eye laser surgery

Laser eye surgery is safe and effective

2008-09-19T01:54:00.000-07:00

Laser eye surgery is safe and effective and its used to correct the most severe refractive errors. In Laser a flap in the cornea is cut with a microkeratome and is folded back using a laser. Before a laser is done on a patients, the ophthalmologist will conduct a pre-lasik eye examination on the patients whether the patients is a good candidate for the lasik surgery.

Patients who goes for the lasik eye surgery must be above eighteen years old. Patient who had eye infection or eye injury should not go for lasik eye surgery. Lasik eye surgery proved to be very successful with most patients. Most patient after some time had their vision back. Because it is safe and effective it has became very popular in many country.

Laser eye surgery to correct the shape of the cornea

2008-06-17T22:51:00.000-07:00

Laser eye surgery has been getting popular to many people as thousand and thousands turn to laser eye surgery each year to correct their vision and throw away dependency on glasses or contact lenses and its a commonly practiced procedures to correct vision problems. During the laser eye surgery, a surgeon uses a laser device to make permanent changes to the shape of the cornea. As the cornea is a part of the eye that helps focus light to create an image on the retina. This kind of eye surgery has help many people with problems related to a defective sight and laser eye surgery its said to be a simple and quick procedure of correcting your vision.

Laser eye surgery is performed by trained eye specialists and the doctor mostly performed the two or three types of eye surgery to the patient such as PRK known as photo refractive keractectomy or lasik or lasek. For PKR the specialist removes the outer layer of the cornea with a surgical blade instrument. For lasik the surgery is more complicated as the surgeon first cuts a flap in the cornea with a very sharp blade or laser, and then lifts it and uses a computer-guided laser to remove calculated amounts of tissue from the inside layers of the cornea. For lasek the surgeon cuts the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) with a fine blade, and uses alcohol to loosen and lift it in a single layer.

Lasik is belives by patients for correcting refractive errors

2008-04-16T01:07:00.000-07:00

Lasik are believes by many patients and doctors as a suitable procedure for correcting refractive errors and had the faster recovery time after having eye lasik surgery. Besides lasik is more complex procedure than PKR. Patients having PKR sometimes needed glasses when reading or driving but this take only twenty percentage of it. PKR is done with a only a few hours and is a out patients procedure which is performed with local anesthetic eye drops. by reshapes gently the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue from the outer surface with a cool, computer-controlled ultraviolet beam of light.

Lasik surgery takes shorter time to recovery and you had to stay a few days in the hospital or clinic. But after the surgery most patients will have the normal eyesight as before. The cost of lasik surgery is charges more than PKR. Before going for lasik eye surgery is better to do your home works by asking all question you want to knows or friends and relatives who has undergone lasik eye surgery and the doctor who performed the surgery.

Eye kasik surgery has more advantages

2008-02-19T21:53:00.000-08:00

According to many doctors believes that lasik has many advantage and a suitable procedure for correcting many refractive errors and a faster time for recovery after going for lasik surgery. The good news is that Lasik patients can have good vision within a weeks time and able to see well enough to drive his cars without their glass on and could be able to distinguish people clearly from any distance.

Lasik is a more complex procedure than photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) The works of the surgeon uses a knife called a microkeratome to cut a flap of corneal tissue. The doctor jobs is to removes the tissue beneath it with a laser and then replace the flap. For lasik the skill of the surgeon is important because the surgeon make decision on the eye lasik surgery. Its is best to get a qualified surgeon if you are going for your eye lasik surgery. Check the certificates of the doctor which is approved by the doctor eye association. Most of the cause for experience surgeon will cost more than other surgeon.

Forget about contact lens and glasses

2007-10-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

With lasik eye surgery most people with eye problems meet the reguirement needed for eye surgery but there some people still had to wear their contact lens or glasses. The good news about lasik eye surgery is that most people can throw away their glasses of contact lens. It is good for sports people who can forget about the hassles of glasses and contact lens.

