Rick asked:


I am in the mid 20’s consider Lasik, but i heard some side effect such as had problem in night vision, should I wait few more years maybe a safer and better technology will come out? What age should do Lasik before is too late?

Edna

Patricia Woloch asked:


 

It seems no matter where you go ads for LASIK vision correction surgery are everywhere. How safe is LASIK? Can it really help you throw away your glasses forever? Here are 10 important facts you should know about LASIK before scheduling your initial eye examination:

1. You must have a thorough eye exam first.

LASIK is a profit center for some eye surgeons. It is possible to have LASIK surgery without so much as a basic eye exam. It’s crucial to have a comprehensive eye exam with a board certified ophthalmologist before allowing anyone to perform any type of LASIK procedure on your eyes.

2. LASIK is not right for everyone.

A good outcome is important to you and your surgeon. But a number of conditions may make you an unsuitable candidate for LASIK, and the only way to determine this is with a thorough examination. Some conditions that may keep you from having LASIK surgery include:

· Thin corneas

· Large pupil diameter

· Pregnancy

· Under 18

· Autoimmune disorders and other diseases

· Certain medications

3. Not all vision problems can be treated with LASIK.

LASIK does treat a number of vision problems, but if your vision problem is not caused by irregularities in your cornea shape, LASIK cannot treat it. LASIK can treat:

· Astigmatism (blurred vision)

· Nearsightedness (myopia)

· Farsightedness (hyperopia)

4. Presbyopia is not treatable with LASIK.

Presbyopia is not the same as farsightedness. Presbyopia is age related, and occurs when the eye’s lens loses flexibility, beginning at around age 40. Presbyopia usually requires reading glasses at first, but can also affects distance vision as the lens continues to harden and the eye muscles weaken. However, presbyopia has nothing to do with the shape of the cornea, and is therefore not treatable with LASIK.

5. LASIK’s excimer laser uses cool ultraviolet light.

The cool beam of ultraviolet light used in LASIK surgery cannot damage your eyesight with heat. The excimer laser literally vaporizes small pieces of your corneal tissue at a microscopic depth. During this process, any heat given off by the laser dissipates. Eye surgeons call this process ‘photoablation’.

6. Wavefront guided LASIK is more accurate than traditional LASIK

The excimer laser is incredibly precise, using a beam of light no larger than 0.5% of a human hair. Wavefront guided LASIK is even more precise than LASIK. Wavefront guided LASIK sends a beam of light into the eyes, then reflects the light back to the Wavefront system. Detailed information about the irregularities of your corneas are captured and a 3-D map is created on the doctor’s computer monitor, translated into mathematical formulas used to guide the surgeon in using the laser to correct your problem.

7. LASIK is virtually painless.

Before your eye surgeon begins your LASIK procedure, he or she will use anesthetizing eye drops to numb your eyes. He may also suggest Valium to help you relax during the procedure. Some patients are squeamish about the notion of their eyes being touched, and some have concerns about the laser being shone into their eyes. Your eye surgeon can explain why these fears are unfounded.

However, the entire procedure lasts less than 20 minutes, and you should feel no pain afterwards, but may notice a scratchy sensation that can last up to three days.

8. You can return to normal activities with caution

For a week after your surgery, you can probably return to work, but may have restrictions, including:

· No heavy lifting

· No swimming (showering is fine)

· No eye makeup

· No contact sports

You’ll also be required to wear an eye shield when sleeping to prevent you from unconsciously rubbing your eyes or putting pressure on your eyes.

9. 20/20 vision is not guaranteed

One of the misconceptions about LASIK is that it is guaranteed to give you perfect 20/20 vision. Many do achieve this, but there is no guarantee. Additionally, age-related vision issues such as presbyopia cannot be treated or affected by LASIK, so reading glasses will probably be required at some point even for those who undergo LASIK.

10. Follow Your Doctor’s Instruction to the Letter

Be sure you fully understand your doctor’s outlined postoperative eye-drop routine. These medications are crucial to corneal healing, and the final results of your LASIK procedure rely heavily on using your eye drops as directed.You’re your surgeon about post-surgical limitations on your activity, to be sure you don’t participate in any activity that could harm your healing eyes.



Marjorie

Joaquin Costa asked:


I had my Lasik Surgery last year and I found important to write an article abou it

For many of you oth there it no clear information about LASIK, LASIK can be a solution to imporve your eye sight.

