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 surgery cost ranges anywhere from $499 to $2,500. The cost of Lasik is based on your surgeon’s experience and the type of Lasik surgery performed. There are options when it comes to which Lasik procedure you can choose. Your decision should rest on an appropriate surgical procedure for your eye condition, a trusted Lasik surgeon and a price you’re comfortable paying. Understand the different types of Lasik eye surgery and decide which types of Lasik surgery is best for you.

Lasik Background

Lasik is among the most popular forms of laser eye surgery. Lasik eye surgery involves a procedure to permanently reshape the cornea and elicit vision correction. A microkeratome blade is used to create a flap in the thin outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium. An excimer laser reshapes the cornea, and the flap is replaced. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and the recovery time is fairly fast. Most patients can return to normal activities the next day.

PRK as an Alternative to Lasik Surgery

PRK removes the epithelium with a metal surgical tool. The earliest form of laser eye surgery, PRK typically involves a longer recovery time, allowing for the epithelium to grow back. It can cause more discomfort than Lasik eye surgery. Results often take longer for PRK.

Though PRK involves a longer recovery process, it has been the preferred method for patients with thin corneas and large pupils. However, there are a number of newer variations to the original Lasik eye surgery. Many of these different types of Lasik surgery minimize the risk of original Lasik, and can be performed on patients with thin corneas and other eye conditions.

Lasek Surgery

Lasek is a refractive procedure that uses alcohol to separate the outer layer if the cornea, rather than a surgical blade. A laser reshapes the cornea and the epithelium is replaced. By eliminating the risk of a microkeratome blade, Lasek is an option for people with thin corneas.

Through its swift recovery process, Lasek may be a better alternative to PRK. However, Lasek is not without potential complication. The use of alcohol can cause eye irritation and inflammation.

Epi-Lasik

Epi-Lasik is similar to Lasik and Lasek, but employs a fine surgical blade, reducing the risk of a wide corneal flap. Instead of alcohol, a plastic cutting tool separates the epithelium from the eye. Epi-Lasek thereby eliminates possible irritation to the eye.

IntraLasik

IntraLasik, All-Laser Lasik, or Blade-Free Lasik very simply conducts the procedure through lasers, without the use of a microkeratome. IntraLasik is praised for precision through eliminating mistakes that can occur with a surgical blade.

While IntraLasik significantly lowers the risk associated with other refractive surgery, there are some possible complications to consider. The excimer laser is still subject to possible visual errors. A small percentage of patients have also reported issues with light sensitivity. The cost of IntraLasik can be substantially higher than other forms of Lasik surgery.

Wavefront Lasik

Wavefront Lasik is the most precise form of Lasik eye surgery. Much like IntraLasik, lasers replace blades during Wavefront Lasik. But where IntraLasik employs a freehand excimer laser, wavefront technology guides the excimer laser in Wavefront Lasik. The procedure also reduces the risk of night glare, a common complication associated with Lasik surgery. Though the most accurate, Wavefront Lasik is also the most costly among the different forms of Lasik.



Leo

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

Miodrag Trajkovic asked:


Lasik eye surgery is increasingly gaining popularity as the most preferred method for improving vision surgically. Lasik vision correction surgery can completely eliminate or at the very least significantly reduce an individual’s dependence on contact lenses or eyeglasses in order to have 20/20 vision.

Before performing a Lasik procedure the eye surgeon has to assess the patient’s compatibility and risk factor with regards to Lasik surgery. The first thing the doctor does is to get the individual’s complete health history, after which a thorough eye examination is carried out. Only after the individual has been deemed compatible for Lasik eye surgery does the doctor then discuss the various options available. Of the various techniques of Lasik vision correction surgery, using an excimer laser is the most common. This technique has been in use for vision correction surgery since 1987. The excimer laser profiles the cornea, enabling the surgeon to get the best results possible for surgery.

Lasik vision correction surgery is the best option for individuals with moderate to low vision problems. Nearsightedness as well as farsightedness can both be improved by performing Lasik surgery, which is a painless procedure and results in almost immediate vision improvement.

The outcome of Lasik eye surgery is drastically improved by the ability of profiling the cornea using the excimer laser. There are no guarantees for any surgery and Lasik surgery is no exception. While there is no guarantee that you will have perfect vision after undergoing the surgery, there is an estimated 90% success rate. A hundred percent successful Lasik eye surgery does away with the need for any other kind of corrective lenses. But this is not always the case with everybody. Some patients would still require corrective lenses even after undergoing Lasik surgery.

Lasik eye surgery involves creating an extremely thin, circular flap in the outer layer of the cornea. This is done by an instrument called a microkreatome. The microkreatome performs the same functions as an excimer, but the excimer has been found to be more precise and has a higher rate of success. After cutting the flap, the cornea is then profiles. What this means is that the flap is folded out of the way and the surgeon proceeds to remove corneal tissue with the help of the excimer. The excimer laser removes tiny pieces of corneal tissue at a time using cool ultraviolet rays. How much tissue needs to be removed depends on the severity of the existing vision problem. Sometimes removing just a very tiny amount of tissue is necessary to correct the patient’s vision.

