somewhat, but you can count on finding results in most of these instances. Your doctor should walk you through the procedure thoroughly beforehand.

For more observations about laser eye surgery from Frank, click the link.

Lasik Eye Surgery: New York

2009-02-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

When it comes to lasik eye surgery, New York has some of the most surgeries of the east coast. In New York, there is a trend for improving your looks and improving your health. Individuals are continuously looking for a way to improve themselves so that they can stand out from the crowd and really make a difference. Lasik eye surgery is just one way that they can make that happen. Other areas of the country, such as Miami, Florida and many cities in California, also have these large numbers of eye surgery performed.

What does that mean for someone that is looking to have their eyes improved with the use of lasik eye surgery? For one thing, there are plenty of qualified doctors in the area. In some cases in some areas of New York, lasik eye surgery is offered by several physicians which means there is a bit of competition for your business. Although prices are significantly higher in these areas because of the cost of living in those areas, it is still possible to get an affordable price on the surgery.

Of course, the cost should be one of the last things that you think about when it comes to having lasik eye surgery. New York is filled with qualified physicians that provide for the best possible reduction of risks and the best results possible. Still, there are those out there that aren?t as experienced and perhaps don?t have the best training. For that reason, you should invest in finding out as much as you can about the physician that will be handling your surgery.

There is no question that you can have an excellent lasik eye surgery in New York. By insuring that you learn as much as you can about the surgeon that will be handling your surgery, you also improve your risks and get the best possible surgery.

For more observations about laser eye surgery from Frank, click the link.

Beverly Hills Laser Eye Surgery: Before Surgery

2009-02-05T02:44:00.000-08:00

In Beverly Hills, laser eye surgery is something that is different from one patient to the next and from one doctor to the next. There are different types of equipment, different skills and of course each patient has their own set of needs. Nevertheless, there are some things that you can count on experiencing before you can have your laser eye surgery. You should go through a screening with your doctor to determine what will actually happen and your timeline, but here are some guidelines that you can take into consideration.

First, you will have a pre surgery consultation. This is the time the doctor will look at your eyes and test them in a number of ways. He or she will take a medical history from you, give you all of the information that you need and help you to answer any of your questions. This is also the time to discuss money and any concerns you have.

Before you can have laser eye surgery, you will need to have a number of tests that will determine what is happening in your eye and the procedure that will need to be followed. Your doctor will need you to not wear contact lenses or glasses for some time beforehand. In addition, he or she may give you a medication to take prior to surgery to help with fighting off possible infection later.

One of the best things about it in Beverly Hills laser eye surgery is that you can count on having some of the best care possible. Many of the eye surgeons in this area are skilled, experienced and capable of providing you with the help you need. When you meet with them, they will give you specific directions to follow that can help you to keep yourself on track for success.

You can read more of Frank's articles about laser eye surgery at http://www.lasereyesurgeryplanet.com

The Cost of Lasik Eye Surgery

2009-02-02T02:42:00.000-08:00

Lasik eye surgery is the most commonly suggested treatment for myopia in the United States. Lasik eye surgery cost has come down considerably in recent years. Earlier, it was not affordable for the common man.

Lasik eye surgery cost is decided depending on many factors. The cost of the machinery is the most important reason for the high price of the treatment. The price also depends on the proficiency of the doctor. According to statistical reports, the living cost of the geographical location also reflects on the cost of the surgery. The gravity of the disease is another important factor in fixing the charges. The use of advanced and specialized tools will also increase the cost of the surgery.

The cost of lasik eye surgery is fixed in proportion to the entire expenses incurred by the clinic such as equipment cost, price of accessories for the surgery, administration cost, patient acquisition costs, insurance cost etc. Lasik eye surgery can be performed for $1500 at a reasonable eye clinic. It is inclusive of pre-surgical charges and follow-up costs. The standard rate varies between $850 and $2000.

Lasik eye surgery cost information is available from magazines and Internet sites of the eye clinics. Often, deceptive advertisements with reduced costs also appear. Hence, you have to make a thorough study of the rates and the possible hidden charges. Most insurance packages do not cover lasik treatment, as it is an elective treatment. Financing is available from many companies to meet the cost of lasik surgery.

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

Dry Eye After LASIK Surgery

2009-01-30T02:05:00.000-08:00

LASIK is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. LASIK eye surgery is basically for people who are nearsighted or farsighted and have astigmatism. The goal of LASIK surgery is to change the curvature of the cornea, which is the outermost part of the eye. It allows the person to see without glasses or contacts. After the surgery some patients may develop severe dry eye syndrome, which can be treated with artificial tears and usually takes six months to recover.

On completion of LASIK surgery, the regular nerve impulses that direct the lacrimal gland to produce tears are often interrupted. It is considered an expected phase of the healing process. Dry eyes cause gritty and uncomfortable sensations. In order to avoid this condition, a surgeon carefully examines the eyes and recommends lubricating and moisturizing drops to the patients. They are also advised to keep the eye adequately bathed in tears for the eyes to heal properly and also refrain from overusing the drops.

Dry eye problems range from less serious to more serious complications. While a patient experiences itching, redness, or pain after the vision correction surgery, there are others who face minor problems that can be solved with topical treatments for the eyes. In order to resolve the serious cases of dry eye problem, a tiny plug is inserted that prevents tears from going to the nose and allows lubrication in the eye. People also rely on flax seed oil caplets and a humidifier in their home, which relieves the dry, scratchy feeling. New treatments for dry eyes include collagen or silicone punctal plugs and punctal cautery. These greatly reduce symptoms, promote healing and improve vision by enhancing the quantity and quality of the eye's natural tear film.

In less serious cases, the patient's eyes return to their normal or near normal lubrication levels in a short period.

New York Lasik provides detailed information on Lasik Albany New York, Lasik Rochester New York, Lasik Surgery Upstate New York, Lasik Utica New York and more. New York Lasik is affiliated with Vision Correction.

Los Angeles Lasik Eye Surgery: Understand It

2009-01-24T05:17:00.000-08:00

Throughout Los Angeles, lasik eye surgery is a fast growing procedure that more and more people are attempting. The rewards are quite outstanding. If it goes well, you may not have a need for using glasses or contact lenses again. There are some risks that are involved and that is something that needs to be carefully considered if you are to insure you are making the right decision. But, in Los Angeles, lasik eye surgery specialists have the skills and the training to help make sure that you get the help you need.

First off, the training of a lasik eye surgeon is specific. There are actually several types of lasers that can be used in this procedure so your doctor will need to have specific training with the use of his or her types of laser mechanism. In addition, your doctor will need to have training that happens as a continuous thing. For example, every few years it may be important for them to secure the latest procedures and training techniques for this type of procedure.

But, training is not everything. When you walk into a Los Angeles lasik eye surgery center, you want to know that the doctor that you'll be talking to is skilled in providing the necessary care to you. You want to know that the lasik eye surgeon is able to provide you with the procedure at the highest quality level. To know that, you need to look at his experience, both good and bad, and weigh your decisions based on those facts.

You can learn a lot about the surgeon that will be working on you. Look for reviews of the company on the web. Or, visit the website of the Better Business Bureau to see complaints that may have been filed against the. Even better is to look at the state's medical board website where you'll find information about your lasik eye surgery specialist.

You can read more of Frank's articles about laser eye surgery at http://www.lasereyesurgeryplanet.com

The Quality Of Beverly Hills Lasik Eye Surgery

2009-01-12T23:03:00.000-08:00

Beverly Hills lasik eye surgery is one of the most outstanding quality surgeries offered. Because so many individuals are looking to improve their quality of life with the use of this surgery, there are many new physicians and surgeons offering them. In addition to that, Beverly Hills does have one of the largest surgery specialists in this field simply because the demand there is so large. If you are looking for a high quality lasik eye surgery, many cities in California including Beverly Hills is the place to go.