Today lasik surgery has become common to young people besides lasik surgery are safer and cheaper nowadays, they are also cheaper to lenes in long runs. Before going for lasik eye check with the doctor whether you are qualified candidates for the surgery and besides ask all question regarding the lasik surgery what you must do before the surgery.

Lasik are usualy performed in two steps

2007-08-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

Before performing lasik eye surgery patients are ask not to wear soft contact lenses for a periods of twp weeks and the patients corneas are examined with a pachymeter to determine their thickness and topographer to measure their surface contour before the surgery take place. However the operation is performed with the patient awake and mobile and a mild sedative and anesthetic eye drops is given.

Lasik are usualy performed in two steps where the first step is to create a flap of corneal tissue where a corneal suction ring is applied to the eye, holding the eye in place, this sometimes cause small blood vessels to burst but is a harmless side effect that resolves within several weeks. the second steps is the patient's vision will become very blurry once the flap is lifted. He/she will be able to see only white light surrounding the orange light of the laser. This can be disorienting.

Before going for a lasik eye surgery it is better to survey the market or get some imformation from friend and relatives who had a laser eye surgery before and always remmember to ask all the question you want to know about lasik eye sugery like the cost of the sugery, cerfiticates of approver eye surgeon, any side effect in the future and so on.

Laser eye surgery to correct vision problems

2007-07-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Laser eye surgery is the most commonly practiced procedure to correct vision problems caused by refractive errors, including myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness) and astigmatism (distorted vision when looking at objects at any distance).

When choosing you laser eye surgery it is best to put some research time to get more information about the precedure of laser surgery. Get information from friends and relatives who had early undergone eye laser surgery, ask question as many as you want to know and how well known is the doctor and his surgery jobs. Lastly Make sure you are a suitable candidate for surgery before you decide to go ahead.

During laser eye surgery, a surgeon uses a laser device to make permanent changes to the shape of the cornea. The laser used most often is the Excimer laser, which produces a beam of ultraviolet light to vaporize tissue. Surgically altering the shape of the cornea can correct mild to moderate refractive errors in most people.

The good and bad of laser eye surgery

2007-06-17T23:50:00.000-07:00

Laser surgery also known as lasik surgery is a modern scientific discovery which correct the defect of the eye. The eye laser surgery involves the peeling of the back the cornea surface to operate underneath and then returning it to its original place. Everythings gots is good and bad.

The good of having laser eye surgery is to better your eye sight where you don't have to wear a glass when reading or seeing from a long distance and besides you can say goodbye to glasses or contack lens. Other benefits to eye laser surgery is you can save from changes your glasses its time your power increases and also save from buying cleaning solution

The bad of having laser surgery is that some eye are not suitable to the surgery which is only a minority of people and will complained of having a distotions of vision, lack of color contrast and 'dry-eye' syndrome and irregular astigmatism.

Having a good eye laser surgery

2007-04-27T01:14:00.000-07:00

Hundreds or thousands of people have laser vision correction every month in the world. This people who’ve had some type of vision correction procedure like eye lasik surgery. If you are thinking about getting Lasik Surgery, be aware that there are some slight risks involved. Although these risks only occur only five percentage of the patients. Before getting lasik eye surgery one had to do some homeworks like checking how proffersional the eye surgeon is.

Another things is to check from friends or relatives who had a good eye lasik surgery. Ask the doctor all the answer you want to know before having your eye surgery. Remmember good eye surgeon are always not cheap, be prepare with the cost but is worth while if the surgery is beautiful and good.

Understand first before having eye lasik surgery

2007-03-22T00:16:00.000-07:00

Before consider yourself of having a eye lasik surgery, get more imforamation of the eye surgeon and also remmember to ask question that you want to know about the operation and things pretaining to the operation.

