Basic Information About LASIK Eye Surgery

By Frank Kaufmann


LASIK eye surgery, or simply LASIK, is the term used to describe a special type of laser eye surgery. This is considered a refractive procedure for correcting conditions, such as hyperopia, astigmatism and myopia. This is practiced by ophthalmologist, specialists who are trained in the physiology, anatomy and diseases of eyes. There are many different things to know about this procedure, including the risks, success rates and cost.

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.

The costs of LASIK are known to vary depending on the region and the doctor. Typically the procedure is a couple thousand dollars. Some surgeons charge a fee for each eye and others offer a package. The amount of correction needed may also influence the total cost. In many cases, the provider will work with patients to set up an affordable payment plan. Some insurance companies will cover a portion of the procedure costs.

The surgery involves reshaping cornea in order to allow light that comes into the eye to be properly focused on retina for clearer vision. In most cases, the process is pain free and completed within an hour. The results are noticeable within the first 24 hours.

Before anything is done, an eye exam will be performed by the eye doctor. This is to guarantee that the eyes are healthy enough to go through with the process. The doctor will assess the thickness and shape of cornea, refractive errors, pupil size and other similar characteristics. The amount of moisture in the eye is also important and in some cases, precautionary procedures may be suggested to prevent dry eye.

The surgeon will begin by using a femtosecond or microkeratome laser to make a thin flap in the cornea. This circular flap is then folded back to access the underlying cornea and remove tissue with the excimer laser. This laser employs an ultraviolet beam to remove the small amounts of tissue from the cornea in order to reshape it and refocus the light. With nearsighted people, the objective is to flatten the cornea and farsighted people require a steeper cornea.

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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