Because there is a large demand for lasik eye surgery in Beverly Hills, many experienced lasik surgeons have made their practice in this area. Why do so many people here want these benefits? Perhaps it is the same reason that this city and area is also a large plastic surgery hub. Or, it may be that lasik allows individuals to improve their eye sight so that gives people one additional way to look great!

No matter what the result is, throughout the city and even the state, you will find qualified lasik eye surgeons. That is not to say that they are all at the same caliber, though. In fact, that?s not true. What you will find is that the experience and practice size of the eye surgeon showcases his abilities. He should also have some of the most up to date training and equipment as well. You?ll want to talk with your eye surgeon about these facts to determine his ability to serve your needs.

Throughout Beverly Hills, lasik eye surgery is performed for many individuals. Those that want to stop having to wear glasses or contact lenses can find qualified individuals to serve these needs. Taking the time to research your surgeon and to learn more about the actual benefits that one surgeon can provide over the next will help you to make the right decisions.

For more observations about laser eye surgery from Frank, click the link.

Critical Factors You Need To Consider Before Getting Laser Eye Surgery

2008-11-01T01:34:00.000-07:00

The eyes are one of the most important and most used sensory organs we have. Thus it is absolutely vital you see things clearly. However, the eyes often suffer abuse, genetic defects, and diseases leading to poor eyesight. Most people use contact lenses and eye glasses as their normal way of lessening this burden. And recently, the latest eye ailment treatment has appeared. It is popularly known as laser eye surgery, a modern procedure to restore normal eyesight.

Some people might be old-fashioned and don?t want to try corrective eye surgery. They consider this actually unnecessary. It is because using eyeglasses and undergoing laser eye treatment provides similar results. Moreover, any adverse consequences are not yet fully understood from this procedure.

Undergoing laser eye treatment has great risks which include tissue scarring, infections and others. It is like gambling your sight without any assurance that it will be successful. So, people should also weigh the advantages and disadvantages together.

Laser eye surgery and laser vision correction seems and sounds very attractive compared to using the good-old-fashioned-corrective lenses. It?s a more exciting experience to undergo this surgery than having to wear eye-glasses. Just ask yourself if it is worth taking the risks with Lasik vision correction. People who are wearing eyeglasses usually don't have any troubles and inconveniences except that they are teased as looking nerdy. But it's not dangerous compared to a surgery which can damage your eyes permanently if something should go wrong.

Another thing to remember is that laser eye surgery can be very difficult for you. It can cause you financial problems. There are attractive advertisements offering affordable laser eye surgery but they cannot guarantee your eye safety. It can be a tactic to attract patients but in the long run, you must qualify their standards used to obtain the lower prices offered. It is key to ask questions and understand about their requirements based on the offered prices, consultation fees, type of surgery and maintenance costs after the surgery.

In addition, the cost of Lasik surgery and laser eye surgery depends on the procedures taken, as well as the surgery and testing equipment used. The latest technologies for tracking eye thickness of your cornea also have different prices. Your options to cut down expenses on eye laser surgery include financing options, tax deductions, medical insurance and flexible payment plans.

Laser eye surgery and Lasik eye correction is similar to purchasing a car. The very low price may attract you but later on you will discover that other costs are involved like insurance, dealer delivery, stamp duty, and others. Keep this in mind so that you will not be burdened and stressed out when medical bills are presented to you after the surgery.

Another thing is the complexity of finding good Lasik eye surgeons. But finding appropriate eye glasses for you is very easy. You should obtain the right information to find a reputable Lasik eye doctor. The consultation should take enough time to assess the integrity of the surgeon and his/her staff.

Not everybody is qualified for a Lasik operation eye surgery. You need to pass the requirements and understand everything upon the consultation process.

Remember, the decision is all yours. If you are able to finance a laser eye surgery, why not try it but if not, it is not bad to stay with the more traditional eye-glasses.

You can easily discover the best Lasik doctor resources in your area, just visit JustLasikVision.com where you will find the best information about eye surgery facts, laser vision correction, top Lasik Boston doctors, custom Lasik and Lasik vision correction help.

Laser Eye Surgery: What Happens And Why

2008-10-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

You can read more of Frank?s articles about laser eye surgery at http://www.lasereyesurgeryplanet.com

Are You A Bad Candidate For Lasik Eye Surgery?

2008-10-17T00:06:00.000-07:00

Some of the reasons why lasik eye surgery may not be right for you include these.

? If you are talking medications like steroids or medications that will limit the healing that your body can do, you may not qualify.

? If the costs are too high and you simply do not have coverage with your insurance company, you too may be limited.

? If you have an autoimmune disease or some other type of major illness or chronic condition, you may not qualify. This will depend on what condition you have.

? If you have a prescription for glasses that is quite strong, have a prescription that changes often, or you have a need to wear your glasses only some times, you may not qualify.

? If your career depends on your eye sight, you may want to consider your options closely.

? Your eye?s physical condition may also make a difference. Things like the pupil?s size, the amount of tear production that you have as well as the corneal thickness that you experience, all matter.

For more observations about laser eye surgery from Frank, visit =>http://www.lasereyesurgeryplanet.com

LASIK Eye Surgery: A Definition

2008-10-13T01:49:00.000-07:00

Excimer Lasers

Flap Creation

Reshaping the Stroma

Visit http://www.medopedia.com for information on the wavefront Lasik procedure.

Lazer Eye Surgery: The Real Percentages

2008-07-22T01:48:00.000-07:00

Click here now to find more observations from Frank.

Laser Eye Surgery: The Real Percentages

2008-07-12T01:17:00.000-07:00

Laser eye surgery is not laser perfect. Although there are a number of people that will get the best possible results, there are also a few that won?t have the best results. If you considering an eye surgery that will provide you with the tools that you need to stop wearing glasses, or even better to stop have to deal with the problems of contact lenses, you need to know the truth. How often is it possible for patients to get 20/20 vision with the use of laser eye surgery?

The problem with getting a straight answer is that you often have to understand what the options are and what the likely outcomes are. You see, there are a number of factors that play into what your results will likely be. For example, there are a number of different, FDA approved lasers that can be used to treat eye conditions. Each of these has a different success rate. In addition, the extent to which you have an eye condition also matters as well as the eye condition in the first place. Each has a different benefit possibility.

You can visit the FDA website to learn about the specific benefits and results based on a number of these factors if you like. The best way for you to find out what your benefits are likely to be is to talk with your doctor. Doctors can examine your eyes, see what your specific needs and conditions are, and then access your specific possibilities. While you can get some basic information from that website, your doctor will know better about your condition.

Laser eye surgery is something that you can consider, but you should know the benefits you are likely to earn. You?ll find that many individuals will have excellent results. Talk to your doctor to learn what he can offer to you.

You can read more of Frank?s articles about laser eye surgery at http://www.lasereyesurgeryplanet.com

Laser Eye Surgery: The Real Percentages

2008-07-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

You can read more of Frank?s articles about laser eye surgery at http://www.lasereyesurgeryplanet.com

Laser Eye Surgery - Weighing Up The Pros And Cons

2008-06-26T23:01:00.000-07:00

Poor eye sight is something which afflicts most people at some point in their lives. While for some people this means nothing more than wearing reading glasses as they approach middle age, there are many more people who have been wearing glasses and contact lenses on a regular basis for so long that they can no longer recall what life with perfect vision was like. For these people laser eye treatment ? where the cornea is reshaped by a laser ? may be an interesting proposition.