LASIK is a shortened term standing for “LA ser in SI tu K eratomileusis”. This correction procedure utilizes two devices to alter the degree of near-sightedness in an eye. LASIK is usually safe, provided you are a good candidate. The success rate for LASIK averages above 95 percent for most experienced LASIK surgeons. LASIK Eye Surgery can eliminate or reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts. That’s the whole idea behind this operation, to set you free and to recover your vision.

LASIK is done most often on people who use glasses or contact lenses because of myopia (nearsightedness). It is occasionally used to correct farsightedness .

LASIK eye surgery is a safe and effective treatment that has continued to gain popularity among patients. LASIK is a surgical procedure that can reduce a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The procedure permanently changes the shape of the cornea (the delicate clear covering on the front of the eye). Lasik stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Basically what’s happening is a small flap is cut on the cornea, the clear covering of the eye.

LASIK Houston is a popular destination, but not all clinics are the same. Be sure that you’re getting what you need and want from your vision correction, and that you feel safe with a surgeon who has performed thousands of successful LASIK procedures . LASIK eye surgery may be an option for you if you have nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism. Nearsightedness occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than normal or when the cornea curves too sharply, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina and blurring distant vision. Lasik actually produces, instead of a spherical cornea, an aspherical cornea.

LASIK can be difficult to understand for some candidates . Once better educated, patients can proceed to find and contact qualified surgeons in their area by searching our directory of practices. LASIK is a surgical option for correcting your vision. It is a way to fix your eyesight, without the use of glasses or contacts, and a way for you to be able to see the world as you are supposed to see it. If you want to get a top LASIK center, you need to find one with renowned and experienced surgeons. Trust me you want to get the best doctors for your laser eye surgeries.

LASIK laser eye surgery is performed in sterile conditions. The surgeon applies anaesthetic eye drops to eliminate any pain and a small ‘clip’ is used to keep the eyelid open. LASIK technology is quickly advancing, and we strive to be on the cutting edge. It is often tempting for other San Diego LASIK surgeons to use cheaper technologies to increase their profits. Lasik is not right for everyone. By having a wide base of surgical choices for your patients you can open the door to a new value proposition.



Steve

Green Eyes asked:


I have worn contacts since the 5th grade and they are starting to dry out my eyes. I would like to get the Lasik surgery, but I want to make sure it is an option I can afford. I’m sure there is financing available.

For the record, this is in Houston, Texas. I am not interested in going elsewhere for the surgery.
Also, I need the surgery because I have astigmatism, and I’m nearsighted.
I’m 23 years old. I know, the 5th grade comment made me sound really young.

Ernest

Jennifer Henrie asked:


Most people take their vision for granted, especially if they have never suffered from poor vision. For many, there is no other option except for eye surgery. Other people choose corrective surgery because they are tired of always having to use eyeglasses. As you start looking into your eye surgery options, you will find that there are many new techniques that are used in corrective vision surgery. How do you choose the right procedure? What are the differences between LASIK surgery and the new Epi-LASIK surgery?

The Difference between LASIK and Epi-LASIK Surgery

Epi-LASIK and LASIK surgery are different procedures for corrective eye surgery. These procedures reduce or eliminate a person’s need for glasses or contact lenses. Up until recently, the usual procedure for eye corrective surgery was LASIK surgery. LASIK surgery stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, and this procedure basically changes the shape of the eye’s cornea using a laser. During the procedure, a flap is cut in the cornea, and then this flap is folded back to reveal the middle section of the cornea. The laser then changes the shape of the cornea and the flap is then replaced.

Epi-LASIK surgery is also an eye corrective procedure that has evolved from LASIK surgery. It has combined the best elements of LASIK, LASEK and PRK procedures into one. It involves the separation of the epithelial from the top of the cornea, and this eliminates the need to cut into the cornea and create a hinged flap. As opposed to LASIK surgery, Epi-LASIK combines surface based procedures that do not need the flap procedure and the advantages of LASIK surgery, which produce less pain and faster recovery.

Epi-LASIK surgery is still similar to the LASIK technique because it still involves the use of a laser beam to reshape the cornea. It appears to be more effective with people who suffer from mild forms of farsightedness, astigmatism or nearsightedness. If a patient suffers from moderate to severe myopia, then LASIK surgery is still the best option.