The laser is used to remove excess tissue from underneath the cornea Laser surgery is the most exciting advancement in ophthalmology. Before the procedure begins, the patient's eye is measured to determine the degree of visual problem, and a map of the eye's surface is constructed. The required corneal change is calculated based on this information, and then entered into the laser's computer.

The surgeon uses a knife called a microkeratome to cut a flap of corneal tissue, removes the targeted tissue beneath it with the laser, and then replaces the flap.
LASIK is a more complex procedure than PRK photorefractive keratectomy. It is performed for all degrees of nearsightedness.

Eye laser surgery is getting popular

2006-12-12T00:18:00.000-08:00

Eye laser surgery is getting popular each year because treatment is widely available and prices are quite reasonable because of too many eye laser clinic coming up and even the treatment is considered safe and approved by the goverment.

Healthy adults is consider suitable for laser eye surgery if they want to get away with their spectacles. Diabetes patient and pregnancy women or people with eyesight problem are not suitable for laser eye surgery.

Understanding yourself about eye surgery

2006-11-09T23:24:00.000-08:00

Thousands of people undergo laser eye surgery each year to get rid of the constant use of glasses and contacts lens. These procedures is quite expensive and do have some disadvantage complication and some risk. If you planned to have eye surgery think of the advantage as it will boost your self confidence and always remmember to ask your doctor about the nessesary question about the operation as it will ease your scare.

The laser is used to remove excess tissue from underneath the cornea and can be used to create flap where a tiny flap is cut into the cornea's surface and then pulled back, allowing access to the underlying tissue. Before the surgery, the patient's cornea surface are scanned with a special computer and recorded.

There are some guidelines that you can follow when you think of going for eye surgery. First you have find yourself a professional or a successful eye laser doctor and had the same doctor to perform to the surgery from start to finish. Second ask question about the good and the bad about laser eye surgery.

Having laser surgery

2006-10-11T01:22:00.000-07:00

LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Surgical procedures aimed at improving the focusing power of the eye are called refractive surgery. In LASIK surgery, precise and controlled removal of corneal tissue by a special laser reshapes the cornea changing its focusing power.

If you decide to go ahead with LASIK surgery, you will need an initial or baseline evaluation by your eye doctor to determine if you are a good candidate. This is what you need to know to prepare for the exam and what you should expect:

You should have the opportunity and don't be shy to ask your doctor all the questions you want to know during this discussion. Give yourself plenty of time to think about the risk or benefit about your discussion, to review any informational literature provided by your doctor, and to have any additional questions answered by your doctor before deciding to go through with surgery.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

Side effects of laser eye surgery

2006-10-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

The ideal candidate for LASIK is over 18 years of age and has
healthy corneas. Candidates must not have had a significant increase in
their prescription in the last 12 months. People with certain medical
conditions or women who are pregnant may not be good candidates for LASIK.

The decision to have LASIK is an important one that ultimately, only you
can make. It is important that you have realistic expectations and that
your decision is based on facts, not hopes or misconceptions. The goal of
LASIK is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK does not
always create 20/20 or even 20/40 vision. It cannot correct a condition
known as presbyopia, or aging of the eye which normally occurs around age
40 and which requires the use of reading glasses. In fact, people over 40
who have their distance vision improved may find they need reading glasses
after the procedure.

It has only been in the past few years that laser procedures were able to correct almost all degrees of nearsightedness and astigmatism. Lasik, which is a laser eye surgery attains one of the highest success rates in optic correction
LASIK procedures involve a few risks. The chances of having severe vision-threatening side effects of laser eye surgery are very low. However, there have been a few cases of serious eye injury which required corneal transplant.

Under correction or overcorrection is also one of the most common side effects of laser eye surgery. A surgeon cannot predict precisely how your eyes will respond to treatment. This means you might need to keep wearing corrective lenses after surgery. In some situations, you can have another surgical procedure to improve the results.

Regression: This is yet another possible side effect of laser eye surgery. For some patients, the eye returns to its initial state within a few month. A new surgical procedure is usually possible in such cases.

