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

Lina Lee asked:


Many people are talking about LASIK this and LASIK that, but you don’t understand what LASIK is? If you are wearing contact lenses or glasses, probably you might be interested in LASIK. LASIK is an acronym for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is a type of eye surgery to reshape cornea and improve your visual acuity. With LASIK eye surgery, many people have achieved better vision without having to wear glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK eye surgery uses laser beams to remove the corneal tissue without disturbing nearby cells. Before that, a hinged corneal flap is created with microkeratome blade or laser (IntraLase method) and after the underlying corneal tissue has been removed, the corneal flap is repositioned. The flap will stick to the underlying cornea on its own and heals quickly. It is a painless procedure because the LASIK surgeon will use anesthetic eye drops to numb your eye. You may feel a little uncomfortable because your eyelids are secured with a small instrument to keep your eye wide open during the LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK eye surgery has been the most popular eye surgery these days because the cornea healing with LASIK procedure is faster and less painful than other eye surgeries, such as PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy). It has been performed on more than one million people in the world. In the United States, the practice of LASIK surgery is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including the approval of all medical devices used for the procedure, especially the lasers used for LASIK. However, FDS does not have the authority to set the price for LASIK, recommend any LASIK surgeons or clinics or laser centers or provide ratings of lasers approved for the LASIK procedure.

However, not every eye problems can be treated with LASIK eye surgery. LASIK eye surgery is for people with common vision problems as follows: – Nearsightedness (myopia)

People who are near-sighted are only able to clearly see things near them and things that are far away may seem blur to them. – Farsightedness (hyperopia)

People who are far-sighted cannot see near things clearly but able to see clearly things that are far away. – Astigmatism

People with astigmatism are difficult to see things clearly at any distance because of irregularities in the cornea or the lens of the eye.

It can also treat people with a combination of above problems, such as myopia and astigmatism or hyperopia and astigmatism.

LASIK cannot correct or prevent presbyopia, which is a type of vision problem in people at the age of 40 or older. This means that if you have had LASIK surgery, you still have to wear bifocal glasses when you already have presbyopia.

So, if you are really interested in LASIK to eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, consult with your doctor to determine if you are eligible for LASIK or not and make sure you know the risks and complications that LASIK eye surgery may cause. Comprehensive eye examinations, using a number of medical equipments will be taken and a few questions will be asked before you can undergo LASIK.



Betty

Miodrag Trajkovic asked:


Let’s walk through what a client experiences when attending a Lasik center for a Wavefront Lasik procedure. The procedure itself generally only takes between five and ten minutes for each eye in total, and both eyes are done during the same procedure. The actual time to reshape the eye with the Lasik excimer laser is usually less than 15 seconds per eye.

Any person’s vision problems are generated by small “aberrations” within the eye that prevents the light from focusing objects as they should. The Lasik equipment locates and classifies these aberrations and then processes them so that the Lasik physician will correct these and allow the light to focus properly once the eye has healed.

In a Wavefront Lasik procedure, the patient stares at one point while a light is sent into the eye, which is reflected back and read by a Lasik Wavefront sensor. The distortions in this reflected light are mapped using a small computer within the Lasik system, and then this information is used to guide the laser that treats the eye.

Once the light creates the map for the eye, the Lasik surgeon has to create a small flap to access the cornea. This is done using a laser (this type of Lasik procedure is known as IntraLasik, or bladeless Lasik) or a small blade known as a microkeratome.

This flap is then opened to allow the cornea to be reshaped by the Lasik system.The excimer laser actually reshapes the cornea, which is the crucial part of the Lasik procedure. In order to determine exactly how to reshape it, the map created earlier by the Wavefront sensor is used to direct the beam of light accurately. The Lasik physician uses these precise tools to get the clearest vision results possible.

This custom Lasik procedure can not only correct such standard problems as nearsightedness, but can also address aberrations that create light halos, glare, haze, or starburst patterns. Once the Lasik physician determines that all relevant aberrations have been eliminated, he replaces the flap in its proper position, where it adheres normally and will heal naturally.

As mentioned earlier, this entire Lasik process takes between ten and fifteen minutes per eye. A patient gets a mild sedative and eye numbing drops to make the procedure both relaxing and painless. Most people notice an improvement in vision due to Lasik almost immediately.

Once the Lasik procedure is finished, you will get some eye drop medication to lubricate and protect your eyes. This medication (and the liquid in the drops themselves) may cause some blurring, and so for this reason (and to avoid any eyestrain) you should arrange for someone else to drive you home. It is also a good idea to go to sleep as soon as possible after the Lasik operation in order to promote even faster healing.

To promote optimal healing the Lasik physician often gives a plastic shield to wear over your eyes for the first night or two. Follow closely any recommendations by the Lasik physician. Do further investigation into this great new Lasik procedure, and get a clearer focus on your future!



Jeanne

Nishanth Reddy asked:


LASIK eye surgery can advantage many people who experience low to moderate vision problems. LASIK eye surgery is a quick and painless procedure, but there are some risks and complications involved with the surgery.

It is important to understand what happens before, after and during LASIK eye surgery, if you are thinking about having the surgery. It is also advantageous to have realistic expectations of the LASIK eye surgery before the procedure begins.

