Sunday 10 March 2013

Main Details 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, this type of laser eye surgery eliminates the need for patients to wear glasses or contact lenses in order to see. The process is similar to PRK or photorefractive keratectomy, which is another type of corrective procedure. Both of these practice represent the advances that have been made toward treatments of refractive errors. There are some people who cannot be treated with LASIK or PRK because of thin corneas or high myopia. Phakic intraocular lens is an option for these patients. The eye doctor will determine which corrective surgery works best for your needs.

Costs of LASIK range, depending on the region, doctor and other similar factors. The average price is somewhere around a couple thousand dollars. Some surgeons specific a price per eye and others offer it as a complete package price. The amount and type of correction needed can also influence the cost. Most care providers allow patients to pay off the cost through specialized payment plans that are affordable. There are some insurance providers that will pay some of the cost.

The cornea is reshaped during the surgery. This is done to allow the light that enters the eye to be focused on the retina in the right way to allow for clear vision. The practice is mostly pain free and usually takes less than thirty minutes to complete. Results will begin to show within one day.

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 use a microkeratome or femtosecond lasers to cut a circular flap in the cornea. This thin flap is then held back so that there is access to the cornea underneath. An excimer laser is used to remove tissue. This device utilizes an ultraviolet beam that removes the extremely small parts of cornea tissue so it can be reshaped and the light, refocused. Nearsighted people need a cornea that is flattened while farsighted people need a cornea that is steep.

There are many risks of LASIK that patients should be aware of. Large pupils, halos and starbursts, dry eyes, under-correction of vision, floaters, double vision and over-correction of vision are some of the most common complications that are reported by patients. Retinal detachment, choroidal neovascularization and uveitis are less common.

LASIK eye surgery is considered a corrective procedure for eyes. It is usually done by people who suffer with astigmatism, farsightedness or nearsightedness. Individuals should do research on the procedure beforehand.




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