However, as laser eye surgery is an expensive and permanent procedure it is not a decision to be taken lightly and there are many factors which need to be considered when weighing up the pros and cons before opting for treatment.

There is no doubt that laser eye surgery can change a person?s life in a very positive way. For around 90% of patients, laser eye treatment means that they no longer require use of their glasses or lenses. After wearing glasses for many years, simple things such as waking up in the morning and being able to see the time on the alarm clock without reaching for your glasses first, can bring a lot of pleasure. It should be noted, however that poor night vision and seeing a halo effect around lights are a normal side effect of laser eye surgery which can make driving at night dangerous without using glasses. However, most patients consider this a small price to pay for perfect vision in the daytime.

Other than poor night vision ? which may even be worse than it was prior to surgery ? there are further negative factors which need to be considered when deciding whether to commit to laser eye treatment. Common side effects include dry eyes, although after a six month course of eye drops most people find this condition improves. A minority of patients, if they underwent Lasik, may also develop corneal infections. In some instances this may develop in the small flap which was cut in the cornea to allow the laser to reshape the tissue. Corneal ecstasia can occur if the cornea is weakened, as pressure can build up causing an unnatural bulging. Further surgery will be required to prevent vision loss.

There is also the risk of problems arising during surgery, although the likelihood of these occurring is very small. For instance, in Lasik the corneal flap may become detached. In most instances this can be reattached once laser treatment is complete. In a rare number of cases damage occurs to the flap which prevents this. Vision loss is possible in a failed operation, but thankfully is extremely uncommon.

Another factor in your decision should be your expectations. If you believe laser eye surgery will give you 20/20 vision and you would not be satisfied if glasses were still required after surgery, the procedure may not be for you. Although the result is usually sufficient for the patient to go without their glasses ? except perhaps at night time, as previously mentioned ? the result is not always perfect. Under correction or over correction can occur and it is much harder to achieve ?perfect? sight in patients whose vision is very poor. However, for some patients a substantial improvement in their sight is enough to justify surgery, even if they can?t quite see the bottom line on the optician?s sight chart.

The best way to make your decision is to research laser eye surgery very thoroughly. Consulting your optician or contacting a vision clinic which specialises in this treatment is a good way of obtaining information and finding out if it is a good choice for you.

Leanne has had several articles published o the subject of laser eye surgery, including Lasik

http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

Laser Eye Surgery - Why and How to Find a Good Surgeon

2008-06-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

Laser eye surgery comes at a high cost, and this is certainly a big factor for many people when choosing a laser eye practitioner. However, while finding an affordable vision clinic is important the biggest influence in your decision should be the ability and skill of the surgeon. Opting for a surgeon purely based on cost cutting may bring unsatisfactory results or, in the worst case scenario, lose you your sight.

The importance of finding a good surgeon

Only a minority of patients achieve true 20/20 vision, although most patients will experience a significant improvement in their vision which allows them to function on a daily basis without either contact lenses or glasses. However, there are also plenty patients who still require use of glasses after surgery despite an overall improvement in their sight.

There are several reasons for this. Firstly, if the procedure is not performed meticulously then over or under correction of the vision can occur. Secondly, it is common for laser eye surgery patients to develop very poor night vision and also see ?halo? effects appearing around lights. This will necessitate the use of glasses in low-level light conditions, especially when driving. Lastly, patients with extremely poor vision may be unsuitable candidates for surgery at all, as achieving ?perfect? vision may be implausible. While the nature of laser eye treatment means that the risk of these side effects or problems can never be eradicated, however skilled the surgeon, a good surgeon will vastly improve the chances of achieving a satisfactory outcome.

Another reason why it is imperative to find a reputable and highly skilled surgeon is that the procedure is not without its risks. Lasik is considered the most risky form of laser eye surgery, but is also the most popular due to its quick recovery time. In Lasik, a small incision needs to be made in the cornea to allow laser treatment to take place. If due care is not take, the flap may become detached. If the flap is also damaged, it might be impossible to reattach it to the eye. While improbable, full or partial vision loss can result from surgery. The likelihood of complications arising diminishes if you are in the hands of a highly qualified and experienced laser eye practitioner.

How to find a reputable surgeon

Your first step in finding a good surgeon should be to first find a reputable clinic. Be wary of vision clinics making outrageous claims such as ?20/20 vision guaranteed? or ?perfect vision or your money back?. Before finding a clinic, research what can realistically expected from the laser eye surgery. If a clinic is making promises that they cannot guarantee delivery on, they may not be a good choice for your surgery. The best clinic is one which is honest about the potential results of laser eye treatment, both good and bad.

Compare as many clinics as possible. This does not just include the cost, although that is still a consideration for most people. Equipment can vary from clinic to clinic. Ideally, you should opt for surgery somewhere which provides the most up to date procedures and uses FDA approved equipment.

Ask your surgeon about his qualifications and training. It is also prudent to ask how many procedures he has carried out, particularly in the type of laser eye treatment you have opted for (for example Lasik or PRK). A good surgeon will be very thorough when discussing the procedure and will outline the potential risks, the side effects and what results you can realistically expect.

To locate a clinic or surgeon try searching the internet or asking your optician for a referral. American patients may also wish to visit American Academy of Ophthalmology's website.

Leanne has had several articles published on laser eye treatment, including laser eye surgery cost

http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

Laser Eye Treatment - What to Expect After Surgery

2008-06-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

Laser eye surgery is generally a painless and straightforward procedure that takes little more than 15 minutes from the start of preparing the eye area to the completion of surgery. Patients can therefore expect to undergo treatment and return home in a matter of hours and should be sufficiently recovered to return to work within 7 days. The time taken to make a full recovery and the side effects vary from patient to patient, but there are general patterns that can be observed and guidelines that should be adhered to.

The guidelines your doctor will issue you with may vary depending on which type of laser eye surgery you have undergone. As a rule though, non-contact sports should be avoided for between 3 days and a week. This is especially important in procedures such as Lasik, where a flap is cut in the cornea, as the cornea may become detached during vigorous activity. Because of the risk of damage to the cornea, contact sports such as karate and kick boxing will need to be avoided for at least 4 weeks following surgery. Swimming and hot tubs should remain out of bounds for up to 2 months.

If you frequently wear lotion or make up you will need to wait at least two weeks before using products around the eye area again. This is to prevent infection occurring.

Lasik surgery is very popular because it has a very quick recovery time. There is very little discomfort after surgery and the patient should have clear vision within 24 to 48 hours and vision should become stable within 4 weeks.

Lasek treatment involves softening the epithelium with an alcoholic solution so that the surface of the cornea can be folded to one side to allow the laser to reshape the tissue underneath. The cornea will gently be pushed back into place after the procedure is complete, and a contact lens will hold it in place for several days following surgery.

Patients who have undergone Lasek laser eye surgery may experience discomfort for several days and require painkillers. Light sensitivity is also normal during the first 24 hours, which may cause further discomfort. Vision can remain blurred for around a week. It is normal for a patient?s sight to fluctuate for several months following surgery, and it may be around 6 months before the vision finally stabilizes.

Following laser eye surgery, a protective shield must be worn at night and you will be given anti-inflammatory eye drops. Drops are also required for 6 months to keep the eyes lubricated, as dry eyes are a common side effect of treatment. In the weeks following surgery, your eyes will be much more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV rays so sunglasses must be worn out doors for the first three months.

After undergoing corrective laser eye treatment many patients notice their vision is poor in low light conditions such as thick fog or darkness. At night they may also notice a halo effect around lights. Unlike other side effects from laser eye surgery, poor night vision is usually permanent and you may require glasses to drive safely at night, even if your vision is excellent during the daytime.