Knowing about lasik eye surgery

2006-09-22T02:15:00.000-07:00

Things you need to know regarding lasik eye surgery. You should first consult with your ophthalmologist to make sure that laser eye treatment is the suitable procedure for your eye condition.

The next thing you need to do is to find an ophthalmologic surgeon , the one will board certificate is preferable. Check about his or her credentials and experience Do you have astigmatism? If you have any of these eye disorders, lasik is really a good way to go for. If you really have severe myopia, you may need to take many lasik surgery.

Express your feeling or questions beforehand to your surgeon as he can explain to you in details before undergoing a lasik eye operation as you will be in a conscious position during the operation.

You should bear in mind that lasik eye surgery is not a miracle surgery. Do not expect that you will have perfect vision after coming out of the surgery with perfect vision.
Post-operative care is very important in the procedure of lasik surgery

eye laser surgery to correct common vision

2006-09-14T00:53:00.000-07:00

Current info about eye laser surgery is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest eye laser surgery info available.

Laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure intended to correct common vision disorders, referred to as refractive disorders in ophthalmology which include myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness and also astigmatism or distorted vision.

Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there's more to eye laser surgery than you may have first thought.

The surgery intends to gently reshape the cornea by changing the thickness of the tissues of cornea. No matter whether you are far sighted or near sighted, the surgery will help your eyes bring the images into proper focus.
Due to such anomalies, light rays entering the eye don’t fall exactly on the retina thereby resulting in unclear vision. LASIK is a surgical procedure that aims to rectify these irregularities by reshaping the cornea.

One of the possible laser surgery complications that some people encounter is with their night vision. Although not usually severe, some people experience difficulty in seeing objects in low light situations such as night driving.

That's how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

eye laser surgery : Will it help with age-related vision loss?

2006-09-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

Will it help with age-related vision loss?

No.

Laser surgery will not be able to cure age-related presbyopia and the need for reading glasses that people often develop in their mid-40's.

This is because presbyopia is not to do with a problem with the cornea. Instead, it occurs when the lens becoming less flexible with age.

Where can I get it?

Private treatment usually costs £1000-1500 per eye and is available at some NHS hospitals.

What are the risks?

Complications occur in less than 5% of cases, according to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

Some people have a problem with dry eyes in the months after surgery and artificial tear supplements might be needed in the long term.

Many patients have experienced glare or halo effects when night driving, particularly just after treatment. This is more likely the higher the correction that has been made, but is rarely severe.

In rare cases, excessive thinning of the eye wall can cause the shape of the eye to be unstable after treatment. Severe loss of vision is very unusual, but some patients could require corneal surgery or hard contact lenses to restore vision, it said.

Can both eyes be done on the same day?

Yes, but your consultant should outline the risks. In order to reduce the risk of cross contamination should complications arise, each eye should be treated as separate procedure.

How long will it take me to recover?

Most patients have a reasonably comfortable period after surgery and are back at work within a few days to a week.

Depending on the vision correction attempted, driving may be unsafe for one to two weeks. Tinted glasses with ultraviolet protection are needed when out in the sun for the first three months.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/4649079.stm

eye laser surgery : What does the surgery entail?

2006-09-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

The surgery is intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
Doctors use a laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, the clear covering over the coloured iris, and the lens, which is just behind the pupil of the eye.

The surgery reshapes the cornea
The surgery is intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
Doctors use a laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, the clear covering over the coloured iris, and the lens, which is just behind the pupil of the eye.

What does the surgery entail?

The surgery is done as an out-patient procedure and takes about an hour.
Local anaesthetic drops are placed in the eye being treated.

A knife is used to cut a flap in the cornea.

A hinge is left at one end of this flap.

The flap is folded back to reveal the middle part of the cornea. Pulses from a laser vaporise a portion of this and the flap is replaced.

An eye patch is usually worn over the treated eye for 24 hours.

