Lasik Eye Surgery Risk Factors You Need To Know

Posted on 24th January 2011 by admin in laser eye surgery

All surgeries have benefits as well as risks. There is always the possibility of Lasik eye surgery affecting your vision. You should thus consider the risks it carries and then take your decision.

You must make an informed decision. And thus you must learn the facts about Lasik eye surgery. You must know how the eye works and learn the intricate details about the cornea. Once you know about all this you should take time to find a good eye surgeon for yourself. One of the biggest measures you can take to reduce the risks is to appoint a talented and practiced surgeon as your surgery will be hugely dependent on who does it.

What is Lasik? Basically, it’s an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a laser eye surgery procedure that can permanently correct your vision. The operation has best results in patients who suffer the following conditions: from moderate to high degrees or myopia (nearsightedness), low to moderate conditions of hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism associated with myopia, and thick corneas.

People with normal vision can perceive objects lucidly, for the lights and shadows that play on and around the object are brought to a focal point by the cornea and the lens of the eye. Ideally, the curvature of the cornea should evenly match its length. However, people with astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia, have irregularly structured corneas. Thus the objects appear hazy or disfigured.

Lasik targets to change the shape of the corneas by an accurate removal of the corneal tissue. This removal corrects the eye focusing ability. So what are the risks?
1. The most conspicuous risk is that you might totally lose your eyesight. This could happen if your diagnosis had been wrong or the operation should not have been performed because of some other serious medical affliction. You could be pregnant, have cataracts, rheumatism, diabetes, glaucoma, lupus, etc. Lasik eye surgery must not be performed under such circumstances.

2. Another grave danger is that you will lose perception, insight or acuteness of vision because you had large pupils and very poor eye sight in the first place.

3. If you have dry ear syndrome it could be made with surgery. Again, it’s vital you discuss this with your surgeon before you agree to have any surgical work performed.

4. You might also permanently have hazy vision, reduced contrast, or see blurry ghost-like shapes that do not exist. In many cases, these are temporary and will be pointed out as risks by your surgeon.

Dean Caporella
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lasik-eye-surgery-risk-factors-you-need-to-know-583850.html

Latest Technology’s Best Eye Treatment- Lasik Surgery

Posted on 22nd January 2011 by admin in laser eye surgery

LASIK is an acronym for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis which is an eye surgery. Lasik surgery is the most well-liked method for correcting visualization difficulties caused by refractive error, in which the eyes fail to focus light appropriately. Lasik surgery treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, radically decreasing and often abolishing the requirement of glasses or contact lenses.

This is the following process of Lasik surgery:
Initialy, the eye is anesthetized with use of limited anesthetic drops. Once you can’t sense your eye, a small flap is formed on the surface of the cornea by means of a particular instrument known as a microkeratome which allows the surgeon to access the corneal bed.

After cautious placement of the corneal flap, a cool-beam, excimer laser restructures the cornea, shifting the eye’s focal point to endow with clearer vision.
The corneal flap is then softly relocated and will begin to cure instantaneously.

In conventional Lasik surgery reforms the cornea, the part of the eye that visualizes light on the retina. In Lasik surgery, that reshaping ensues after a planned laser treatment taking into account the precise refractive error of the eye. A nearsightedness disease is corrected by flattening the cornea, while farsightedness is fixed by steepening the cornea. The concluding result of lasik eye surgery is for most patients, vision good enough that they no longer need glasses or contacts for most activities.

But in customized lasik surgery, physicians apply it to patients to reduce night vision turbulences like glare and halos. A good percentage of custom Lasik surgery recipients gain twenty by twenty visions from this method, which uses modified treatment in the form of the wavefront analyzer, which permits for a higher level of diagnostic information.

Wavefront technology begins through NASA, where it was initially used for high-powered telescopes. The wavefront analyzer generates a detailed map of your visual system twenty-five times more precise than standard lasik surgery can produce. This level of fact allows for tiny irregularities known as higher order aberrations to be incarcerated and fixed. This highly customized data which is then transferred to the laser used in your Custom lasik surgery treatment, where it will best treated for your sole vision problems.

Lasik surgery can fix up the vision of the nearsighted, the farsighted, and those with astigmatism. Once you have had your lasik surgery, you will possibly want to recommence your normal activities almost instantly, but be cautious. Whilst in lasik surgery, you should still pursue this rough timeline before you jump back into your normal activities.

Ventura Eye Institute

Thinking About Lasik Eye Surgery?

Posted on 19th January 2011 by admin in laser eye surgery

If, like most of us, you wear glasses or contact lenses, the possibility of having good eyesight without them may seem remote. For years you have been stuck with only these two options-or a third, of not seeing very well.