Always ensure that your surgeon fully explains what after effects you can expect from laser eye treatment and gives you comprehensive guidelines of how to protect your eyes and maximise the healing process. Never be afraid to ask questions. Your doctor should be happy to answer your queries.

Leanne has had several articles published on the subject of laser eye treatment.

http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

Lasik Eye Surgery-How to Find A Lasik Surgeon You Can Trust

2008-06-11T02:15:00.000-07:00

Since LASIK surgery has been so popular, many doctors started offering it. That?s good for us, the potential patients. It gives us a wide array of possible eye surgeons to choose from. So it?s up to us to choose well. To do that, we need to prepare a list of good questions to ask our potential doctors. Then we should set up a series of interviews with the best candidates. You can find names of LASIK surgeons by:

Asking friends and acquaintances

Asking your family doctor for a referral, or your regular eye doctor

Looking at advertisements or the phone book (but see under The First Principle!)

Contacting the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) (http://aao.org/)

The first principle

The thing we shouldn?t compromise on is quality. How can we trust a doctor who puts his profit ahead of our eyesight? Some LASIK facilities advertise low prices and this may at first look attractive.

Caveat emptor ? buyer beware!

A facility which charges low fees has to make up for those low fees by:

? Processing large numbers of patients as quickly as possible
? Purchasing cheap equipment
? Buying or leasing an old, cheaper laser
? Re-using things which should be fresh for each patient, such as latex gloves and microkeratome blades
? Autoclaving (sterilizing) equipment less often
? Paying lower salaries, which means hiring less skilled staff
? Giving you less surgeon time, since surgeon time is expensive, being so highly skilled
? Omitting parts of the initial examination of your eyes to determine if you?re a good candidate for LASIK

So it?s best to resist those low prices and instead look among the facilities where surgeon time is given more freely and no corners are cut.

Some questions to ask your candidates

1. Is he actively associated with an academic medical center?

A LASIK surgeon who stays in touch with research and new developments will be up to date in his practice and aware of any downsides to new technology, as well as its advantages.

2. What professional organizations does he or she belong to?

Some examples are:

? The AAO ? keeps LASIK surgeons in touch with each other, and offers further training, professional support, etc.

? The American College of Surgeons ? has a stiff credentialing process and enables its members to stay current with surgical advancements.

3. How long has he been doing LASIK surgery?

You would want at least 3 years of experience. Don?t believe any statements like ?Oh, over 20 years?? because the FDA didn?t approve LASIK in the U.S. until 1999.

4. How many times has the surgeon previously done the exact procedure recommended for you?

Expect about 100. You want a surgeon with extensive experience, both to do a premium job for you, and in case anything goes wrong. A novice might not be able to handle an emergency situation.

5. What percentage of your patients have gained 20/20 vision?

You?d be looking to hear ?About 50%?. That?s the average. Any higher number would have to be backed-up.

6. Ask for the names and contact information of some previous patients who have had the exact same procedure you?re planning to have. A good LASIK surgeon will have names ready to give you.

7. Has the surgeon ever had malpractice insurance coverage denied? If so, move on.

8. How many other eye surgeries has the LASIK surgeon performed?

Besides LASIK, some others are:

? LASEK
? PRK
? CK
? Lens replacement

Choose an eye surgeon who knows the whole field, not just one sliver of it. With thorough knowledge of all vision correction surgeries, the surgeon can recommend the best one for you.

Making the decision

When you interview your candidates, don?t be shy about pressing for a clear answer. A good LASIK surgeon will take time to develop a good understanding with you and make sure you?re clear on your options, and on the benefits and potential risks of your surgery.

After you interview everybody, if you still aren?t sure you?ve found the right surgeon, go ahead and interview some more. Don?t feel you must go with the surgeon you?ve just talked with.

Good eye surgeons realize that many people are anxious about having someone work on their eyes and use a laser doing it. You can end the interview saying that you need to think some more. Your eyesight is far too important to put in the hands of anyone you mistrust, even slightly. So trust your intuition and keep looking until you feel fully confident with the LASIK surgeon you choose.

For more information or a consultation, feel free to contact Dr. Khanna of the Khanna Eye Institute in Los Angeles, California.

PRK Laser Eye Surgery - Photorefractive Keratectomy

2008-06-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) was the forerunner of Lasek laser eye surgery. It has been around for over 12 years and is therefore considered a safe procedure as to date there has been no evidence to suggest that PRK causes harm to eyes and vision in the long term. However, it is now much less commonly used than Lasek treatment and Lasik, which at present is the most popular form of laser eye surgery.

The most frequent reason for a laser eye surgery practitioner to recommend PRK over the other forms of treatment is that the patient has an unusually thin cornea or a large pupil. In these in instances, PRK is the safer option as Lasik works through a flap being created in the cornea and Lasek treatment is enabled by softening the cornea with an alcoholic solution. Both of these forms of treatment become much more complex if the cornea is too thin.

During preparation for surgery, the eye area will be cleaned thoroughly and the eyelid held in place with a metal ring. Anesthetic drops are administered t numb the eyes to prevent discomfort during the use of the laser. Unlike other types of laser eye treatment, where the shape of the eye is reformed underneath the surface of the cornea, PRK works by reshaping the cornea by eliminating a thin layer of cells from the surface of the eye with an excimer laser. The epithelium will grow back naturally and no undue side effects should result from its temporary removal.

Although PRK is a safe procedure its downside, in comparison to newer forms of laser eye surgery, is that recovery time can take longer and PRK patients generally experience greater pain and discomfort. Vision may remain hazy or slightly blurred for up to two months, when the final effects of laser eye treatment should become noticeable. Dry eyes are a common side effect and eye drops should be used to keep the eyes lubricated and free from infection.

As with all forms of laser eye surgery, PRK carries certain risks. For instance, while daytime vision may be improved sufficiently for the patient to go about their daily routine without glasses or contact lenses, dark conditions can be a problem. Night vision may be even poorer than it was pre-surgery and it is very common for patients to see a glare or ?halo? around lights. This can make driving at night inadvisable, at least of the first few months, and after this time glasses may be required for driving after dark.

Although laser eye surgery is permanent, patients need to remember that their vision can still deteriorate as part of the ageing process and that, at some point in the future, they may once again have to wear glasses or contact lenses. Your chances of attaining good results from laser eye treatment will be greatly increased if you suffer from only mild to moderate near or long sightedness and the longevity of the results can be extended if your prescription has remained stable for several years.

Despite the popularity of newer treatments such as Lasik, PRK can still be a viable option with a number of advantages, in particular its reputation as a safe procedure. Only a qualified ophthalmologist can advise you which type of laser eye surgery is most suitable for your needs.

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

Laser Eye Surgery Results - What is a Realistic Expectation

2008-05-31T02:14:00.000-07:00

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

Laser Eye Treatment - What to Expect During Surgery

2008-05-29T23:58:00.000-07:00

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

Who is a Suitable Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery

2008-05-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

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.

Does Laser Eye Surgery Work All of The Time?

2008-05-28T00:09:00.000-07:00

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

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

2008-05-26T23:57:00.000-07:00

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

Bad Laser Eye Surgery: How Can You Avoid It

2008-05-24T00:07:00.000-07:00

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

Bad Laser Eye Surgery: How Can You Avoid It?

2008-05-23T00:13:00.000-07:00

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

Laser Eye Surgery - The Risks and Dangers

2008-05-22T01:32:00.000-07:00

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

Laser Eye Surgery: What Is Lasik

2008-05-21T03:07:00.000-07:00

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

Laser Eye Surgery Cost

2008-05-20T03:56:00.000-07:00

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

How LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Can Cure Your Nearsightedness

2008-05-19T02:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Lasik Eye Correction Surgery What Is It?