Why is Epi-LASIK Surgery Better Than PRK and LASIK Surgery in Some Cases?

Epi-LASIK came about because of certain complications with PRK and LASIK techniques.

• PRK created a large abrasion when removing the epithelial cells and this would cause the patient discomfort. Plus, the procedure caused some haze in the cornea which created haloes around lights. These effects lessened after six months, but were still uncomfortable during that time period.

• LASIK creates a hinged flap, which is not really painful. However, it created other problems caused by the flap, problems such as dry eyes or scratchiness.

Epi-LASIK then tries to avoid the problems associated by both procedures by combining the advantages of surface based procedures that require no flap and the advantages of LASIK that provides less pain and a faster recovery. In essence, Epi-LASIK surgery gives you a shorter visual recovery time and reduces the risk of any complications.

Who does Epi-LASIK surgery benefit?

Studies have shown that people with thin corneas benefit more from this type of surgery, because LASIK surgery requires more corneal tissue in order to create the flap, and these patients don’t have enough corneal tissue.

It is also shown to benefit people who risk having the flap dislodged. These people risk being hit in the face or the eye for any number of reasons, people like athletes or people who work in violent fields, like the military or police fields.

Who Benefits More from LASIK Surgery Rather than Epi-LASIK Surgery?

Patients who have moderate to severe myopia tend to benefit more from LASIK surgery rather than Epi-LASIK. Epi-LASIK suits people who do not have such steep corneas.



Leo

Patricia Woloch asked:


In the 1990s, in the rush to offer this miraculous new vision correction to the public, some ophthalmologists failed to screen potential patients well enough. LASIK is not safe for everybody. This was quickly realized, and screening became more careful and strict.

If a LASIK surgeon has said you are not a good candidate for LASIK, there could be various reasons for that – related to your eye health, general health, prescription stability, or expectations. But there are also various ways of doing LASIK that have been developed to correct vision for people who are not good candidates for traditional LASIK.

If you have corneas which are too thin or too steep in curvature for LASIK, you can consider Intralase, LASEK, or epi-LASIK, all of which have modified ways of creating the corneal flap. That flap is done to expose the next layer down in the cornea, the stroma, where your LASIK surgeon will direct the laser. Intralase, LASEK and epi-LASIK cut the flap more thinly so as not to weaken the cornea.

Complications vs Side Effects

Keep in mind that complications are different from side effects. A side effect is temporary and minor, although it may be annoying or uncomfortable at the time. LASIK side effects are such things as dry eyes, itching, or a scratchy feeling, which last only a few days, if you have them at all. If you tend to have dry eyes before LASIK is done, that is a disqualifying condition.

Complications are more major conditions which may require a second surgery, or more long-term treatment, and some can even give permanent trouble, but this is very rare.

Wavefront-Guided LASIK

In the early days of LASIK, before wavefront technology was developed, there was a higher rate of complications after LASIK. Wavefront technology is an extremely precise way of diagnosing the eye’s refractive error. It gathers detailed information from which it creates a 3-D map of each eye. Your LASIK doctor then bases your treatment on this information. Most LASIK surgeons now offer LASIK in this form.

Use of wavefront-guided technology gives a more precisely customized treatment for each eye – in fact each treatment is one-of-a-kind. Nobody ever has or ever will receive the same treatment that your right eye will receive. Not even your left eye. By being so exact, it prevents some of the vision distortions that used to be side effects or complications from traditional LASIK. They are things like:

• Poor night vision

• Double vision (also called ghosting)

• Halos

• Starbursts

• Glare around light sources

Potential LASIK Complications

No matter how sophisticated technology becomes, or how many LASIK techniques are developed to expand the pool of safe candidates, LASIK is still a surgery. All surgery brings a certain amount of risk. It is one of the requirements of good candidacy that you accept that fact, and are willing to take a very small risk to obtain a very large and amazing improvement in your vision.

LASIK complications are very rare, less than one percent.

• Infection beneath the corneal flap – usually prevented by antibiotic eyedrops, but sometimes a person doesn’t use them according to the LASIK surgeon’s directions

• Faulty flap healing – can often be corrected by subsequent surgery

• Corneal ectasia – can be an ongoing problem, treated as keratoconus

• Irregularities resulting from faulty flap creation – these can give you those vision distortions listed above

The best way to minimize any chance of LASIK complications is to choose a highly-trained and experienced LASIK surgeon. Choose one who screens patients very thoroughly, answers your questions clearly, has invested in a wavefront-guided LASIK system, and does not pass you off to an assistant.