After removing the necessary amount of corneal tissue, the cornea needs to be re-shaped in order for it to focus better. After this is done the Lasik surgeon then places the flap back over the area. The entire Lasik corrective eye surgery takes about one to two minutes. If Lasik surgery is required in both eyes, the doctor waits a while after performing Lasik on the first eye before proceeding on to the second eye. Some patients may prefer not to have both eyes operated on at the same time. They may prefer to wait a few weeks for the first eye to heal before having Lasik on the second eye.

Using an excimer laser to profile the cornea has many advantages. It has an extremely high accuracy level and produces better surgical outcomes. The excimer laser is fitted with a control unit that controls the intensity and movement of the laser beam. Often there are uncontrollable eye movements that occur during surgery. The laser beam is trained to stay at the right side of the eye even if there is a slight eye movement. This gives the Lasik surgeon full control during surgery and can positively influence the outcome of the surgery.

The benefits of Lasik vision correction surgery and its high success rate far outweigh the low risks and discomfort associated with this surgery.



Joseph

Patricia Woloch asked:


LASIK. A word bandied about for years now. While most people know that it means going from wearing glasses or contacts to not wearing glasses or contacts, most people don’t really know what LASIK is.

LASIK is an acronym that stands for Laser Assisted In situ Keratomileusis. Basically, it is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea (the clear cover on the front of the eye) using an excimer laser.

An excimer laser is an ultraviolet laser that is used in refractive surgery to remove corneal tissue.

Wow. This is still just really too scientific. Let’s try to put it in layman’s terms, shall we?

LASIK surgery changes the way light is refracted or bent through your cornea so you can see more clearly and, almost always, without the use of glasses or contacts.

The actual procedure is pretty short and simple. To begin with, you relax in a reclining chair while numbing drops are put in your eyes. Once the drops have taken effect, a special device is used to gently hold your eyes open so you don’t blink during the procedure. Next, the LASIK surgeon cuts a small flap from the top of the cornea.

All the information you and your doctor discussed prior to your exam was entered into a computer connected to the excimer laser. That customized program is used as the laser quickly reshapes your cornea. Once that’s done, the LASIK surgeon puts the flap back down so it can seal and heal all by itself. No stitches required. And that’s it. From start to finish, the entire process only takes about 15 minutes per eye.

The morning after your LASIK procedure, you will probably be at about 90% for improved vision and you can go to work if you want to. The other 10% improvement will happen over the following two to three weeks, as the eye recovers from being worked on.

LASIK surgery has helped lots of people with truly poor vision see clearly again. Instead of having to grab your glasses before you are even able to get out of bed and walk around each morning, you may very well be able to open your eyes and see clearly all by yourself.

If you wear glasses or contacts, you owe it to yourself to find out how LASIK surgery can improve your view of Indianapolis every day. Besides, think how great it would be to buy lots of cool sunglasses right off the rack instead of having to change from sun to regular every time you go outside.



Ruben

Keion Moradi asked:


Medical advancement has improved the precision and safety of traditional Lasik. It has also made room for other forms of Lasik. Patients who find they do not meet the ideal standards as a candidate for Lasik have other options. Lasik eye surgery can now accommodate a variety of needs for vision correction. Learn about how to improve your night vision with Lasik.

Traditional Lasik

Lasik is the preferred procedure for many Americans with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. An outpatient procedure that usually takes about 15 minutes, Lasik is performed with a microkeratome blade. The laser eye surgeon creates a flap in the outermost corneal layer. An excimer laser reshapes the cornea, and the flap is then replaced as a natural bandage.

Low Order Aberrations Vs. High Order Aberrations

Lasik is a simple procedure, but many patients have vision correction needs that traditional Lasik is not designed to address. Traditional Lasik is most beneficial to patients with low-order aberrations. Refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism are low-order aberrations that can be corrected with traditional Lasik.

Improve Night Vision With Custom Lasik Surgery

Custom Lasik addresses not only low-order aberrations, but also more complex, difficult-to-detect aberrations. Patients with large pupils, low contrast sensitivity and thin corneas may be able to improve night vision through Custom Lasik. Low-contrast sensitivity is a high order aberration which makes it difficult to see an object against a low-contrast background. People with large pupils are not only prone to poor night vision, but traditional Lasik can also worsen the aberration.

Custom Lasik, Custom Results

Custom Lasik uses wavefront technology to pinpoint refractive errors that are undetectable through traditional Lasik. Wavefront technology creates three-dimensional chart of the cornea, measuring how your eye focuses light. Custom Lasik corrects visual acuity, as well as, visual quality. Lasers guided through wavefront technology are more precise and individualized for each patient.

