Keion Moradi asked:


Lasik has helped millions of patients with refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Lasik surgery is famed for a quick procedure with minimal recovery and direct results. Vision results vary depending on the patient. Discover more about what you can expect from Lasik.

Lasik Surgery

The procedure is performed by creating a flap in the outermost layer of the cornea with a microkeratome blade. The Lasik surgeon then uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. The flap is replaced and serves as a natural bandage.

Your Responsibility During Lasik Recovery

The best Lasik surgery results are achieved through a healthy patient and a qualified Lasik surgeon. But success during the healing period also depends on you. Following postoperative instructions are essential to a quick Lasik recovery.

Schedule a Follow Up Exam After Lasik

In addition to abiding by instructions from your laser eye surgeon, you must also schedule follow up exams. The first follow up should take place one to two days after surgery. The surgeon will monitor the success of the procedure, and check the healing process, as well. This is an opportunity to address any concerns you may have.

Vision Results After Lasik

Vision results and healing period varies from patient to patient. As a guideline, you should notice visual improvement the first day. You can expect blurred vision directly after surgery, as well as halos, starbursts and sensitivity to light. But most Lasik patients report a 90 percent improvement within 24 hours after surgery. Many patients can see without glasses or contacts the day after Lasik. Vision will continue to improve during the first few weeks.

Lasik Healing Period

You may experience some discomfort during the first day or two after Lasik surgery. Common symptoms are burning and irritation. For the first three weeks after Lasik, do not rub your eyes under any circumstances. Rubbing your eyes during early recovery can disrupt the corneal flap.

As part of the recovery process, your Lasik surgeon will prescribe artificial tears, steroid drops and antibiotic drops. Eye drops promote healing and prevent infection. If you experience complications with dry eyes, you may need to administer artificial tears for the first three weeks.

Most vision related side effects subside within a few days following surgery. However, full recovery can take some time. Your eyes may take up to six months to fully adjust to Lasik surgery. Taking care of your eyes as directed by the Lasik surgeon aids the process.

You’re vision may continue to improve following Lasik surgery. But you may also experience periods of vision fluctuation. This is a common occurrence. Visual acuity is immediate, but visual clarity may take some time. During the healing period, you will notice your eyes slowly regaining contrast sensitivity, a term used to describe contrast sharpness between and object and the background.

Schedule a Lasik Screening



Wayne

Keion Moradi asked:


Lasik can be the answer for many patients with vision problems. As medical advancement paves the way to safer, more precise procedures, laser eye surgery is becoming the preferred choice for vision correction. However, Lasik surgery is not for everyone. Learn more and determine if Lasik is right for you.

Patients who are nearsighted, farsighted or suffer from astigmatism may be appropriate candidates for Lasik. Depending on your overall health, the condition of your eyes and vision correction needs, an alternative laser eye surgery may be more appropriate. In order to determine if Lasik is right for you, schedule a Lasik prescreening exam with an experienced laser eye surgeon.

Risks, Responsibility and Lasik Surgery

Lasik, as with all surgical procedures, carries an unavoidable level of risk. Results vary for each patient and may not last. There is a chance that your Lasik surgery may result in over-correction or under-correction. Additional procedures, if applicable, may be required.

However, there are ways to significantly reduce the risk. Following preoperative and postoperative instructions from your Lasik surgeon is an essential part of your success. The doctor can make an accurate evaluation of your candidacy for Lasik during the screening process.

Your Profession and Lasik Surgery

With Lasik success rates continually improving, many careers and services that previously prohibited laser eye surgery are starting to come around. Pilots and members of the military may now qualify for Lasik. You must first check with your service or employer regarding any restrictions and conditions against laser eye surgery.

Refractive Instability and Lasik Surgery

Patients who experience refractive instability may need to postpone laser eye surgery until vision has stabilized. Common conditions that cause vision to fluctuate are Diabetes, pregnancy and nursing. If you are planning to conceive, wait at least six months after Lasik surgery.

Age is another determinant for refractive instability. You must also be at least 18 and without changes to your prescription for at least 12 months. Certain medications can also cause vision to fluctuate. Discuss all medications, including over the counter drugs and vitamin supplements with your Lasik surgeon.

The Health of Your Eyes and Lasik Surgery

As part of the screening, the Lasik surgeon will give you a thorough medical eye exam. Any eye conditions that may aggravate and prolong recovery will be evaluated carefully. The doctor will check for conditions such as dry eyes, conjunctivitis and allergies. You may need to wait until symptoms subside prior to laser eye surgery.