How does this improve vision?

People need to wear glasses for different reasons. Some people are said to be short-sighted or myopic. This is due to the cornea being too steeply curved or the eye longer than normal.

Therefore, light rays fall in short of the retina - the area at the back of the eye that interprets the image - and results in blurred distance vision.

Other people are long-sighted or hyperopic because their cornea is too flat or the eye is too short. This means that the light rays focus too far beyond the retina.

Others have a condition where the cornea is oval shaped rather than spherical, called astigmatism. This produces two different focal points which can blur images at all distances.

Laser surgery to reshape the cornea can help to correct these problems.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/4649079.stm

eye laser surgery : Can everyone have laser eye surgery

2006-09-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

Can everyone have laser eye surgery?

No. Eye laser surgery is only suitable for certain people. It is usually only performed on healthy adults.

People who have just mild eyesight problems are not generally considered good candidates. Similarly, those whose eyesight has changed significantly in the past 12 months may also be refused because their eyesight is still getting worse.

Diabetes, pregnancy and arthritis and other similar conditions can also rule people out.

How popular is eye laser surgery?

Eye laser surgery is getting more popular every year not least because prices are coming down and the treatment is more widely available.

It is estimated that more than one million Americans are now having their eyes lasered in the US each year.

© MMIII

eye laser surgery : Dr John Hill Eye Laser Centre

2006-09-01T00:47:00.000-07:00

We specialize in the treatment of:

Laser refractive surgery (Lasik) for the treatment of myopia (shortsightedness), hyperopia (longsightedness) and of astigmatism
Intraocular implants for extreme refractive errors
Cataract surgery
Diabetic eye disease
Our clinic is conveniently situated in the Cape Town suburb of Claremont, and is easily accessible from all major areas of Cape Town.

Dr. John Hill has been performing refractive surgery since 1984 and was one of the first to use the Excimer Laser in South Africa when it was introduced in 1993.

He has performed over 12,000 refractive procedures, which include over 9000 Lasik cases.

Vision is precious and most patients are understandably anxious about having Laser Eye treatment. But we can reassure you about the efficacy and safety of this exciting new method of permanently correcting your vision.

We know how very important eyesight is, and we are flattered that you are considering entrusting us with your treatment.

When performing laser treatments or eye surgery we use only the most sophisticated and technologically advanced equipment available. This combined with a dedicated, highly trained team ensures that you will be receiving treatment second to none in the world.

Did we forget something? Yes, travel... if you come to South Africa for an eye treatment, why not combine it with a tour around (parts of) the country? Please indicate this on your contact page; we will get in touch with you about our custom-made packages to suit your needs and budget. Then see this beautiful country quite literally with new eyes! A memory of a lifetime!

copyright: dr john hill; © 2003-2006

eye laser surgery : The Excimer Laser

2006-09-01T00:41:00.000-07:00

The modern method of using the Excimer Laser to correct refractive errors is a breakthrough which can benefit millions of patients who are shortsighted or have other refractive errors. The technique has advanced to a point where we can reliably predict that Excimer Laser treatment will, in suitable patients, provide good vision without glasses or contact lenses. For people who undergo Excimer Laser procedures, less dependency upon corrective lenses is a major benefit.

Excimer Laser treatment is an elective procedure and, as with any form of surgery, deserves careful consideration prior to proceeding. Please contact us and we will answer any questions that you may have. We offer a free screening test and we also have educational videos for you to watch. If you are a good candidate for the Excimer Laser procedure, then the decision to go ahead is entirely yours to make.

The Excimer Laser was originally developed for the manufacture of computer microchips, where it was used to etch the circuits. However, its extreme accuracy resulted in it being developed as an eye laser. It is now used to re-sculpture the corneal surface of patients with refractive errors.