Most good LASIK surgeons will talk to you and fully explain the before and after procedure. Like most patients, you will probably have many questions about the LASIK eye surgery. The following are a list of frequently asked questions about the LASIK eye surgery.

Am I a good candidate for LASIK?

It depends on many factors for a person to be a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. When you make an initial appointment for LASIK eye surgery, your eye care professional will ask many questions and take a thorough health history.

Additionally, you eyes and the history of your vision problems will also be a major factor in whether or not you can have the LASIK eye surgery procedure. For people with certain health problems such as autoimmune diseases and diabetes, LASIK is generally not recommended.

A person cannot have LASIK eye surgery if he is under the age of 18. Certain degenerative eye diseases might also disqualify you from having LASIK eye surgery. Your LASIK surgeon will make a decision based on all of these factors. Those who are not good candidates for the LASIK surgery can have poor outcomes.

Are there any LASIK complications?

Yes. As with any surgery or medical procedure there are LASIK complications and risks. Most people who have the surgery do not have problems, however some people do.

Reduced low light vision is the most commonly reported side effect of the LASIK eye surgery. This can cause glowing or halos around lit objects at night. After some time the side effects of the LASIK eye surgery will disappear over a period of time.

There are some long-term LASIK complications that have been report, though they are rare. Some people could experience worse eyesight than they had before LASIK eye surgery.

Will LASIK vision correction eliminate the need for corrective lenses?

The short answer to that is maybe. Most people who have the LASIK eye surgery may still need to wear some form of glasses or contacts. This does not mean that the surgery had a poor outcome. This is normal and should be expected.

LASIK is not a means to totally correct vision problems. It is designed to enhance vision. Those who go into LASIK expecting perfect vision with an unlikely expectation should not undergo treatment.

How much is the Cost of LASIK eye surgery?

The cost of LASIK eye surgery will depend on where you live, the condition of the eyes and what kind of method is used. Those with more severe vision problems will cost a bit more. Generally, you can plan on spending at least $2000 for the LASIK procedure.

Does insurance cover the cost of LASIK eye surgery?

Because LASIK eye surgery is considered elective, most of the time, insurance plans do not cover it. Some insurance plans have extended eye care plans that help defray the costs of LASIK eye surgery.

If you insurance plan does not cover the cost of LASIK eye surgery, check with your employer. Some employers offer their employees special rates for going to a certain clinic for LASIK. Sometimes LASIK can be paid for by using a cafeteria plan.

Will I need to take time off of work after the procedure?

Yes, most patients do need to take some time off of work following the procedure. This can vary though according to the work. Most of the time patients can start back to work in two to three days, particularly for jobs that are sedentary.

It will be essential to rest the eyes after surgery, so a lot of computer work may bother the eyes after surgery. You will need to talk to your LASIK surgeon about when you can start back to work.

Does the LASIK eye surgery hurt?

The LASIK eye surgery is quick and painless for most patients. Each eye only takes a minute or two. The eye is numbed using drops and patients will stay awake the entire time.

For those who feel uncomfortable about the LASIK eye surgery, a mild sedative can be given. Most patients are able to walk out of the surgery center after the procedure is complete.



Darrell

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

Amporn Saechin asked:


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/



Jared

David A Parton asked:


With exceptional results and the ability to correct many vision impairment difficulties, lasik eye surgery is rapidly becoming one of the most popular elective surgeries. For many vision problems,Lasik eye surgery is a very common and effective treatment.

Keep reading to discover how to eliminate blurry vision with LASIK laser eye surgery

Do you curse your lousy eyesight…

When you?re driving at night?

When you’re reading the newspaper?

While looking for your lost pair of glasses?

If the answer is yes, then you must read the rest of this article…

You may find that tracking down the best eye correction solution can be a daunting task, particularly if you are looking on the internet…

What you should know… about LASIK laser eye surgery

For patients considering the LASIK laser eye surgery, it’s a good idea to compare the available options in surgical clinics and LASIK surgeons. To discover if you’re a likely candidate for LASIK laser eye surgery, make an appointment for a full eye exam with a qualified ophthalmologist.

After your eye exam – you should receive a full consultation from your doctor regarding the potential risks, benefits and alternatives of LASIK laser eye surgery

Aside from harboring realistic expectations, and being aware of the potential risks involved with LASIK eye surgery, a good candidate should have a strong desire to be free from the constraints of corrective lenses. There are some requirements that may make you ineligible as a candidate for LASIK laser eye surgery.

If you are still breast-feeding your baby or are pregnant you are not eligible to receive this procedure.

The best candidate is 18 years old or older.

If your corneas are thinner than normal you might not be an ideal candidate for LASIK laser eye surgery.

If your prescription has shown no significant changes in the last twelve months, you are a good candidate for LASIK laser eye surgery.

With the most up-to-date technology , LASIK laser eye surgery is the best choice for the relief of inadequate eyesight. It is a safe and painless technique. undergoing a LASIK laser eye surgery procedure, it is a perfectly safe and routine practice to have both of your eyes corrected on the same calendar day.

Many patient’s experience an instant improvement to their vision right after LASIK laser eye surgery. It’s possible you may not be eligible for this treatment, however, there are many other alternative methods of treatment. If you are one of the many people with far from perfect vision, LASIK laser eye surgery can be a safe and accurate way to permanently improve your eyesight.



Courtney