subject: Laser Eye Surgery: Delivering Faultless Eyesight To Those Who Need To Wear Glasses [print this page] 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.
Most vision problems can be corrected with laser surgery but especially the problems of hypermetropia and myopia or those that are far and near sited. When one has good vision light enters the eye by way of the natural lens. The light refracts or bends so that it hits the retina, which takes that image and focuses it so that you can see clearly. Wearing glasses makes sure that the light hits the retina in the right place so that the vision becomes clear.
The light overshoots the retina with people that have myopia. Instead the light hits the cornea, which cannot sharpen the image. When laser surgery is applied the cornea is reconfigured so that the light gets to the retina and focusing will no longer be a problem. The material in the center of the cornea is thinned out and removed. In hypermetropia the light is unable to get as far as the retina. In this case material is removed from the edges of the cornea and it allows the light to reach the retina.
When surgery is begun pain medication is put right into the eye. After a few minutes tape is used to keep the eyes open and then a speculum is inserted to force the lids to separate. A tiny cut is made on the cornea so a flap can be created. The laser moves in and takes out the excess cornea material. The little flap is then put back in place and stitched. The whole procedure only takes a few minutes and the pain is minimal. There is little chance of a mistake because the laser is programmed and moves automatically.
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.
In most cases laser surgery is not covered by health insurance. Some doctors will allow payments while others will only take a lump sum before the surgery is completed. It is important to pick a doctor that has a good track record in doing the surgery. It is not advisable to use a doctor that charges less but has less experience in this procedure. Most costs run from USD$1500 upwards to about $3000 and anyone who advertises cheaper rates usually add on other charges later.
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.
