Laser eye surgery and LASIK surgery are one and the same. This is a procedure that can take less than perfect vision and make it near perfect again. There is a very high success rate with this surgery and most people that have it are able to see very well without using corrective lenses. LASIK surgery was introduced to the public in 1990 and ever since it has been very popular for those that can afford it.
Most vision problems can be corrected with laser surgery but especially the problems of hypermetropia and myopia or those that are far and near sited. When one has good vision light enters the eye by way of the natural lens. The light refracts or bends so that it hits the retina, which takes that image and focuses it so that you can see clearly. Wearing glasses makes sure that the light hits the retina in the right place so that the vision becomes clear.
An eye afflicted with myopia does not work that way. The light that goes into the eye refracts onto the cornea instead of the retina. In laser surgery the cornea is reshaped to make the focus function return to the retina. Some of the eye material in the center of the cornea is removed so that it becomes thinner and enables the light to get to the retina. In those with hypermetropia light is refracted but is not able to reach the retina. Instead of taking material out of the middle of the cornea, material from the edges is removed.
When surgery is performed pain medication is given to the patient being put directly on the cornea. Tape is used to stop the eye lids from shutting and a speculum is screwed on to make sure the eye lids never close during surgery. A cut is made in the corner to make a small flap. Then the laser moves in to remove material from the cornea. Once that is done the flap is replaced and it is all over. It only takes a few minutes to perform the procedure and the only thing the patient might feel is a bit of discomfort. The laser is automated and the perimeters are entered into it prior to surgery so there is very little chance anything can go wrong.
A person who has had the same eyesight for a long period of time is a perfect person for the surgery. Usually young people’s prescriptions change frequently so they might not be able to get the surgery. A person with a thinner than average cornea cannot have the surgery either because removing material from a thin cornea can damage it permanently. Those with the vision loss due to age called presbyopia and those with an astigmatism can have the surgery done.
Health Insurance will not support laser procedures and the patients have to pay for it themselves. There are those doctors that will take payments but most want to be paid completely up front. When you pick a doctor make sure to get one that has done this surgery time after time. A doctor that charges a cheaper price but is not experienced is not a good idea. Expect to pay anywhere from USD $1500 to $3000 for the surgery. If you find someone to do it cheaper make sure to see their policy on add on charges. You will find that every little thing will be charged and not included on the quote that was given to you to begin with. Make sure the price they request is the only thing you will have to pay for.
Laser eye surgery is major surgery and should not be taken lightly. There are many preparations that must be done such as avoid wearing contact lenses for a period of time before the surgery and eye make up must be avoided. Depending on the type of lenses you wear it could be several weeks of preparation. After surgery eye makeup needs to be avoided for a period of time and you must wear an eye guard when you sleep. Eye drops need to be administered and antibiotics taken. It might take awhile to be able to see well after surgery but in most cases vision is improved right away and about 90 percent of those that have surgery are successful at having perfect vision without the aid of glasses or contacts.
Laser eye surgery and LASIK surgery are one and the same. Lasik is major surgery and should not be taken lightly. You should check out the lasik institute where you should be able to find a reputable lasik doctor. You will make a good start by checking out the useful, free information on our website.
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February 27th, 2010
Eddie Lamb
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