Friday, April 12, 2013

General Details On 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.

In general, this laser eye surgery procedure is done to eliminate the need for a patient to wear contact lenses or glasses. The process is much like that of photorefractive keratectomy or PRK. This is another kind of corrective practice. Both procedures signify the advancements that have been made in the treatment options for those with refractive errors. There are people who cannot undergo these procedures because they have corneas that are too thin or high cases of myopia. Phakic intraocular lens is another solution available. An eye doctor will decide what surgery is ideal for your specific condition.

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.

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.

Before the surgery is carried out, the physician will do an extensive eye exam. This is important because to check that the eye is healthy and can withstand such an invasive procedure. During the exam, the eye doctor will look at the thickness and shape of the cornea, check for refractive errors, note the pupil size and assess other similar qualities. The moistness of the eye will also be checked and sometimes precautionary treatment is recommended to prevent post-surgery dry eye.

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.

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 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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