lundi 6 mai 2013

Main Facts Concerning LASIK Eye Surgery

By Frank Kaufmann


LASIK, or LASIK eye surgery, refers to a special kind of eye surgery using lasers. It is recognized as a refractive practice for correction of conditions such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. This is done by ophthalmologists, who are the specialists trained in eye anatomy, physiology and diseases. There are numerous things to be considered with this practice, such as success rates, cost and risks.

Generally speaking, eye laser surgery takes away the need for an individual to wear glasses or contact lenses to see. This particular process is very similar to photorefractive keratectomy, also known as PRK, which is also a corrective practice. Both of these procedures are representations of advances made in treatment of refractive issues. Some may not be eligible for these treatments because they have extreme cases of myopia or cornea that is too thin. Phakic intraocular lens may be an alternative for these individuals. Eye doctors will help patients determine which is best.

Costs of LASIK will differ based on many factors, including doctor and region. Usually this is will cost a few thousand dollars. There are some surgeons who set a price for each individual eye and there are others that offer it all in one package. The amount of work, or correction, that is necessary can also impact the total cost. In most situations, health care providers will set up payment plans that are affordable for patients. A small percentage of insurance companies may cover some of the costs.

This procedure works by reshaping the cornea, allowing the light that enters the eye to be correctly focused on the retina for clear vision. In many cases, the process is virtually pain free and can be completed in less than an hour. Results can usually be seen within 24 hours.

Prior to the surgery, a thorough eye exam will be done to ensure that the eyes of the patient are healthy enough for this type of invasive procedure. The doctor will check the thickness of the cornea, size of the pupil, refractive errors, shape of cornea and other characteristics. How moist the eye is will also factor in and precautionary treatment might be recommended to prevent dry eyes after the surgery.

The surgeon will begin by using a femtosecond or microkeratome laser to make a thin flap in the cornea. This circular flap is then folded back to access the underlying cornea and remove tissue with the excimer laser. This laser employs an ultraviolet beam to remove the small amounts of tissue from the cornea in order to reshape it and refocus the light. With nearsighted people, the objective is to flatten the cornea and farsighted people require a steeper cornea.

The risks of LASIK are worth mention. Some commonly reported complications associated with this procedure: under-correction of vision, large pupils, dry eyes, over-correction of vision, halos and starbursts from bright lighting, floaters and double vision. Less frequent complications include development of choroidal neovascularization, uveitis and retinal detachment.

LASIK eye surgery is a type of medical procedure that is done to correct the vision of the eyes. It is primarily used on people who suffer with nearsightedness, astigmatism or farsightedness. People should research the procedure before having it done.




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