Ann

Realme2008 asked:


I’m considering having Lasik done, but I’m curious as to what the average price for both eyes being done is. Anyone know?

Alexander

MiM asked:


I had the Lasik surgery a few months ago and yeah, my vision is fine and I don’t need to wear them for vision anymore but I want to wear color contacts once in a while. How long after the procedure can I wear them? I’ve heard from my doctor that if I wore contacts before the procedure I should be able to wear them again afterwards. My next appointment with him is in another 6 months so I’d like to know when I can wear them again from maybe people who’ve had experience with this.

Ella

Paul Moss asked:


Lasik surgery is a surgical technical aiming at correcting vision of people who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism. There are divergent points of view on the matter. Patients needing LASIK surgery often think that they will never eye glass or contact one day. It is obvious that more than the majority of patients undergoing LASIK surgery do present an improvement of their vision after the surgery unfortunately other patients are not that happy. Therefore some patients may still need eyeglasses or contact after the surgery. Some patients even revealed a worse vision after undergoing the surgery than before. As a rule of thumb, you should always not have high expectations of LASIK.

It is believed that Lasik will be of great help to many patients. Indeed, patients undergoing Lasik encountered an improvement factor of a minimum of 20/40 in their vision. Unfortunately, this figure is not always true as there are some cases where patients should be wary of. Therefore, before deciding to undergo LASIK surgery, you should always do a lot of research background on the subject in order to make sure that you fully understand what you are heading to.

There are some positive statistics about Lasik surgery though. A survey revealed that up to 94 percent of all Lasik patients are happy with the results and present an improvement factor of at least 20/20 after the surgery. According to the same survey, nearly all patients were suggested to undergo Lasik by their friends. The same survey shows that 25 percent of patients with problems experience during the surgery could have been sorted out with a good warming-up before the surgery actually takes place. Lasik is also believed not to vision of farsighted or nearsighted patients if they are more than forty. Twenty five percent of patients were reported to have night vision problems after the surgery. These were sorted out within a few months.

Although Lasik is one of the easiest surgeries in medicine, patients should be aware of its expectations before undergoing the surgery. For instance, it is common to see patients undergoing the surgery with no knowledge of the recovery time. The healing time, on the other hand, is quite fast, but you should not fasten your seat belt before two hours. Your doctor is very likely to advise you not to drive by a week after undergoing the surgery. Another recommendation is the inability to go to work by four days after the surgery. Although Lasik is generally a harmless surgery, some patients encounter a pain on their eye shortly after the surgery.

Furthermore, patients undergoing Lasik should look after themselves after the surgery. Meeting your doctor frequently in order to monitor the progress is an essential part of the process. Always make sure that you keep taking any drugs that were giving to you by the doctor in order to get the best result from the surgery. Your doctor should be able to give you specific advice about any drug that was recommended to you. You should also note that there may be a break in sport activities following the Lasik surgery.

Should you not fully understand risks of the Lasik surgery and have realistic expectations of it, please do not undergo the surgery. Before deciding to undergo the surgery make sure it is the right option available to you. Many patients showing poor results after the surgery were not prone to the Lasik surgery. You should discuss in depth the matter with your doctor. Do not hide any details about your eye condition over the past because these can be crucial.

Before deciding to undergo the surgery you should ask yourself this question: am I a good candidate for the Lasik procedure?

Qualifications of a good candidate for Lasik include the following:

- Women who are not pregnant due to the high number of hormone variations during pregnancy

- Significant health or eye problems. These include diabetes, hepatitis.

Briefly speaking, many patients can benefits from Lasik surgery provided they do not have high expectations beforehand. They should understand that it is not a miracle surgery and is therefore prone to some drawbacks. Lasik can help people with poor vision. Remember to double check with your doctor if you are a good candidate for Lasik before heading to the operation room.



Bertha

Timmmmmmmy asked:


Since im Joining the infantry to train as a sniper i will need good vision but unfortunately like a lot of people im slightly nearsighted and might be getting lasik to correct this But i have heard of side effects such as dry eyes etc…. i would like to know if it is worth and and are their really any bad side effects?

Jeremy