Today, Lasik eye surgery is all you ever hear about and you probably know several people who have already been through the process. They just rave over how quick and easy the process was and that they do not have to be bothered wearing glasses or taking care of contact lenses. And, you are seriously considering doing the same thing. But, are you a good candidate for this surgery?

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate is to schedule an appointment with an eye surgeon and have an examination. There are certain standards that your eyes must meet in order to be considered for the surgery. They are:

* A correctly sized pupil,
* A cornea of the right thickness,
* A cornea that is structurally normal (not an unusual shape),
* Have a healthy pressure within the eye, and
* Have basically healthy eyes (with no diseases or injuries that might interfere with the surgery).

Okay, you are ready to go. You have received your eye examination and have been approved for the procedure by the eye surgeon. Now what? You schedule a date and show up at the appropriate time. You know that you will be awake for the procedure and everything has been carefully explained. Now, it is time to prep for the surgery.

You are finally in the laser suite where you will be positioned comfortable on your back under the excimer laser. Your surgeon will put anesthetic eye drops in your eyes to numb their surface. The eyelashes are taped out of the way and an eyelid speculum is placed between you eyelids to keep you from blinking.

Small reference marks are put on your cornea to serve as positional guides for replacing the corneal flap. A suction ring is placed on your eye to hold it is position and to maintain the pressure within. The corneal flap is now created and folded back. The next step is for the laser procedure to sculpture the cornea by vaporizing small amounts of tissue-this step can take anywhere from 20-90 seconds to complete. The eye is then flushed out to remove any debris and then the corneal flap is put back into its original position.

You will be asked to sit quietly with your eyes closed for about 30 minutes and then the eye surgeon will come back and check to make sure that everything is all right. You may have a sensation that there is something in your eye, but this will pass. When it is time to go home, you will be given antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drops, and lubricating eye drops along with a detailed set of instructions on what to do and when to do it. In addition, you will schedule several postoperative appointments to have your doctor check on your eyes.

Now, you know the basics. If you are considering lasik eye surgery, make sure that you do your research and find the best eye surgeon in the area. Once everything is completed, you will enjoy the freedom of not dealing with glasses and contact lenses.

Samantha Kay
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/thinking-about-lasik-eye-surgery-139167.html

Throw Out Your Glasses After Using Lasik Eye Surgery

Posted on 17th January 2011 by admin in laser eye surgery

Some of us are born with perfect 20/20 vision. Others are not and must rely on contacts or eye glasses in order to read or see thing at a far distance. Many people will live with these special eye wear for years and will spend hundreds of dollars replacing broken glasses and getting more contacts when they run out. However, there are options to those who do not wish to continue wearing and purchasing this particular eyewear.

Lasik eye surgery stands for a laser in situ keratomileusis. This means that a laser is used underneath the cornea flap in the eye that works to reshape the cornea (also known as the keratomileusis). This procedure uses a highly specialized laser that is used to treat refractive problems, eliminate or reduce the need a person has to use contact lenses or glasses, and to improve vision.

The procedure also helps to alter the shape of the cornea. The cornea is the transparent covering of the eye. Though the excimer laser was used for many years before the development of Lasik eye surgery. This surgery was first created by Ioannis Pallikaris from Greece in 1991.

During this Lasik eye surgery a specially trained eye surgeon will create a very precise, thin hinged corneal flap that uses a microkeratome. The surgeon will then pull the flap back in order to expose the corneal tissue beneath. Then the excimer laser will reshape the cornea in a unique pattern that is specific to the particular patient. After it has been reshaped the flap will be repositioned gently onto the underlying cornea without the use of any sutures.

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The Popularity Of Lasik Eye Surgery

Posted on 14th January 2011 by admin in laser eye surgery

There are few among us who, at one time or another, had not had to manage some level of impaired vision. Whether age has rendered us no longer able to see far away or up close, or we have suffered an illness or disease that has compromised our vision, it is likely that, if we have not already, we will someday need corrective measures to help us see at our best.

And for those who have long managed the expense and inconvenience of eyeglasses and contact lenses, the idea of corrective eye surgery seems most appealing. It’s no wonder, therefore, that Lasik eye surgery has continued to grow in popularity since it was first performed in the United States in 1991.

Lasik is relatively new on the scene to us - the consumers; but in actuality the technology has been a long time coming. In fact, in 1948, Columbian ophthalmologist, Jose Barraquer first experimented with corneal procedures by actually surgically removing more than half of a patient’s cornea that he then froze. Once the cornea had been frozen to an appropriate temperature, Dr. Barraquer was able to reshape its surface thus removing barriers to clear vision.

Once the cornea had been reshaped it was replaced into the patient’s eye. Such technology evolved by the 1960s to the point where such corneal procedures could be done without removing the cornea from the patient’s eye; this procedure was perfected and performed in Russia and involved the use of a scalpel.

