subject: Laser Eye Surgery - The Best Solution? [print this page] Laser eye surgery has become so advanced and effective that it is rapidly becoming an accepted part of life. Why put up with glasses or contact lenses when one operation can cure the problem for good? However, is it really the best option? What are the risks?
As complex as it sounds, the purpose of laser eye surgery is relatively straightforward. A thin flap is made in the front of the cornea, and the cornea then very carefully reshaped using a special excimer laser.
Conventional LASIK required the flap to be created using a mechanical device called a microkeratome. Complications using this technique were rare, but could be quite severe - the most common complaint was dry eye which could last for many years afterwards.
However the industry has seen substantial improvements in recent years. Using a radical new process, operations are now much more effective, and carry a substantially reduced risk.
With this new method a special laser is used to make the initial flap in the eye rather than a blade. As such the accuracy of the cut is immeasurably better and the chances of any complications hugely reduced.
However, that doesn't mean you should just wade into surgery without much thought. Before you choose laser eye surgery always ensure you have met and are confident with your surgeon in advance of your surgery day. Make sure all your questions have been satisfactorily answered as well as being aware of the risks and exactly what's involved. That way you are fully prepared for anything that lies ahead.
There are also other options ranging from implantable contact lenses to lens implants that have also attracted some attention in recent times. Lens implantation has the added advantage of being a completely reversible procedure for whatever reason they may need to be removed and also people who have undergone the surgery have reported that their eyesight is greatly improved - perhaps more so than those from laser procedures.
However the figures surrounding the effects of laser eye surgery are certainly impressive. It is a tribute to the massive advances made in this sector over the past few years that it has become so popular. What used to be thought of as a rare and highly advanced procedure, fraught with risks, has now become a common part of everyday life. As such if you think you might benefit, consult a specialist and see if this is the right option for you.
