Laser eye surgery, also called LASIK surgery can correct less than normal vision. In most cases the surgery is successful and the individual can see well without the aid of glasses or contact lenses. This type of surgery was developed in 1990 and has become increasingly popular.
Laser surgery has worked well with people that have myopia and hypermetropia. In perfect vision light goes into the eye through the lens. It is refracted or bent to fall on the retina, which focuses the image. When you wear eyeglasses the lens work with the natural lens of the eye to make the light refract and focus in the retina right where it is supposed to be.
An eye afflicted with myopia does not work that way. The light that goes into the eye refracts onto the cornea instead of the retina. In laser surgery the cornea is reshaped to make the focus function return to the retina. Some of the eye material in the center of the cornea is removed so that it becomes thinner and enables the light to get to the retina. In those with hypermetropia light is refracted but is not able to reach the retina. Instead of taking material out of the middle of the cornea, material from the edges is removed.
When surgery is performed pain medication is given to the patient being put directly on the cornea. Tape is used to stop the eye lids from shutting and a speculum is screwed on to make sure the eye lids never close during surgery. A cut is made in the corner to make a small flap. Then the laser moves in to remove material from the cornea. Once that is done the flap is replaced and it is all over. It only takes a few minutes to perform the procedure and the only thing the patient might feel is a bit of discomfort. The laser is automated and the perimeters are entered into it prior to surgery so there is very little chance anything can go wrong.
The people that are most likely to have this surgery are those whose vision has not changed much, which limits the surgery and discounts young patients. Having a cornea that is relatively thin may prevent a patient from having the surgery. Material cannot be removed if there is not much there to be removed. This happens when a person has serious loss of eyesight. Those that have the age related presbyopia or have astigmatism are candidates for the surgery.
Health Insurance will not support laser procedures and the patients have to pay for it themselves. There are those doctors that will take payments but most want to be paid completely up front. When you pick a doctor make sure to get one that has done this surgery time after time. A doctor that charges a cheaper price but is not experienced is not a good idea. Expect to pay anywhere from USD $1500 to $3000 for the surgery. If you find someone to do it cheaper make sure to see their policy on add on charges. You will find that every little thing will be charged and not included on the quote that was given to you to begin with. Make sure the price they request is the only thing you will have to pay for.
This is considered major surgery and be prepared to have to do certain things before and after surgery. Those that wear contacts have to stop wearing them for a period of time and those that have hard lenses may have to wait a few months. Eye makeup must not be worn several days prior and a week or so after surgery. Eye drops will have to be taken after surgery and an antibiotic must be taken as well to stop any infection that may develop. There is a special guard to put over the eye when sleeping in order to protect it. The good news is that 90% of those that have the procedure can live the rest of their life being able to see perfectly without wearing corrective lenses.
Laser eye surgery and LASIK surgery are one and the same. Lasik is major surgery and should not be taken lightly. If you are thiking about having laser eye surgery you will need to find a reputable lasik doctor. You will make a good start by checking out the useful, free information on our website.