Lasik began to take shape in the early 1980s when a U.S. ophthalmologist made alterations to laser technology that had begun to be used by the U.S. military. But in 1990, Lucio Buratto and Ioannis Pallikaris developed the Lasik surgery that we know today by combining methods of two pre-existing techniques - keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy. Both keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy are techniques in which the cornea is reshaped with the use of an excimer laser or other technology.

The word Lasik refers to Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a form of refractive laser eye surgery that was first performed in the United States in1991. During the procedure, the patient’s eye is immobilized with the use of a cornea suction ring after which the surgeon creates a flap through an incision made in the top layer of the corneal tissue.

The flap is then lifted back to reveal the mid-section of the cornea - known as the stroma. The surgeon then uses a low-powered excimer laser to resurface the stroma. The corneal flap made during the procedure is then replaced over the stroma; the healing process is natural and generally speedy. The procedure itself is very quick - usually less than 10 minutes an eye - and virtually painless. The most discomfort experienced by the patient is general anxiety in anticipation of the procedure.

Today, over one-million people in the United States alone have undergone Lasik surgery - generally with very good success. In fact, it is a very small percentage of patients - less than 6% - who have experienced any complications following their procedure. Such complications generally include light sensitivity, dry eye, double vision, and scarring. These incidences, however, are very rare and can be greatly reduced by having your procedure performed by a reputable and experienced surgery center.

Candice Sabrina
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-popularity-of-lasik-eye-surgery-128146.html

How long is the waiting list for Laser Eye Surgery in the Marine Corps?

Posted on 12th January 2011 by admin in laser eye surgery

I know it depends on where you are stationed but i’m just asking. I have (not really sure can’t really remember what the eye doctor told me) 20/220 or 20/250. Something like that haha. I would like to get Laser Eye Surgery so I can perform better when I enlist in 2015 :).

Surprisingly its not long at all. You will get an exam and then put your name on a list. It will take 3-9 months to get it. I opted out because you are limited to what MOSs you can do after the surgery.

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How Does Laser Eye Correction Work?

Posted on 12th January 2011 by admin in laser eye surgery

I am sure there are many of you who are curious to know how laser eye correction works, especially if you are considering having the surgery performed. You are probably wondering, “How does LASIK work?” as this is one of the better-known laser eye correction methods.

Before I can answer how LASIK and other laser eye correction procedures work, it is important to understand that laser eye correction is used to primarily treat vision impairments such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

During an initial consultation with your eye surgeon, your eyes will be tested for their suitability and compatibility for laser eye correction. Patients who suffer from certain conditions such as dry eyes, glaucoma, diabetes and cataracts may be advised against going for the surgery.

Now, we come to the main question which is How does laser eye correction work? How does LASIK work? Basically, there are a few phases involved, as we will be showing you below:

Phase One: Patients will be placed in a reclining chair and anesthetic drops will be placed into the eyes to numb them. Once the drops have taken effect, the surface of the eye will be cleaned. The eyelids will be kept open using an instrument that is known as the speculum, this will prevent you blinking. Suction will then be used around the cornea area. This will cause blurring and dimming of the vision, and while it may be a little uncomfortable and unnerving there will be no pain. The last step of this phase involves the surgeon cutting a thin, circular flap in the surface of the eye, to gain access to the cornea, with a surgical knife known as the microkeratome.

Phase Two: The patient’s corneal tissue is cut and reshaped using a preprogrammed laser. After the required reshaping, the corneal flap will be replaced. A preventative shield may also be used to protect the eyes from irritants.

The actual operation will normally last only a few minutes, as only one eye will be treated at a time. Patients will start to experience improved vision in 24 hours. It is important for laser eye patients to take necessary postoperative eye care steps for a smooth and effective recovery process. Visit your eye surgeon on a regular basis or as needed.

Laser eye correction is a once-in-a-lifetime event for most people. There are many preoperative as well as postoperative do’s and don’ts to be adhered to. Follow the eye surgeon’s advice for more effective laser eye correction recovery. When in doubt, consult your regular eye surgeon. I hope I have helped to shed some light on the question of how laser eye correction works.

Mathew Dawson

Can you get laser eye surgery to correct vision after severe orbital cellulitis?

Posted on 10th January 2011 by admin in laser eye surgery

When I was 3 I had severe orbital cellulitis and took away 20% of my vision. Can I get laser eye surgery after that?

Laser eye surgery can only fix the same thing that glasses and/or contact lenses can fix. So if you can see 100% perfect with glasses or contacts, then yes the surgery will help you. Laser eye surgery alters the very front surface of your eye to add or subtract the power that your eye needs or lacks to see clearly.