There are certain eye conditions that may disqualify you from Lasik altogether. Glaucoma, Keratonusus and cataracts may not be appropriate for Lasik. In this case, your laser eye surgeon can provide other alternatives to Lasik.

Lasik may not be appropriate for patients with thin corneas. The use of a microkeratome blade during Lasik can cause complications for patients with insufficient cornea thickness. Also, patients with large pupils may be at risk for problems with night vision and sensitivity to light after Lasik. If symptoms do not subside after six months, corrective surgery may be necessary.

Your Medical History and Lasik

In addition to evaluating the heath of your eyes, the surgeon will examine your overall health. Any conditions that lower immunity, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, HIV and other immunodeficiency states can be a serious hindrance to the healing period. Medications like steroids and retinoic acids also affect immunity.



Arlene

Keion Moradi asked:


Lasik is a popular laser eye surgery that has helped millions of patients with vision correction. Patients who are farsighted, nearsighted or suffer from astigmatism may be able to reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eye wear. But not every patient is right for Lasik. There are criteria that must be met in order to qualify. Learn more about what makes a poor candidate for Lasik eye surgery and schedule a consultation with your doctor.

What is Lasik Eye Surgery?

Lasik is a laser eye surgery conducted in an outpatient facility. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and involves a nominal recovery time. Since inception, Lasik eye surgery has seen many improvements. But even with medical advancement and increased precision, Lasik, as with all surgical procedures, still occupies a degree of risk.

Lasik eye surgery results are different for each patient. Due to the eye’s changing nature with age, results may not last. Additional procedures if applicable, may be necessary. Patients over 40 will likely need to continue wearing reading glasses.

Your Responsibility as a Candidate for Lasik Eye Surgery

The risks associated with Lasik can be substantially reduced. Doing your part by following post-operative instructions can improve your outcome. The doctor can appropriately judge your candidacy for Lasik eye surgery.

Lasik Surgery and Your Health

The doctor will examine the condition of your eyes as part of the screening process for Lasik surgery. Large pupils under dim light may indicate poor candidacy for Lasik. Certain medications may affect the size of your pupils. This condition indicates a risk for complicates such as glare, halos and double vision.

The doctor will also check the thickness of your corneas. Patients with thin corneas should not have Lasik. Lasik is performed by creating a flap in the outermost layer of the cornea. When the cornea is too thin, it can cause serious complications, including blindness. Among other eye conditions that may enhance the risk of Lasik eye surgery are inflammation, dry eyes and crusting of the eyelids.

Patients who experience refractive instability should wait to have Lasik eye surgery. Refractive stability, or vision fluctuation is common among patients with diabetes, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You must be at least 18 and have no recent vision prescription changes in order to qualify for Lasik surgery.

Medical conditions that weaken the immune system should be discussed with your doctor. Conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, HIV or other immunodeficiency states, can compromise the Lasik surgery recovery process. Certain medications can also affect the immune system. Be sure to inform your doctor if you are taking steroids, retinoic acids, or any other medications.

Certain professions may limit your candidacy for Lasik. Check with your superior regarding restrictions on laser eye surgery. Certain contact sports may also curb your ability to have Lasik.

The Cost of Lasik Eye Surgery

The cost of laser eye surgery can range from $499 to $2500 per eye. Lasik is considered an elective surgical procedure. As a result, you may not receive coverage through an insurance policy. There are a number of financing options available. Inquire with you’re your Lasik surgeon about possible financing alternatives.



Paul

Roof asked:


I’ve been wanting lasik eye surgery for a long while now coz I’m so sick of contacts and glasses. Is there monthly payments or payment in full? And will getting lasik get rid of astigmatism, or lazy eyes as well??

Joann

marissa g asked:


so i have an astigmatism in my right eye, and my sight is jacked up in that one eye. i have a hard time with putting in contacts, idky, and i was wondering about lasik.
does anyone know how much it costs? and if getting the laser kind is some kind of hassel compared to getting the one were they cut your eye with a knife(which is never going to happen to my eye)? and isnt there something different if your dealing with an astigmatism?

Glen

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

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

Carson Danfield asked:


LASIK eye surgery is a medical procedure that can correct your vision by altering the physical properties of your eye. Unlike traditional surgical procedures that depend upon the skills and steadiness of the surgeon’s hand, LASIK eye surgery is computer controlled.

The more progressive LASIK surgery centers perform in-depth analysis of your eyes as an evaluation procedure to determine if you’re a good candidate for the LASIK procedure. The evaluation process, which is largely controlled by computer itself, maps the overall physical makeup of each eye. A traditional eye exam determines your visual abilities and then an exhaustive computer analysis determines if your eyes can be enhanced by the LASIK procedure.

