LASIK, How It Works, Cost, Risks…CLICK to Discover

Glasses No More via Wikipedia

For people with myopic eyesight, the mere prospect of having a perfect vision is certainly a dream come true. People with short sightedness problems would have probably at some time or other wondered about the benefits of having a lasik laser eye surgery to correct their vision.

Since the advent of lasik laser eye surgery, this dream is now a reality for millions of people all over the developed world. This article raises some dangers and side effects of this surgical procedure.

In the original version of the laser eye surgical procedure, the PRK, which is an acronym for photorefractive keratectomy, involves the complete removal of the cornea’s outer layer to operate underneath it and later let it to grow back on its own.

However, with the lasik surgical procedure or laser in situ keratomileusis, eye surgeons can now peel back the cornea surface to operate underneath it and then return the cornea to its original position.

Now, the bad news about the surgery is that there can be some side effects and complications just like in any other surgeries. Some people who have had lasik eye surgery done have found that not only did their vision had not improved, but are seriously damaged by the eye surgery.

The surgery permanently changes the physiology and optics of the eyes. Therefore potential eye surgery patients should always be aware of the risk-benefit ratio and whether is it worth to risk the dangers and side effects to the eyes. The benefits are that you can do away with glasses or contact lenses, probably permanently. However, the risk of permanent damage to your vision can be palpable and alarming.

In a ‘Review of Optometry’ report, up to one in six patients who undergo lasik laser eye surgery end up with complications and side effects. This ratio is indeed alarming.

Complications and side effects arising from the lasik eye surgery include distortion of vision, such as irregular astigmatism, which cannot be corrected by eye glasses. Others experienced deterioration in the quality of their vision or very bad dry-eye side effects. Some very unfortunate patients have reported having double vision or even triple vision arising from a lasik laser eye surgery.

For patients who do not suffer any side effects, it is certainly an undoubted positive life changing experience. For example, Richard Branson of the Virgin fame or notoriety, is a huge fan of lasik laser eye surgery as the surgery has transformed him from being ‘blind as a bat’ to having an almost perfect vision. Till this day, he is still gushing praises on lasik laser eye surgery.

However, on the other hand, Margaret Dolan from Ireland is a victim of the surgical procedure went wrong. After her surgery, her eyes developed a complication known as Post-Lasik Dry Eye.

Margaret Dolan needs to add artificial tears to her eyes many times a day and throughout the night just to keep the eyes moist. Patients who suffer from this dry eye syndrome usually have the symptoms for about two to three months after their surgeries and then the symptoms will disappear.

However, for some very unfortunate people, their conditions do not improve with time and they need to drop artificial tears on their eyes for the rest of their lives. This can be very frustrating and distressing for the unfortunate victims.

So if you are considering a lasik laser eye surgery, do discuss the possible risks and complications that may arise from of the surgical procedure thoroughly with your eye surgeon and get as much information as you can before you reach a decision.

Chris Chew

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lasik-laser-eye-surgery-side-effects-133105.html

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Perfect Vision is the only laser vision correction clinic in Sydney to offer NASA-approved LASIK.

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If you are thinking about having lasik eye surgery consider the fact that some people LASIK surgery should possibly not be conducted on you if:

Your career could be subsequently placed on the line as a result of an eye operation. Various jobs implicitly state that eye modifications are prohibited, therefore it is imperative that you talk with your employer first.

Money is hard to come by at the present time. Currently, the majority of medical insurance doesn’t pay for surgeries of a refractive nature. Costs appear to be falling but still remain very high.

You are adverse to taking risks. A number of patients always receive particular complications. Additionally, since no long-term studies on LASIK have been performed you are effectively a guinea pig.

Your eyes are still changing yearly. If your glasses prescription has been modified within the last year constant surgical revisions would prove too costly and damaging to the eye. Eyes that are typically still changing are found in people 20 years of age or younger, those with diseases like diabetes that cause hormone imbalances, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people taking medication that affects their clarity of vision.

You are an active contact sport participant. Wrestling, boxing or martial arts involve many strong hits to the face and in particular the eyes.

You have a disease or medications that mean any wounds you receive will heal slowly. Particular ailments like states of immunodeficiency (e.g. HIV), autoimmune disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), and some medications (e.g. steroids and retinoic acid) can stop an eye healing after refractive surgery has been administered.

Your age is not 18 or older, since under this age this procedure is illegal.

Surgical safety and efficacy has not been established with people who have particular diseases. Talk with your doctor if you have a potential medical background associated with:

Keratoconus glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or glaucoma suspect past eye surgeries or injuries
herpes zoster (shingles) or herpes simplex
disease of the eye (e.g. inflammations of the eye; iritis/ uveitis)

If you are considering having eye surgery your doctor will need to run tests to see if you have other risk factors like:

Thin corneas. This clear covering over the iris of the eye is what is generally modified in refractive surgery since it holds the most power with regards to the eyes ability to focus. If thin then complications that could result in blindness increase in probability.