2008-05-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Laser Eye Surgery, Do You Know What It is?

2008-05-16T02:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Is Laser Eye Surgery Risky?

2008-05-15T04:34:00.000-07:00

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

Important But Basic Information On Eyelid Surgery Commonly Known As Blepharoplasty

2008-05-13T01:12:00.000-07:00

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.

Laser Eye Surgery Cost - Why It Varies So Much

2008-05-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2008-05-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

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 L asik Los Angeles and Lasik Miami surgeons and Lasik vision help

Is Lasik Eye Surgery Right For You?

2008-05-09T02:31:00.000-07:00

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

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

2008-05-08T02:49:00.000-07:00

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

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

2008-05-07T03:29:00.000-07:00

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

Understanding PRK Laser Eye Surgery

2008-05-07T03:27:00.000-07:00

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

How LASIK Eye Surgery can Help You

2008-05-06T02:05:00.000-07:00

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

Different Types of Eye Surgery

2008-05-03T03:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Laser Eye Surgery Dangers!

2008-05-01T02:25:00.000-07:00

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!

Lasik FAQ: Answers To Common Questions About Lasik Eye Surgery

2008-05-01T02:23:00.000-07:00

* 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.

Laser Eye Surgery: A More and More Popular Procedure

2008-04-11T00:25:00.001-07:00

Laser eye surgery is becoming more and more popular as more research is conducted and more sophisticated procedures are being developed. Laser eye surgery is the best alternative to glasses or contact lenses, as it removes the need to don any object in order to improve upon one's sight. Laser eye surgery is now much more safer and less expensive then it was ten years ago, and no one can foresee the advances that scientists will make in the field in ten years.

Specialized doctors all across the nation are now involved in this field. The business is lucrative, as many people are interested in the procedure, as well as prestigious. The service is even being advertised heavily on TV now, and there are many establishments completely devoted to laser eye surgery.

As stated, laser eye surgery is very cheap (relatively) nowadays. Some companies who have put their businesses online proclaim they will perform the procedure for less than three hundred dollars. On television, advertisements for laser eye surgery have deals such as, "Pay $2,000 for one eye, and get the second eye half off!" Some people have even pondered about getting one eye done and then having the other done months or even years later, just to save money.

Some of the long term effects of laser eye surgery are not yet known. A humorous look at a possibly "blinding" effect is your eyes falling out after ten years (Simpsons). Of course, that is extremely unlikely, if not totally impossible, as an effect that extreme. However, it is truly unknown about some of the lesser serious long term effects laser eye surgery, but that small possibility should not stop anyone from receiving the procedure, if they need it.

It might be better to wait a few more years before having laser eye surgery, as so far the research has been exponential and it become even more safer and effective then it is now in just a few years. Still, the technology today is still amazing, and it is definitely worth having the procedure done now.

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Cost of Laser Eye Surgery

2008-04-11T00:24:00.002-07:00

Corrective laser eye surgery costs vary widely depending upon the procedure. There's also a wide variation in the cost of equipment used for testing and surgery. Technologies such as eye tracking tear film analysis and measurement of corneal thickness and the laser itself are available at different prices. The Purchasing or leasing of other equipment is also reflected in the procedure fee. There is a royalty fee of $100 to $250 per eye to the excimer laser manufacturer, depending upon the type of equipment used. Procedure fees also include expenses such as operation equipments, surgical staff fees and postoperative and preoperative care.

LASIK prices differ widely from one provider to another and depend on many factors. The only universal standard is that LASIK and other refractive surgery prices are quoted per eye.

Traditional LASIK surgery costs range from $1,400 to $2,000 per eye. LASIK with IntraLase, a procedure in which the epithelium flap is made with a laser rather than a microkeratome, costs more than traditional LASIK. The increase ranges from $250 to $500 per eye, averaging $344. Thus, the cost of LASIK with Intra Lase ranges is $1,600 to 2,500. The price is higher because of the high costs of the system used in surgery. Using Wavefront technology combined with a traditional LASIK procedure increases the price by at least $100.

To help lower the price or make surgery more affordable, there are a number of options available without compromising technology or surgical experience. These include medical insurance, financing options, payment plans, flexible spending plans and tax deductibles.

LASEK, an advanced form of PRK, costs the same as a LASIK procedure. The same increase in price range is present when including Wavefront technology or Intra Lase.

PRK or Photo Refractive Keratectomy is comparatively cheaper and may be performed for a cost of about $1,000 to $1,800.

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.

Cosmetic Eye Laser Surgery

2008-04-11T00:24:00.001-07:00

Cosmetic eye surgery is done on the upper and lower eyelids with the help of lasers. Certain age-related changes take place to the tissues around the eye. Elasticity of skin is decreased, causing changes in the tone of skin. Eyebrows start to droop and waste skin accumulates on the upper and lower eyelids. Fat may get collected in the form of small bags under the eyes. Tendons around the eye lose laxity. This loosens the support structure of the eyelids and may lead to faulty positioning of eyelids. These age-related changes may sometimes be found in young people with certain conditions such as disthyroid eye disease and facial nerve palsy.

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure done on the eyelids to enhance facial features and to reverse age-related changes to the eye. Ptosis is a surgical procedure done to correct droopy eyelids. Cases where the lower eyelid is turned inside or outside can also be repaired by surgery with the help of a laser beam.

In blepharoplasty, incisions are made using a laser beam. Waste skin and muscles in the eyelid are trimmed. Fatty deposits are removed from under the eye. Wrinkles from the lower eyelid are erased. Incisions are closed with the help of small sutures that are removed after four or five days. This is mostly done as an outpatient procedure, and patients can go home immediately after surgery.

Laser beams help to seal blood vessels quickly, giving the surgeon a better view of the organ. This makes it possible to perform surgeries with precision. Postoperative swelling after laser surgery is less compared to the swelling that occurs with conventional eye surgery. Swelling subsides in 24 to 48 hours with ice compresses. There is less of scarring, bruising, and discoloration with laser-assisted eyelid surgery.

Blepharoplasty will not remove crow?s feet at the corner of the eye. Dark shadows under the eyes cannot be eliminated with laser surgery.

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 Clinics

2008-04-11T00:23:00.001-07:00

There are many laser eye surgery clinics all over the country. These clinics are usually private clinics with their own set of laser surgeons, eye doctors, and specialists. Clinics are involved with the patient before, during, and after the procedure. Before going through with the procedure, several tests are done on the eye that is to be operated on. These tests can either be done at the laser surgery clinic or with your personal eye doctor.

Clinics can work with your eye doctor for pre- and post-surgical care. If you do not have an eye doctor, clinics can provide one for your care. A thorough examination of the eyes is done to determine the condition of the eye, its suitability for surgery, presence of eye diseases, and what type of procedure needs to be done. Most clinics provide a detailed description of what is involved in the entire procedure. They give an account of how the operation is done. Some may show a video of the procedure.

With a wide range of clinics available, choosing a good clinic may prove to be difficult. Many clinics advertise through television and newspaper ads, which offer with lots of information and reduced pricing. One should not get carried away by discounts given by clinics and compromise quality. It is wise to first check out who are the surgeons associated with the clinic. Checking out the surgeon's credentials will also provide an idea about how good the clinic is.

The next step is to find out if the surgeon is associated with a respected medical center. If he is associated with a center that is reputed for advanced technology, then he or she would be up to date on the latest developments in laser eye surgery. Another way to choose a good clinic would be to get recommendations from your regular eye doctor.

Information on good laser eye surgery clinics in your area can be obtained from reputed professional organizations such as Opticians Association of America (http://www.oaa.org), American Academy of Ophthalmology (http://www.aao.org/aao), and American Optometric Association (http://www.aoa.org).

