I’m 14 at the moment but my eyes are already failing me. The prescription for my left eye is -9.00 and for my right eye it is -9.25. I have astigmatism in both eyes and they’ve been getting worse yearly, will I be able to get LASIK when I’m old enough to?
Usually the cut-off for LASIK candidates is about 21-22 years of age,so you’ve got some time before you’re even considered. Your eyes are still developing and will continue to until you are 18.
Many people have heard the term LASIK but do not know what it stands for. The proper interpretation is Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis The procedure reshapes the cornea which is permanent by using a laser to do the surgery. The procedure is carried out by an ophthalmologist, with the aid of sophisticated computer-controlled equipment.
How the Surgery Works. Before you decide that LASIK surgery is right for you, make sure that you know all the facts, and how they might affect you. Before committing to the surgery patients should look into what lasik is and what it can do for vision. Lasik eye surgery has been big news on the vision front. If you are contemplating LASIK eye surgery, you are not alone. This surgery can help to eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.
If you’re like many you were just born with blurred vision, and have had to deal with the hassles of glasses or contacts for a time that is too long to remember. Although nearsightedness can be easily fixed with glasses or contact lenses (when not too severe), many people don’t like to hassle with either one. LASIK laser eye surgery helps with the shaping of the cornea; once the cornea is re-shaped it will help in the reliance of wearing contacts or glasses.
Many people get the corrective surgery because they just don’t want to wear glasses or contacts anymore, many people have been wearing them their whole lives. As an instance of Snellen measurement, people with 20/40 vision can see clearly at 20 feet what people with 20/20 vision can see clearly at 40 feet.
It is gravely necessary to choose the best surgeon available. Experience is what counts the most, so choose a surgeon with plentiful experience. If so, then you need to be sure that you know how to pick the right surgeon for you and what to expect during your surgery. You can easily negotiate with your surgeon about spreading the costs over a specific period.
Before you can get the surgery you will need to go for a surgical consultation, they will measure your eyes take pictures to make sure you are suited for the surgery, if everything checks out ok the doctor will let you know if you are a candidate for surgery.
LASIK is performed by placing a ring over the cornea, this will be an applied using high pressure to lift the cornea off the eye, and this may feel slightly painful. These tests are designed to let the surgeon know how much work the cornea needs to have done. lasik eye surgery involves cutting a flap of the corneal tissue with a hinge being left at one end of the flap. Since the risk is great after surgery the patient must go home and wear the eye patches and not touch the eyes, if the flap of the eye moves before healing the can give way to infection or not seeing clearly.
Before going for LASIK, have your surgeon explain to you what these risks are. There are both benefits and risks to this surgery, and you should be aware of all of them before you decide to have the treatment. You should also know the risks as well as the costs of the procedures. When getting surgery there is always risks and benefits, make sure you read up on the procedures and do research so you understand what is about to happen and how it will affect your eyesight.
The cost depends on several factors and varies from one provider to another. The cost of LASIK continues to come down in price.
David Fishman
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/lasik-allows-you-to-see-with-out-contacts-128682.html
The average cost of lasik eye surgery can vary quite significantly from provider to provider and it’s imperative that prospective patients do some necessary due diligence before making any undertaking to have the procedure performed.
The average cost has been rising steadily during the past few years due mainly to new technologies and procedures such as custom lasik.
Did You Know?
Intralase is a new procedure introduced recently which uses a laser rather than a metal blade used in traditional laser methods. There are two lasers used in this procedure; one to create the flap and the excimer laser which removes abnormal growth.
Cost Factors To Consider
Recently, a close pal of mine who had been considering lasik eye surgery for some time took the plunge and had the procedure performed. The result: an extremely happy patient who after weeks of due diligence and homework now regrets not having had the surgery performed earlier. It set him back close to $3000 Australian dollars but in his own words…”it was money well spent!”
So how much can you expect to pay? Well, this depends on the amount of correction and follow up treatment required per eye. You see, it’s well and good to get excited about an ad advertising lasik at under $500 per eye but you need to consider several factors. The price advertised is more than likely for less intensive treatment and if this applies to you then all well and good. However, what most people find is the price they originally see advertised is a far cry from the quote they are finally given simply because they haven’t factored in the amount of correction required and in some instances, this can be extensive.
During 2002, the average cost of lasik eye surgery was about $US1500 but by the end of 2005, it had risen to just under $US2000. In 2006 and beyond, well, I’ve given you an example of $AUS3000 which equates under current currency conversions to about $US2300.
Testing And Screening Before Treatment Is Very Important
A common dilemma for prospective lasik patients is the great variance in fees and this comes down to pre-operative testing. This is something you must consider. Why? Well, in my friend’s case, he opted for proper screening before he agreed to have his surgery performed. He reasoned that this was a sensible way to avoid any unnecessary complications and it also ascertained whether he was a proper lasik candidate. If he had gone ahead with the procedure without the proper pre-operative test then it could have presented problems.