In addition to determining whether or not you’re a good candidate for LASIK, the procedure also records quite a bit of data that’s specific to your eyes. If you choose to proceed with the LASIK surgery, this data is used to program the computer controlled LASIK equipment to insure that your eyes are modified exactly in the proper manner so as to provide maximum benefit.

How Your Eyes Work

The cornea of the eye is responsible for projecting light onto the retina in order to produce an image. When the cornea is not shaped properly, distortion of the image will occur. This is called a refractive error. LASIK eye surgery can correct refractive errors.

There are three primary types of refractive errors -

1) Myopia is a refractive error in which a person has trouble seeing things at a distance, but they can see things that are close up.

2) Hyperopia is when a person will be able to see things clearly at a distance but cannot see things that are close to them.

3) Astigmatism is the distortion of images caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea.

LASIK eye surgery is also called refractive surgery because it will reshape the cornea, therefore improving the ability to focus clearly.

Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. To be a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery, you have to be willing to accepts the risks that go along with this type of surgery. Your eyesight should be stable, meaning that it hasn’t changed appreciably over the past several years. Also, you shouldn’t have any existing health conditions that would put you at risk while having LASIK eye surgery.

Risks of LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery does carry some risks, such as loss of vision. In some extremely rare cases, the patient may lose vision due to equipment malfunction, scarring or healing related complications.

One common risk of LASIK eye surgery is that any dry eye condition that is experienced right after surgery may hamper the healing process. Signs of dryness are burning, redness and decreased vision. If this dry eye condition persists, you may have to medicate to improve tear duct function and use artificial tears to maintain the proper level of moisture. You must keep your eyes moist after LASIK surgery in order to promote healing.

Things to do Before LASIK Surgery

If you wear contact lenses, either soft contacts or rigid contacts, you should stop wearing your contacts at least three weeks before your initial evaluation by the doctor. On the day of surgery, you shouldn’t wear makeup or perfumes. Also, don’t wear any fuzzy clothing that is likely to disperse lint.

Make sure that someone goes with you on the day of surgery, since you’ll need someone to drive you home after the LASIK procedure. Before the surgery, the doctor may give you medicine to relax you and your vision may be a little blurry immediately following surgery. Also, special eye drops are administered prior to the procedure which can cause additional, but temporary blurriness.

LASIK eye surgery is relatively safe and it can free you from glasses and contacts. Before you commit to LASIK surgery, make sure that you consider all the advantages and disadvantages of having the procedure. Ask the doctor lots of questions so that you can make an informed decision about whether LASIK eye surgery is the right choice for you.



Christina

Arvind asked:


With the advancement in technology, this defect can completely be removed from the eyes and you can live to fulfill the desire. The technology is LASIK or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK are performed by LASIK eye surgeon to remove vision defects hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism.

Selection of a proper LASIK eye institute is the first thing that the patient should consider before opting for a LASIK eye surgery. Patients, who chooses LASIK plus vision center for their LASIK surgery are always satisfied. LASIK plus vision center provides the latest technology and the most advanced equipments that help the patient to achieve the best vision. LASIK plus vision centers have the best surgeon with excellent expertise, proven skills and updated with leading laser eye technology.

LASIK plus vision center only allows people who are above the age of 18 having no infection in the corneal region of the eye to have LASIK surgery. LASIK Plus vision center uses excimer lasers that has almost no side effects and offers no pain while operating. The patients are given proper routine by the LASIK eye surgeon to follow during the post-LASIK treatment. LASIK Plus vision center do not ensure a 20/20 vision. However, the vision ability improves.

LASIK New Jersey provided by LASIK plus vision center in New Jersey rewards their patient with progressive LASIK technology along with proper care to the patient. LASIK surgery at LASIK plus vision center is affordable, competitive and can even be financed by private firms. Simultaneously, LASIK surgery saves the patient from having major expenditure in buying a new pair of fancy glasses or a pair of trendy lens.

However, pregnant women and kids below 18 years of age are not eligible for the Lasik treatment. And for the candidates going for the Lasik treatment, to ensure whether they will get successful results, an eye exam is conducted before the surgery. The candidates, wearing soft contact lenses, who opt for the Lasik treatment, are advised to stop wearing them for 10-15 days before the surgery and the ones with hard contact lenses, are asked to stop wearing them for a minimum of six weeks.

LASIK eye surgeons have performed more than 720,000 successful LASIK surgeries in LASIK Plus Vision Center around the nation. The effects of a successful LASIK Plus surgery stay for more than 15 years. After performing LASIK surgery, the patients receive a new look along with the new desire to achieve their goals.



Yolanda