Dry eyes. This condition tends to be promoted by LASIK surgery.

Blepharitis. This inflammation of your eyelids and associated crusty deposits on the eyelashes can further your chances of getting an inflamed and infected cornea during the post-op recovery period.

Past refractive surgery such as PRK, RK or LASIK may prohibit further surgery to the eyes. When this is the case you have to consult your doctor about your specific situation.

Oversized pupils. Evaluations should be made in professional dark rooms. People who are young or are on particular medications may under dim lighting have larger than normal pupils. Such eyes are prone to symptoms such as halos, starbursts, glare or double vision (ghost images) following surgery. For some patients these visual complications can end up being highly debilitating.

Alex Rider

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lasik-eye-surgery-requires-careful-consideration-84153.html

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Lasik is far and away more advanced, via Wikipedia

Laser Eye Surgery Nothing but The Truth

Laser eye surgery is a fairly common procedure in the UK, with about 100,000 people in Britain opting for the surgery each year. However, many people are unfamiliar with laser eye surgery, often assuming that it’s a major surgical procedure or one that poses high risks. In actuality, laser eye surgery entails a simple process with low risk levels. In fact, there have been very few reports of patients experiencing complications during laser eye surgery. If you’re considering laser eye surgery, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the basic facts before opting for the procedure.

One of the most common misconceptions behind laser eye surgery – apart from its general intricacy and risk levels – is that it’s a painful procedure. However, the patient’s eyes are numbed with a heavy local anaesthetic, meaning no pain is felt. At most, some patients will experience some discomfort in the days following laser eye surgery. Even this will subside within a few days.

Many people also assume laser eye surgery is for younger individuals. While eye surgery could be easier to perform on younger patients, older individuals are not disqualified. In fact, many laser eye surgeons treat patients between the ages of 18 and 70.

Another common concern among potential surgery candidates is whether the results of the procedure will last. The answer is that the effects of a laser treatment are permanent; however, your eyes may change over time, which could in turn alter your vision. For this reason, most surgeons recommend having laser eye surgery done after major eye changes have occurred in life – usually after the age of 18. If your post-surgery eyes do change over time, you can usually undergo an enhancement procedure.

Finally, many people assume that laser eye surgery is very costly – after all, it’s a surgical procedure. However, laser eye surgery has become increasingly affordable over the years, and it’s now possible to have the procedure done without breaking the bank. Many surgeons also offer payment plans, making it even simpler to obtain the procedure. Once your suitability for laser eye surgery is determined, you should discuss payment options with your surgeon.

Of course, the only way to confirm your suitability for laser eye surgery is through an eye exam with a certified eye surgeon. By undergoing an exam, a surgeon can also determine the type of laser eye surgery that’s right for you, as well as the results that you can expect. So, while it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the facts behind laser eye surgery, the next step entails consulting with a certified laser eye surgeon.

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Understand The Lasik Process

People who grow tired of wearing glasses or believe they look better without them may turn to corrective surgery using laser technology to restore their visual acuity.

Before heading out to an all – night laser surgical center people need to get all the laser eye surgery facts they can find to insure they are making the right choice.
Not everyone will make a good candidate for lasik surgery and by perusing the available laser eye surgery facts people can quickly determine if they qualify.

“As with any sort of surgery in life, no matter how modest, there are risks involved so it is important to make sure that you really are educated in the subject matter”.

They can then read about what to expect to determine if they want to follow through with the operation.
There are several laser eye surgery facts that also point to the success rate of the procedure. Learning what can be expected before the surgery, during the surgery and the appropriate follow up care is an essential part of the decision – making process and the laser eye surgery facts can help provide that information as well.
One of the key facts is that most insurance policies do not cover the surgery if it is being done strictly for cosmetic purposes.
“The admitted fact is laser eye surgery complications can range in seriousness from things that are just annoying to things that are agonizing”

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Those who wear contacts might have to wait while their eyes return to their normal shape before having the surgery performed, meaning they will have to wear glasses until the day of the operation. They may also have to wear glasses to correct the vision in the one eye that is not corrected according to the available laser eye surgery facts.

Success Rates Are In Potential Patients Favor

Despite the risks associated with laser surgery, the lasik eye surgery statistics are in favor of the patients as there are many more success stories than there are of surgeries that go horribly wrong.

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“The effects of a corrective laser eye surgery work can be enjoyed for a lifetime”
While the risk factors are included in the laser eye surgery facts, the experience and knowledge of the surgeon performing the operation will greatly elevate the odds of success.
The patient will be under local anesthetic only with a local sedative for the eye on which the operation is being performed. In most cases, the patient will go home the same day to begin the healing process and with the appropriate follow up care, their recovery ending with much better vision is supported by the laser eye surgery facts.

“After a corrective laser eye surgery work, the patient needs to rest for thirty minutes after the procedure”

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Being able to afford the operational costs may seem daunting for some, but when the cost of eye exams and glasses over their lifetime is calculated, the laser eye surgery facts point out that it can be a significant cost savings over the years following the surgery.