It must be remembered that while lasik has been a “god-send” in the world of eye surgery to millions around the world there are still those unsuitable for treatment because of a pre-existing condition.
There is one very simple way around this: get screened beforehand. Talk it over with your surgeon. Lasik is a time efficient procedure but people must remember it is still a complex one. “Cover all bases” before you commit to it.
Dean Caporella
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-much-would-you-pay-for-lasik-eye-surgery-57289.html
Laser eye surgery cost varies from clinic to clinic and country to country with the one constant being that patients are generally quoted per eye. If you have been tempted to “take the plunge” but are not sure of the cost involved, then it’s advisable to get a wide cross-section of quotes from different providers.
Average Eye Surgery Costs
Laser eye surgery cost has risen steadily during the past four years. From an average cost of $1500 in 2002, prices now hover around the $2000 mark and beyond. If you have noticed cheaper quotes, under $1000, then it would be wise to check the fine print before you sign on the dotted line. Only a small percentage of providers are offering these low cost prices and in most cases, there are hidden costs or factors involved.
Costs for some of the common eye surgery procedures have risen considerably in the last few years. Common procedures such as corneal inserts and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) will set you back as much as $4000 and $2000 respectively depending on the circumstances.
What To Be Wary Of
Be wary of advertisements offering low cost eye surgery. Generally, this is a sales tactic to attract patients who then have to satisfy certain terms and conditions to qualify for the price on offer. If you answer one of these advertisements make sure you ask questions such as:
– What are the eligibility requirements to qualify for the price on offer? – Is there a fee involved for the consultation? – What sort of after care maintenance will be required and what will it cost?
It’s a little like buying a car. You are attracted by the super low price being offered yet, when you go into the sales room, you discover there are other costs involved like stamp duty, dealer delivery, insurance etc. You get the picture. Just be aware of this because it will save you unnecessary stress when the final bill is presented to you after the procedure!
How To Choose A Surgeon
Choosing a surgeon takes a little skill as well. Again, asking a lot of questions will help you cover your bases. Remember, it’s your eyes we’re talking about here so there is little margin for error. Reputation counts for a lot in any field and it is no different with laser eye surgery.
During the consultation process, you’ll get a feel for both the surgeon’s integrity and that of his staff. Ask for references from former patients if possible. The consultation process itself should be thorough and at the end of it, you should have a complete understanding of the level of surgery required in your case. Not everyone is a good laser eye surgery candidate and this is the one thing you must get established. If you feel the consultation process was inadequate and rushed and your questions were unanswered, then it might be a good idea to look elsewhere.
Laser eye surgery cost is generally affordable for most people. Despite what appear to be high costs, being offered a payment plan that you can afford over an extended period of time and works for you and your surgeon is the ideal scenario. This should be another vote of confidence in your chosen surgeon who is willing to help make it work for you rather than being pressured with unsavoury sales tactics.
Dean Caporella
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/how-to-make-laser-eye-surgery-cost-work-for-you-72123.html
I am 16, and on each eye i have -3.00 im scared that it will get worse and that it will be to bad before i get lasik, please help, how bad can the eyes get before i cant have lasik.?.?
First off, no honest LASIK surgeon is going to imply that you’ll be able to throw away your glasses. After complaints from dissatisfied and disappointed patients, the FDA actually issued an advisory warned surgeons that they should not over-promise results, and advertise LASIK as a means to REDUCE dependence on glasses and contacts, not eliminate them. Fact is, eyes change throughout your entire life, so don’t think of LASIK as a magic wand that will fix all that bothers you.
As far as age, most surgeons in the US don’t do LASIK on anyone under 21 (possibly waivered down to 18), because it’s considered optional cosmetic surgery; in the unlikely event there’s a bad outcome (like a sight-threatening infection, etc), both the surgeon and your parents would be suitable targets for a lawsuit! Why? Minors generally cannot give informed consent, esp. for optional surgeries that might result in harm.
-3.00? That’s still considered pretty low, in the spectrum of myopia, and it’s rather unlikely you’d suddenly ramp up to high myopia at 16. Guess I’m saying that the extremely high myopes who are not good candidates for LASIK are typically -3.00 by age of 4.
BTW, LASIK is not the only surgical option nowadays: we also have stuff like implantable contact lenses, etc. should you not be a good candidate for LASIK (e.g. eyes too thin, etc).
Rocky Thompson, a PGA Pro Golfer, trusted Dr. William Boothe and the team at Boothe Eye Care and Laser Center with this LASIK surgery. To learn more about Dr. Boothe, visit http://www.boothelasercenter.com
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