The Excimer Eye Laser is extremely accurate and removes only 0.25 microns (1/4000 th millimetre) of tissue per pulse. During the re-sculpturing the Laser gently "evaporates" tissue; there is no burning or cutting involved. In most cases the Laser treatment takes only 20 to 45 seconds depending on how severe your refractive error is. The Excimer Laser accurately re-sculptures the cornea to make the curve of the cornea balance the length of the eye, light rays are then focused normally on the retina.

In myopia the cornea is flattened (as shown above), whereas in hyperopia the cornea is made more curved. With astigmatism the surface of the cornea is re-sculptured to a regular curvature. This advanced surgical technique using the Excimer Laser can accurately re-sculpture your cornea thus permanently correcting your myopia or other refractive error - allowing you to be independent or less reliant on glasses and contact lenses.

In the original method of treatment the Laser was used on the surface of the cornea. This method is known as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Although still sometimes used for low degrees of myopia and hyperopia, PRK has been largely superseded by the Lasik method in which the Laser treatment is applied under a protective corneal flap

This is a modern adaptation, using the Excimer Laser, of a technique that has been in existence for almost 30 years. A thin protective corneal flap is raised, rather like a trapdoor. The front surface of the exposed cornea is resculptured by the Excimer Laser. At the end of the procedure the protective flap is simply replaced. The Lasik technique leaves the original surface of the cornea virtually intact, the mild healing process results in minimal regression and no scarring. The Lasik procedure is now regarded as the most advanced refractive surgery technique.

copyright: dr john hill; © 2003-2006

eye laser surgery : Optimax Laser Eye Treatment Specialist

2006-09-01T00:36:00.000-07:00

Optimax is the UK's No. 1 laser eye treatment specialist, offering a wide choice of procedures at our 18 clinics nationwide. Founded in 1991 to provide the highest possible quality of treatment to everyone, our specialist eye surgeons have performed over 220,000 procedures to date, double the number of treatments compared to any other UK provider.

Our popularity and success enables us to offer affordable laser eye treatment to everyone. With treatments from as little as £595 (including astigmatism correction and aftercare) and the Optimax price match policy, laser eye surgery has never been more affordable.

We pride ourselves on offering the best value for money while maintaining the highest standards of medical care, backed up by excellent results. For more reasons why to choose us click here!

So why not contact us now to request your free information pack and find out more about the specialist sight improvement treatments we offer that could change your life forever!

Website by SQN Solutions

eye laser surgery : Eye laser surgery 'risky'

2006-08-28T03:01:00.000-07:00

People who undergo laser surgery to correct short sight could experience serious eye problems in the future, a leading specialist has warned.
Professor John Marshall, professor of ophthalmology at London's St Thomas's Hospital, said patients who opt for laser surgery should be aware of the risks involved.

He warned of a number of cases where patients suffered major complications and required a cornea transplant following laser treatment.

He said more research was needed to determine whether the treatment - known as the Lasik technique - was completely safe.

The technique corrects poor eyesight by cutting through the 'fibrils' that hold the cornea together and by scraping off a third or more off the thickness of the cornea.

It has become very popular in recent years with many people choosing surgery instead of wearing contact lenses or spectacles. More than a million procedures were carried out in the USA last year.

It is offered as a 'painless' treatment which takes minutes and restores vision almost immediately.

The old technique - called PKA - was painful and left patients with blurred vision for several weeks.

Lack of testing

But Professor Marshall said the older procedure was tested for 10 years before being authorised and has proven to be safe in follow-up studies.

"The follow-up studies for Lasik have not been as good and patients should be made aware of this when they are being advised by doctors.

"PRK, Lasik and cataract surgery are among the safest surgical operations carried out. But like any surgical procedures there is a risk. More research needs to be carried out to determine the risks involved with Lasik."

He called on doctors to make patients aware of the risks of laser surgery.

Dr David O'Bratt, a consultant ophthalmologist at the same hospital and part of a team from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists appointed to draw up guidelines on laser surgery, said he believed most patients were told about the risks.