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Laser eye surgery is increasingly becoming the preferred method to treat a number of vision impairments. According to the ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery), 93% of the people undergoing this operation are satisfied with the outcome. While 95% said their vision had improved, 85% claimed that the quality of their life had improved after the surgery. The leading causes of visual impairment in the UK are cataract and AMD, or age-related macular degeneration.

Laser Eye Surgery: Procedure
The procedure for laser eye surgery is fast and virtually painless. You can choose to have one eye operated at a time or both eyes at the same time. Before the surgery commences, you will be given three eye drops. One of these would be to anesthetise your eye, the second would be to prevent infection and there would be one to control inflammation following the surgery. The operation would be performed while you lie back comfortably in a special chair underneath the laser microscope. An eyelid speculum or eyelid clip may be used to prevent you from blinking during the surgery. Although this sounds harsh, it is not painful.

With the eye drops taking effect, you will not be able to see the surgery being performed. This prevents you from involuntarily blinking on seeing an instrument coming close to your eye. You would be looking into the laser microscope and will be able to see a red or green light. You will need to focus on this light through the surgery. While the surgeon controls the laser, the computer makes precise calculations based on the condition of your eye or type of treatment, like cataract treatment.

The surgery begins with the doctor using an eximer laser to shape your cornea. You may hear a continuous popping or clicking sound. This is from the laser and is quite normal. The actual laser eye surgery may take anywhere between 30 and 60 seconds, depending on your eye condition.

The laser used to reshape your cornea will contain two wavefront platforms: ‘wavefront optimised’ and ‘wavefront corrected’. Your surgeon will choose the most suitable for your eyes and will adjust the laser as necessary.

There is no requirement for stitches in this procedure.

Laser Eye Surgery: What to Expect After the Procedure
Your eye may be covered with a pad for up to 24 hours. You will be in no condition to drive. So, it is advisable to make appropriate arrangements to get home. While your eye pad is on, you may feel some discomfort. If there is any pain following your laser eye surgery, you may ask your doctor to prescribe you appropriate painkillers. After the pad is removed, your vision may remain blurry for a few hours. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about. Your vision will gradually improve and in some cases your vision could continue to become clearer over a month. However, typically it takes about a week to ten days to realise the complete benefits of the laser eye surgery.

You may be given eye drops to prevent infection and aid the healing process. The eye drops should be applied diligently. It is a good idea to wear sunglasses whenever you step out, since your eyes may be very sensitive for at least a month after the surgery.

When looking for a private eye hospital in the UK, search the internet for specialist providers of ophthalmic services. Make sure that they have state-of-the-art surgical equipment (they should have this information on their website). Also, you will want to review the bios of their doctors and surgeons to make sure that they have leading ophthalmic surgeons to carry out the laser eye surgery procedures. There should be a list of the treatments available too, such as cataract treatment and guidance on the different methods of dealing with macular degeneration.

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Denver, Colorado, on LASIK eye method

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Most Laser Eye Surgery Has Got 95% Chance of Being Successful

Today laser eye surgery is the most popular way to improve one’s eye vision. In the surgery a high frequency laser called Excimer is used in order to correct the defects caused in your eyes. Millions of people suffering with defective eye vision have opted for this particular laser surgery and almost 95% of them are satisfied with the outcome after the surgery. Laser eye surgery is very simple to operate. The surgery is found almost in each country of the world. Almost all types of eyesight problems are cured with the help of this surgery, such as far-sight problem, near-sight problem, cornea problem etc.

Laser eye surgery has got the majority in curing the defective eyes. The surgery does not involve pain, blood during the operation. You need not use your spectacles after getting this surgery on your eyes. It also eliminates the risk of infections which you may get using the contact lenses. The laser eye surgery provides the opportunity to the patient to get back his normal eye vision after the surgery once again. The patient is discharged after few hours of the surgery; as a result you need not spend more days in the hospital. This is the reasons why most of the patients are happy with this surgery.

If laser eye surgery has got many benefits then it has also got some complications which you need to take care. There may be the chances that you may have moderate haziness of your eye cornea. There may be over or under correction of your eyesight problems. If something happens during the surgery then it is quite possible that your eye’s cornea may get damaged due to such minor accident, for which you would have to undergo the same surgery once again in order to correct your eye’s cornea. You may also get the eyesight problems once again even after the laser eye surgery. However, all these complications are found in very rare cases.

Thus, laser  eye surgery is not only all about the benefits but there are also some complications attached with the surgery which make most of the people to avoid this surgery and carry on wearing the spectacles. However, with the increase in the incidents of the successful surgeries, the laser eye surgery is becoming more prominent around us to get rid of the eyesight problems. The new developments in the field of the laser surgery have made it free of many of its complications. At the end of the day it is quite possible that you may see more people to go for this particular form of surgery in near future.

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