Laser Eye Surgery FAQs

2008-03-30T23:24:00.001-07:00

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 Forums

2008-03-30T23:23:00.001-07:00

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

Corrective Laser Eye Surgery

2008-03-28T22:59:00.001-07:00

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.

How To Make Laser Eye Surgery Cost Work For You

2008-03-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-27T00:07:00.001-07:00

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?

2008-03-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-03-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-23T23:21:00.000-07:00

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)?

2008-03-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-20T00:19:00.001-07:00

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?

2008-03-19T01:53:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-19T01:52:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-03-18T01:14:00.002-07:00

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

2008-03-18T01:14:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-17T02:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-17T02:03:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-03-14T05:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-13T00:23:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-13T00:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-12T01:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-10T23:35:00.002-07:00

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?

2008-03-10T23:35:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-03-10T01:56:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-07T22:31:00.002-08:00

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

2008-03-07T22:31:00.001-08:00

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?

2008-03-06T00:24:00.002-08:00

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

2008-03-06T00:24:00.001-08:00

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

2008-03-04T23:09:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-03T22:32:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-03-03T22:31:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-02T22:58:00.001-08:00

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

What will it be Like After Laser Eye Surgery?

2008-02-29T23:12:00.000-08:00

After laser eye surgery you can expect to have significantly improved vision. Laser eye surgery is relatively pain free and a simple procedure. Almost all patients will return home the same day they have their surgery. If you are considering having laser eye surgery to correct your vision, you need to also be aware of all the possible side effects and outcomes associated with the surgery.

The laser surgery itself is a relatively quick process and actually only takes a few minutes to perform. With the preparation before and after the surgery you can expect to be at the hospital or clinic for only a few hours.

The Procedure

Immediately after the surgical procedure you may feel dizzy or even a little nauseous. This feeling should quickly go away as you feel well enough to begin moving around and eating small meals. Often the sitting still and blurred vision will increase your nausea...so get moving as much as you feel comfortable doing.

Your surgeon will give you specific recovery instructions that will need to be followed exactly. Some people choose to have one eye operated on at a time, while other people prefer to get both eyes done during the same appointment.

Surgeons do not usually have a preference of doing one eye at a time or both. You will have to decide if your lifestyle can take a break to let both eyes heal at the same time. For many people they do not want to take time off of work or worry about needing help from others so they only have one eye worked on at a time.

What to Do at Home

Some doctors will require that you wear an eye patch over the eye that had surgery while others will just prescribe lots of rest. Your ophthalmology surgeon is specially trained to perform laser surgery and they also know extremely well what the best way to recovery quickly is. So it is important to follow their instructions as much as possible.

Corrective eye surgery may not be a major surgery that requires you to remain in the hospital, but you should plan on taking at least a day off of work to let your eye or eyes recover. You may experience blurred vision for several days after your surgery and might not feel up to going to work during those days.

At home try to get as much rest as possible and enlist the help of your loved ones in your recovery. Normally you can expect to be feeling normal again within a day or two.

Laser eye surgery is an innovative way to improve your vision and eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. There are risks involved in this type of surgery and those risks should be clearly discussed with your surgeon prior to the day of surgery. You can also do some of your own research on the potential risks of the surgery as well as all the possible results of the surgery.

Laser Eye Surgery: What Are The Potential Side Effects?

2008-02-29T23:11:00.000-08:00

With the ever-growing popularity of laser eye surgery and the continual advancements in the procedures and technology, the primary concern of many people considering the surgery is this: what are the potential side effects?

The good news is that both PRK (photorefractive keratectomy laser eye surgery designed to correct mild myopia and astigmatism) and Lasik procedures involve few risks. In fact, serious vision-threatening complications are minimal. However, as with any form of surgery, there can be potential side effects. Here are the most common side effects that can result from laser eye surgery:

Infection And Delayed Healing

Approximately one-tenth of one percent of all patients suffer from a corneal infection after undergoing PRK. Slightly fewer face an infection after Lasik. A cornea infection will not result in any long-term effects, however there generally is some additional discomfort and the healing process is slower.

Under Correction/Overcorrection

Even though tremendous advances have been made in laser eye surgery, a surgeon cannot predict precisely how your eyes will respond to the procedure. In some cases, you might need to continue to wear corrective lenses after surgery. If the results are particularly unsatisfactory, you do have the option to undergo a second surgical procedure to improve your vision.

Decrease In Best-Corrected Vision

After laser eye surgery, a few patients find that their best-corrected vision with contact lenses is actually worse than it was before the surgery. This is a rare occurrence, but can occur if there's been irregular tissue removal or if a corneal haze has developed.

Excessive Corneal Haze

Corneal haze is not unusual. In fact, it's part of the normal recovery process after refractive surgery. Generally, it won't affect your final vision, and will only be evident to an ophthalmologist using a microscope. However, in some cases, excessive corneal haze does interfere with your final vision. In such a case, it can often be corrected with a second surgery. Also worth noting, the risk of encountering excessive corneal haze is much lower with Lasik eye surgery than with PRK.

Regression

Regression is exactly as it sounds: for some patients, after a period of several they find their vision returning to its pre-surgery state. In other words, they find the surgery to be ineffective. A second surgical procedure is usually possible in such cases.

Halo Effect

The halo effect will generally go unnoticed except in situations where the light is dim. As the name implies, a second faded image is seen as the pupil enlarges. This image is produced by the untreated peripheral cornea. The danger here is that the halo effect can often interfere with your night driving.

Flap Damage or Loss

In some Lasik cases, instead of creating a hinged flap on the center of the cornea, the entire flap comes off. This can usually be replaced after the laser treatment. However, in some cases, the flap may be damaged or lost.

Distorted Flap

Also in reference to the Lasik procedure, if the healing of the corneal flap is irregular, then the shape of the cornea can become distorted. This will often result in your best-corrected vision being disappointing.

Other Side Effects of Laser Eye Surgery

Even when both the procedure and the healing process seem to go perfectly, there are some side effects that may still cause dissatisfaction. Older patients, for example, cannot have both distance and near vision in the same eye without wearing glasses or contact lenses. Patients suffering from myopia but who could still read without glasses may no longer be able to read without glasses after surgery. And finally, if both eyes are not treated at the same time, the eyes might work awkwardly together between the time of the first surgery and the second surgery.

David Silva is the webmaster for Eye Surgery Insights, a website dedicated to delivering information on eye surgery, including PRK surgery, Lasik eye surgery, their benefits and potential problems.

Types Vision Problems Can Corrected By Laser Eye Surgery

2008-02-28T21:34:00.001-08:00

Visit this site to read an article from the FDA Consumer Magazine about laser eye surgery to correct vision problems. You will learn what types of vision problems can be corrected by laser eye surgery. Occasionally the vision through corrective lenses is actually worse after refractive or laser eye surgery than it was before. It usually has no effect on the final outcome of vision after laser eye surgery and can only be seen through an eye examination. Most patients notice improved vision within a few days after LASIK laser eye surgery.

LASIK laser eye surgery is can cause a loss of "best" vision with or without glasses at 1 year after surgery. Night vision treatment has become possible thanks to advances in laser eye surgery. LASIK refractive eye surgery provides vision correction by reshaping the cornea and changing its focusing power through the use of a laser. Improving vision without laser eye surgery. Accuvision provides laser eye surgery, laser vision correction and laser ... This includes eye mapping, vision testing and medications related to the laser surgery. LASIK laser eye surgery patients often have good vision by the day after surgery. LASIK, or laser in-situ keratomileusis, is the most widely performed laser eye surgery for treating a wide range of common vision errors. Most reputable centers for eye laser surgery note that 20/20 vision from laser-corrected surgery may not be like 20/20 vision with corrective lenses.

