LASIK LASER SURGERY- AND ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Health )



Lasik (Laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) Laser Surgery or laser refractive correction is fast-becoming the most preferred method for correcting refractive errors. It is for people suffering from common eye disorders such as myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism (distorted vision). Being the most technologically advanced method available, more and more people are flocking to laser institutes — and with significant drops in costs over the last five years, more are willing to give it a try.

What exactly is Lasik Laser Surgery?

In simple terms, Lasik Laser Surgery is a procedure that reshapes the cornea. The ophthalmologist does this by cutting a small flap in the cornea of the eye. Then the flap is pulled back, revealing the second layer of the cornea called the stroma, reshaping it. The flap is replaced and the procedure is completed. Lasik Laser Surgery is relatively painless since the patient is given a mild sedative and the eye is numbed with a solution.

Possible Complications

After the procedure, you may experience a subconjunctival hemorrhage which is a common and minor post-Lasik complication. Other frequently reported complications are dry eyes, double vision, light sensitivity, and halos or starbursts around light sources at night.


Are You A Candidate For Lasik?

Considering Lasik? Well then you owe it to yourself to find a good surgeon. He will decide whether you are a prime candidate for Lasik Laser surgery by determining the health of your eyes, the vision correction you need, and the amount of laser ablation you require. Also, expect the doctor to ask you about any other health problems or medications you are taking – some of which may disqualify you for the procedure. But others will just postpone the procedure on a later date.



Costs

Considered an elective procedure by most American insurance companies, the costs for Lasik Laser Eye Surgery won’t likely be covered by insurance. Fortunately, costs have fallen dramatically over the years. Likewise, surgeon’s charges may vary. By the way, there are new Lasik procedures that have been coming out—some more expensive than others—so compare prices first and ask around for recommendations on the best laser institutes out there.


Some Words of Caution
Before you finally decide going through the operation, here are a few points to consider: current evidence suggests that Lasik Laser surgery is effective on selected patients with mild to moderate short-sightedness and long-sightedness, but that evidence is weaker for its effectiveness in severe cases. Also, if you are farsighted, the benefits of Lasik will diminish with age. Remember also that there are still concerns about its safety in the long term.

Finally, while Lasik promises improved eyesight and fast recovery time, be realistic. Keep in mind that it still is an imperfect science. So weigh the pros and cons carefully before making that decision, because after all, you are dealing with your eyesight here – something you can’t afford to lose.


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