Custom Lasik may also be the best option for patients with previous laser eye surgery. Custom Lasik can be the answer for correcting past laser eye surgery, with unsuccessful results. Patients who experience complications from traditional Lasik, such as light sensitivity, night glare and halos, may find relief through Custom Lasik.

Lasik Cost

The cost of Lasik surgery can range anywhere from $499 to $2,500. Cost is determined based on the type of Lasik surgery and the condition of your eyes. When making a decision about which type of laser eye surgery will work best with your needs and budget, keep in mind any conditions that may increase the risk of postoperative complications associated with traditional Lasik. Custom Lasik is the most expensive for of Lasik surgery, but may also prevent the need for additional surgeries. If you’re looking specifically to improve night vision, Custom Lasik may be the best route to take.

Because Lasik is considered an elective procedure, most insurance companies will not cover the cost. However, there are many financing options available. Your Lasik surgeon may provide a payment plan. He or she may also work with a few financial institutions. In this case, you may be able to take care of the application process directly at the doctor’s office.



Nicole

Charles Moore asked:


Most people are likely familiar with the term “LASIK,” understanding it to be a form of eye surgery; however, many may not know what the acronym “LASIK” stands for, exactly what type of eye surgery it is, which techniques it involves, if this procedure is right for them, and how to find a LASIK clinic.

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, which actually translates to (and involves) reshaping the inside of the cornea – the clear “dome” that covers the eyeball – using a laser. Ophthalmologists, who are medical specialists and surgeons specifically trained to perform eye operations, perform this form of refractive laser eye surgery on individuals to treat a number of different eye-related medical conditions’ astigmatism (when an irregularly shaped cornea affects the vision), myopia (”near-sightedness”), and hyperopia (”far-sightedness”), as well as to provide an alternative to wearing corrective eye glasses or contact lenses.

But what does LASIK actually do? Basically, this surgery involves intricate procedures that change the cornea’s shape permanently, allowing it to better and much more accurately refocus light rays on the retina, thus enhancing and improving overall vision in the afflicted eye (or eyes).

A highly specialized device, called the excimer laser, is used for reshaping the cornea. Other devices commonly used include the microkeratome (a special knife that cuts a flap into the cornea) and a hinge, which is left at one end of the flap. Specific techniques and procedures can vary, depending on the LASIK surgery services and the particular surgeon performing the operation.

Not sure if you need or qualify for LASIK? Houston, Texas offers guidance through its private practices, clinics, and LASIK surgeons to help you determine whether or not this type of eye surgery is right for you. Not everyone with eye troubles needs or should undergo this intricate surgical procedure, but if you are near-sighted, far-sighted, have astigmatism, or would like to once-and-for-all get rid of your glasses or contact lenses, then LASIK is probably a good fit for you.

Whatever your eye troubles or problems, if you are considering LASIK, this city is home to a number of public and private practices either offering or dedicated to providing laser vision-correction services. While there are a number of LASIK Houston options for you, consider seeking out the services of a private practice or clinic that is dedicated to LASIK surgery and other laser vision-correction procedures and operations. This means that the medical specialists who work there specialize in eye-correction surgeries, including LASIK or, better yet, they may specialize in practicing LASIK surgery only. In this way, you can be assured you are receiving top-quality care from surgeons who not only know what they’re doing, but are highly trained, skilled, and experienced in LASIK surgery.

Besides specialization in LASIK surgery, there are other factors to consider when choosing a clinic or a specific LASIK Houston surgeon. You’ll want to find out what kind of equipment they use, what type of specific procedures and techniques they use, how long they’ve been in business, as well as the costs involved.

Ideally, you’ll want to choose to have the procedure done where they use only the latest, high-end, most technologically sophisticated diagnostic equipment, which helps surgeons to determine exactly how to reshape the cornea and how much of the cornea actually needs reshaping. Further, it’s best if you select a surgeon or LASIK surgery clinic in Houston that utilizes the best and latest technology to improve upon LASIK techniques and procedures for the actual operation. The latest technology available for this type of eye surgery is the highly advanced WaveLight Allegretto Excimer Laser System, officially named the “ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q Laser System.”

A good laser eye-surgery clinic will also work to match each patient with the right technique or procedure for LASIK surgery, since every patient has different needs. This individualization ensures that every LASIK patient receives the proper attention and care and receives the best possible outcome after the operation. Finally, make sure to check out how long a clinic has been in business, the qualifications of the LASIK surgeons, and how much the surgery is going to cost you.

Not sure how to find the right (or the best) LASIK services or surgeon? Check around locally in Houston, whether you live right in the city or close by, or head online to find out what’s available, and then research and compare each option thoroughly before making your decision so you can be sure you’ll be receiving the best LASIK Houston care possible for your vision correction.



Ella