The type of laser that is used in laser eye surgery is the Excimer laser. It is also the most expensive type of laser eye surgery. Finally, they answer some questions about laser eye surgery and decide if this type of operation is something they would consider for themselves. This type of corrective laser eye surgery is used to treat patients with open-angle glaucoma. This type of laser eye surgery is used to treat patients who have failed to respond to other types of surgery. However, if the eye disease manifests itself, there is one type of laser eye surgery that can be used: laser photocoagulation.

This guide provides an in-depth understanding of the laser eye surgery procedure, what can be expected, and possible complications. All in all, laser eye surgery is a potent procedure to correct a variety of refractive errors thereby enhancing a patient%u2019s visual acuity.

Clinicians wishing to undertake laser eye surgery should ensure that patients understand the benefits and potential risks of the procedure. Lasik, or laser eye surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce dependency on glasses and contact lenses. The Wavefront laser procedure is carried out using computer aided equipment and doctors have reported improved eyesight results from Wavefront over traditional LASIK surgery.

With an exact map of the eye, they could precisely plan laser correction surgery, or create customized contact lenses, Olivier said. Bausch Lomb spokesperson Holly Houston said that the company is considering applications for both customized laser eye surgery and customized contact lenses. Around 100,000 people, tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses, undergo corrective laser eye surgery in the UK every year. Many people who have always worn glasses or contact lenses are now contemplating whether or not to have laser eye surgery. For some people, laser eye surgery means freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

Those considering laser eye surgery are often advised to have a full eye examination with an experienced surgeon. finding a LASIK surgeon LASIK LASIK has been the most widely performed and accepted form of laser eye surgery since it completed U.S. To gain the information you need to make a decision about Laser Eye Surgery, please consult with a plastic surgeon. During laser eye surgery, a surgeon uses a device called an Excimer Laser to change the shape of a patient's cornea permanently. Finding a LASIK surgeon that you are confident about will be able to give you more information about laser eye surgery.

Doctors often recommend laser surgery before filtering microsurgery, unless the eye pressure is very high or the optic nerve is badly damaged. Medication following laser surgery In most cases, medications are still necessary to control and maintain eye pressure. Long-term benefits of glaucoma laser surgery Glaucoma laser surgeries help to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye. When laser surgery does not successfully lower eye pressure, or the pressure begins to rise again, the doctor may recommend filtering microsurgery.

have always been at the forefront of laser eye surgery earning an enviable reputation as THE clinic to ... I'm hoping to get a referral for the laser eye surgery center affiliated w/my eye doctor's clinic. Get your laser eye surgery done at a clinic that treats all kind of eye conditions not specialising in laser eye surgery. Lexum, which first performed laser eye surgery in 1993, performed 2,703 laser eye operations last year, according to clinic records. The clinic specializes in eye surgery, in particular laser eye surgery.

So you've checked it out, and you've found out that you are a viable candidate for laser eye surgery. Not everyone is a candidate for laser eye surgery. If you can prove that you have a stable prescription, you're a good candidate for laser eye surgery. Initial readings are taken to determine whether or not they are a candidate for laser eye surgery. http://www.laser-vision.info/laser-eye-surgery/

Wirat Muenpan is The Webmaster of The Types Vision Problems Can Corrected By Laser Eye Surgery - Quickly and Easily! http://www.laser-vision.info/laser-eye-surgery/

What Are Your Chances Of 20/20 Vision After LASIK Eye Surgery?

2008-02-26T22:43:00.000-08:00

You might have come across eye centers touting outrageous offers of "20/20 vision or money back". The whole concept of 20/20 vision has been ballyhooed immensely when it comes to laser eye surgery. In essence, the value 20/20 refers to a way of measuring visual acuity via the Snellen eye chart - the same old alphabet chart that you might have seen at a nearby eye care center. As an instance of Snellen measurement, people with 20/40 vision can see clearly at 20 feet what people with 20/20 vision can see clearly at 40 feet.

With the latest technological advancements in laser eye surgery, the conventional LASIK procedure has been augmented with superlative techniques like wavefront LASIK, and its add-on, iris registration. With such enhancements there is an even greater chance of 20/20 vision relative to that with conventional LASIK. By wielding wavefront technology there is a great, around 95%, chance of 20/20 vision. However, with the iris registration technology, the possibility of 20/20 vision skyrockets to an overwhelming 99%.

20/20 vision is what you aim for while undergoing any type of refractive surgery - it's used as a benchmark. However, some people hold a somewhat dissenting opinion about 20/20 vision, as far as laser eye surgery is concerned. The argument put forth is that visual quality matters more than visual acuity. As is evident from a number of cases, laser eye surgeries, for instance LASIK, have potential complications. A patient might experience blurry vision, halos, ghost vision or double vision, glare, and starbursts surrounding light sources at night.

Normal vision is crisp and sharp. But after laser eye surgery, a person might have to deal with debilitating side effects, which typically diminish vision quality. Though the patient might still be able to decipher a 20/20 line on the Snellen chart, the vision might be blurry. Unless the complications subside, eye surgeons' famous promise of 20/20 vision is merely a myth.

In general, the degree of refractive error and the pupil size are the only criteria while determining the candidature of a patient for laser eye surgery. Most patients are not tested on other grounds, such as contrast sensitivity, glare and depth perception. The data pertinent to such aspects is fairly anecdotal. A comprehensive preoperative test regime is necessary for achieving authentic 20/20 vision (with enhanced vision quality) after laser eye surgery.

If you find a LASIK surgery that you are confident with, you will be able to get more information about 20/20 vision.

The LASIK Surgery Directory - find a LASIK surgery. Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports, provides news and views about LASIK laser eye surgery and 20/20 vision at Your Lasik Information.

How To Improved Vision After LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

2008-02-26T00:21:00.000-08:00

Longer visual recovery time compared to LASIK laser eye surgery. LASEK laser eye surgery causes dry eye less frequently than LASIK laser eye surgery. LASEK laser eye surgery may cause more pain and discomfort than LASIK , but less pain than PRK laser eye surgery. Find out the facts about LASIK, where to go for LASIK, and how to talk with the people who know about laser eye surgery. During LASIK laser eye surgery, an instrument called a microkeratome is used to cut a thin flap in the cornea. Healing after LASIK laser eye surgery usually occurs very rapidly. Despite the pluses, there are some disadvantages: Changes made to the cornea cannot be reversed after LASIK laser eye surgery.

Most patients notice improved vision within a few days after LASIK laser eye surgery. Recovery is quick and usually no bandages or stitches are required after LASIK laser eye surgery. After having LASIK laser eye surgery, most patients no longer need corrective eyewear. Visit this site to find out more about laser eye surgery, particularly LASIK surgery. You may have noticed printed advertisements and television commercials that advertise a type of laser eye surgery called LASIK. The risk of corneal haze is much less with LASIK laser eye surgery than it is with PRK.

Learn about lasik eye surgery and other treatments for vision problems. Lopatynsky provides LASIK, vision correction, eye surgery, refractive surgery and eye care services. However, complications in LASIK surgery are rare and the vast majority of patients benefit from almost perfect vision without eyeglasses or contacts after surgery. One option in vision correction is LASIK eye surgery, which is rapidly growing in popularity.