However, I am guessing that the orbital cellulitis damaged some part or your retina, optic nerve, or another part of your visual pathway that has caused you to permanently lose 20% of your field of vision. This is a neurological thing that CANNOT be fixed by laser eye surgery. As you know, nerves and pathways in the brain are very sensitive and at this point in technology, we are unable to repair such things. This is also the case with losing a part of your field of vision. Unfortunately, once it is gone, it is gone forever.

But for the 80% of vision you do have, the laser eye surgery can fix that portion of your vision to 20/20 if you do need glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. But it is just not going to do anything for the 20% you are missing.

If you are interested in laser eye surgery, the best thing to do is speak with your regular eye doctor (optometrist). They know your history and your eyes and would be best able to tell you if you would be a candidate.

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Postoperative Laser Eye Treatment Advice

Posted on 9th January 2011 by admin in laser eye surgery

There are many preoperative and postoperative do’s and don’ts that a prospective laser eye treatment patient should be aware of. These are important to ensure a successful operation overall and also for a fast and smooth postoperative recovery process.

First and foremost, a patient should wear a protective shield to cover the eyes immediately after laser eye treatment, as advised by their surgeon. A patient should also close their eyes, resting and relaxing as much as possible immediately after the surgery is performed. It is even recommended that a patient go to sleep when he or she gets home after surgery. The patient will notice a significant vision improvement after waking up from sleep.

After laser eye treatment it is also advisable to wear sunglasses as much as possible, in rain or shine. This is to help protect the eyes from harmful elements such as sunlight, dust, and harmful ultraviolet rays. It is best to keep the sunglasses on for at least 2 weeks after surgery.

It is also advisable for a postoperative laser eye treatment patient to avoid taking part in contact sports for at least one month. The eyes need time to adjust and a person’s sense of perception may still be off balance. Avoid contact sports that could cause injury to the eyes like basketball, football and other high-risk activities.

It is recommended for women who undergo laser eye treatment to avoid wearing makeup immediately after surgery. Cosmetics can cause irritation to the eyes, which in turn could lead to infection. Lotions, which are designed for sensitive skin, can be applied if needed but stay away from cosmetics for between 2-3 weeks after surgery.

Patients are strongly advised against rubbing their eyes. Any itchiness can be managed with medicated eye drops, which can also help in the healing process of the eyes. Use these drops as directed even if your eye are feeling fine and avoid rubbing the eyes at all costs.

Activities that may over strain the eyes such as watching television, driving, using the computer are best avoided. Instead, try to relax the eyes as much as possible. Do not shower after a laser eye surgery. Instead, take a bath but be very careful not to get soap into the eyes. Also, avoid hot tubs and saunas for about eight weeks after surgery.

A patient should make follow-ups with their eye surgeon after treatment, who will offer advice on good eye-care practice. All of which contribute to the overall recovery of a patient after laser eye treatment

.

Mathew Dawson

Costs in Laser Eye Surgery

Posted on 7th January 2011 by admin in laser eye surgery

Basically, the cost of laser eye surgery can vary widely depending on the area of the country in which LASIK is performed, the level of experience a surgeon possesses, the technology used during the surgery, and the degree of your refractive error. Your LASIK eye surgery price can range anywhere from $499 per eye to $2,500 per eye.

Some of the people make options when payment like 50% of the payment to be made initially, at the time of surgery and the remaining 50% can be paid over one year, with no interest. There are credit financing plans which allow payments to be made over three, six or twelve months respectively, without interest.

The cost of LASIK eye surgery may or may not include any of the following:

* Royalties owed to laser manufacturers.
* Purchase and maintenance of surgical and technical equipment.
* Surgical gowns, gloves, masks, and other sterile and disposable materials.
* Medications used before, during, and after surgery, including anesthesia, eye  drops, and oral pain medications.
* Rent for surgical and office facilities.
* Surgical and office staff salaries.
* Advertising fees.
* Pre- and post-operative evaluations for up to one year after surgery.
* Post-surgical enhancement, if needed.

There are several factory the caused the eye surgery cost increaces. First at all is the type of technology that used when operation. LASIK with IntraLase®, which uses a laser rather than a microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap, costs between $250 and $500 more per eye. Custom LASIK, which employs wavefront technology to map the patient’s cornea, can cost between $200 and $500 more per eye. But the patient should make some research regarding the technology that suitable for him.

If you are considering Lasik eye surgery it is important to remember to prioritize the safety of your eyes over the potential cost. Although minimal, there is a risk involved with undergoing any surgery. It is advisable to choose a reputable eye surgeon who’s done at least 1000 successful Lasik eye surgeries, even if it might cost more, to minimize the risk of complications occurring.

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