Most insurance companies do not cover LASIK eye surgery, since they consider it as a cosmetic procedure. The popularity of LASIK surgery has risen in large part because of the eye's rapid healing and the absence of pain following the procedure. In this article, you will find out exactly what happens during a LASIK procedure as you follow this author through his own eye surgery. It is also important for those who undergo LASIK eye surgery to have realistic expectations regarding the results of the procedure. The book explains: how the eye works, the entire Lasik correction procedure, it explained the surgery, and what you could expect after the surgery. http://www.laser-vision.info/lasik-eye-surgery/

Amporn Saechin is The Webmaster Of The How To Improved Vision After LASIK Laser Eye Surgery - Quickly and Easily! http://www.laser-vision.info/

LASIK Eye Surgery - See The World More Clearly

2008-02-26T00:20:00.000-08:00

LASIK eye surgery is a medical procedure using a laser on the eye of a patient who has eyesight problems. LASIK is an acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileuses. LASIK can be used to improve the eyesight of patients who are far-sighted, near-sighted or have an astigmatism. After LASIK surgery has been performed, patients with these types of eyesight problems should not have to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.

LASIK is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by an eye surgeon nowadays. It has become very popular because of it's pain-free operation and because of its more or less instantaneous results. This is the major advantage that LASIK has over other surgical procedures to correct imperfect vision. After a couple of days rest you will soon see a definite improvement in your eyesight.

The surgical procedure itself is quick and virtually painless, and is performed under local anaesthetic. It consists of the eye surgeon cutting a hinged flap in the cornea which is then folded back to expose the lens of the eye. A laser from an instrument called a 'microkeratome' is used to vaporize aberrations and reshape the cornea so that the image focuses on the correct part of the retina, therefore improving the vision. The hinged flap in the cornea is then folded back into place for healing.

You will see two main types of LASIK surgery being advertised. Traditional LASIK surgery and Wavefront LASIK. Conventional LASIK surgery corrects the focusing power of the eye by remodelling the shape of the lens with the aid of laser. Wavefront LASIK is a variation of the traditional procedure and produces a spatially varying correction based on readings from a wavefront sensor. A wavefront sensor measures the eye itself by detecting any aberrations on the cornea. It achieves this by sending a weak laser source into the eye, and by measuring and processing the reflection off the retina. The Wavefront laser procedure is carried out using computer aided equipment and doctors have reported improved eyesight results from Wavefront over traditional LASIK surgery.

Although beneficial to thousands of patients, as is usually the case there can also be some disadvantages to LASIK eye surgery. Firstly, it can be an expensive treatment and prices can vary from area to area and from doctor to doctor. Secondly, as in all surgical procedures, there can be post-surgery complications. Common complications include patients developing glare and halos and possibly double vision which can affect night time vision capability. Others develop severe dry eye syndrome which may need to be treated with drops or cream for the rest of your life. However, complications in LASIK surgery are rare and the vast majority of patients benefit from almost perfect vision without eyeglasses or contacts after surgery.

If you decide to proceed with LASIK surgery you should carefully research the subject to find out as much as possible about the procedure. You should also research the eye surgeons that perform the surgery and if possible act on personal referral. Keep in mind that when pricing the surgery that not all advertisements for LASIK quote the full and final price and many have add-on costs. Finally, before proceeding with the surgery, make sure to have a thorough conversation with your eye surgeon so that you are fully aware of all the benefits and risks.

Are you considering LASIK eye surgery? Alan Chestnutt is author and owner of www.lasik.info-experts.com where you can research all the latest news and information on LASIK Eye Surgery. The site is a complete resource of analysis and daily news bulletins on the world

History of LASIK Eye Surgery

2008-02-14T01:59:00.000-08:00

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive laser eye surgery procedure that corrects vision problems. This procedure is preferred to PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), as it takes less time for the procedure, as well as for recovery. As far back as 1898, the basic principles of radial kerototomy had been laid down by Lans, a Dutch professor of Ophthalmology. During 1930s, Sato in Japan did some pioneering work with corneal incisions. However, it was only in the 1970s that Dr. Fyodorov brought about practical application of refractive surgery through radial keratotomy in the then Soviet Union.

In 1978, American ophthalmologists became interested in the findings of Dr. Fyodorov. After visiting him in the Soviet Union, Dr. Leo Bores brought the technology back to the United States. Since then, radial keratotomy has been performed on over two million Americans. Research into alternate forms of refractive surgery was prompted by certain limitations of radial keratotomy.

Laser Assisted Refractive Surgery

During the early 1980s, Dr. Srinivasin of the IBM research laboratories first used Excimer laser on biological tissue. This was followed up by Dr. Steven Trokel, an ophthalmologist working with Dr, Srinivasin, who introduced the idea of using laser to reshape the cornea.

The excimer laser has a record of accomplishment of safety internationally, since its introduction in 1987. In 1988, the first photorefractive keratectomy was done in Germany. Since then, more than two million people have had their vision corrected through PRK procedure in over 40 countries. Laser refractive surgery has been found to be the most effective with Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism. The success of laser refractive surgery has encouraged the development of newer laser refractive surgery procedures.

LASIK Eye Surgery is the latest in refractive eye surgeries. In comparison to PRK, in LASIK the cornea remains largely intact and the patients' vision become better more quickly. Reshaping of the cornea has been going on for 50 years, and the Excimer laser has been in use since the 1980s. The first clinical trial using the LASIK procedure was performed in 1991. LASIK uses a device known as Microkerotome - a precision surgical devise with an oscillating blade for creating a corneal flap.

The Excimer laser, unlike the conventional surgical laser beams that affect tissue by producing heat that burns it, uses a charged mixture of fluorine gases. This produces a cool beam of ultra violet light that breaks the molecular bonds and vaporizes tissue.

LASIK eye surgery has been in use for about 15 years with excellent and positive results.

Read more on LASIK Facts to help you learn facts on LASIK eye surgery. Is LASIK surgery for you? Find out more.

How To Wash Your Eyes After LASIK Surgery

2008-02-13T01:50:00.001-08:00

LASIK is an efficient and fairly innocuous procedure. It is capable of treating several refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The procedure itself entails virtually no pain and provides rapid recovery. Though the vision will be blurry immediately after surgery, visual acuity will be restored within a few days. However, it takes about 3 to 6 months for the refraction to stabilize. It is imperative that you carry out a scrupulous postoperative regime in order to boost the recovery process and avoid unnecessary complications.

Avoid rubbing your eyes for at least the first week after LASIK surgery. The corneal flap cut out during the surgery requires substantial time to heal. Unnecessary rubbing may inadvertently aggravate the wound. You should also take extreme caution to avoid soap, hair spray or shaving lotion from entering your eyes. The eye surgeon will typically provide you with a postoperative kit, which may include a set of eye shields/goggles. Wear them while you are sleeping, at least for the first three nights after surgery.

For at least a week after LASIK, prevent water from entering your eyes, since water hinders the natural clotting mechanism, and therefore might delay the healing process of the cornea. You must also cancel any swimming plans for a minimum of 10 days following LASIK. You must not wear eye makeup for at least one week after LASIK.

Contact sports are to be avoided for at least a week or so following surgery. Furthermore, it is advised that you wear some kind of protection gear for your eyes for a period of a month, even after resuming exercise and other sporting activities. Bright sunlight may lead to scarring, and therefore, sunglasses are recommended on bright days until the cornea heals.

To summarize, though you will able to resume your usual lifestyle within a week or so after LASIK surgery, it is crucial that you protect your eyes to prevent injury or infection. And since the corneal flap does not heal instantly after surgery, you must prevent washing your eyes for at least a few days after surgery.

If you find a LASIK surgery that you are confident with, you will be able to get more information about post LASIK complications.

The LASIK Surgeons Directory - find a LASIK surgery. Nicola Kennedy provides news and views and answers the question How Do I Wash My Eyes After LASIK? at Your Lasik Information.