"I would say the vast majority of doctors tell patients about the risks. Because this is a new treatment we do not know all of the risks, as with any new procedure."

© MMIII

eye laser surgery : Are these treatments safe?

2006-08-28T02:57:00.000-07:00

All of these treatments have been approved for use in the UK and are therefore considered safe.

However, medical opinion is somewhat divided over some of the newer treatments.

This is largely because they have not been around very long and there are no long-running studies into the long-term effects of some of the treatments.

In addition, all surgery is not without its risks and eye surgery is no different. Doctors are expected to warn patients that the treatment does involve risk.

In some cases, patients have suffered major complications and required cornea transplants following laser treatment.

Can everyone have laser eye surgery?

No. Eye laser surgery is only suitable for certain people. It is usually only performed on healthy adults.

People who have just mild eyesight problems are not generally considered good candidates. Similarly, those whose eyesight has changed significantly in the past 12 months may also be refused because their eyesight is still getting worse.

Diabetes, pregnancy and arthritis and other similar conditions can also rule people out.

How popular is eye laser surgery?

Eye laser surgery is getting more popular every year not least because prices are coming down and the treatment is more widely available.

It is estimated that more than one million Americans are now having their eyes lasered in the US each year.

© MMIII

eye laser surgery : What is eye laser surgery?

2006-08-28T02:53:00.000-07:00

Eye laser surgery

Sir Elton John is the latest star to say he is planning to throw his spectacles away and undergo eye laser surgery.
BBC News Online examines the procedure and why it is proving popular with so many people.

What is eye laser surgery?

Traditionally, eye sight problems are corrected with spectacles or contact lenses.

In recent years, lasers have become a popular alternative. The laser is directed on the cornea, the outer, clear round structure that covers the colored part of the eye (iris) and the pupil.

For people with short-sightedness, for instance, the laser is set to reduce the thickness of the cornea. This enables the eye to bring images into focus properly.

The cost of eye laser surgery varies between clinics but generally starts at around £500 per eye.

Are there different types?

Yes. There are three main types of eye laser surgery.

The newest and most popular type of eye laser surgery is called LASIK. Under this procedure, a thin layer of the eye's cornea is sliced off to create a flap. This enables the laser to target the tissue underneath. The flap is simply replaced and grows back naturally. Vision is restored almost immediately.

Another option is EPIFLAP or LASEK surgery. This involves the partial removal of the epithelium or outer layer of cells on the eye to reveal the cornea. The cornea is then flattened or reshaped by a laser and the outer cells are pushed back and the eye heals within a few days.

PRK was the standard eye laser surgery for many years. It involved the complete removal of the epithelium or the outer layer of cells on the eye.

LASIK is usually used on patients with severe long sight or short sight. LASEK is used on patients with moderate or mild short sight.

© MMIII

eye laser surgery : Can I Afford LASIK?

2006-08-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

The eventual cost of your LASIK procedure will most likely be related to the quality of the eye doctor you choose.

Choose your eye surgeon carefully

If you’ve been considering LASIK eye surgery, one of the most important things to do is choose your eye doctor wisely. Put aside the question of cost for a while, and focus on finding the best quality surgeon. It’s wise to check on:

· Credentials

· Professional affiliations

· Extent of experience

The best LASIK surgeons have extensive experience. They select their patients carefully too, because not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK.

So take the time to interview several, ask lots of questions, and if the doctor seems more interested in processing great quantities of patients than in treating you as well as possible, move on.

Don’t believe advertisements

LASIK costs are quoted per eye, and they vary nationwide. If you see ads that offer “LASIK surgery from $499 per eye”, read any small print there might be. Not everyone will qualify for that low price and there could be hidden costs too.

Our eyes are as individual as our fingerprints, and each eye can be different from the other, requiring different treatment. A good LASIK doctor will customize your treatment to give you the best eyesight you can have. No matter what the context in life, customizing always takes more time and expertise, and yields a better result.

Wavefront-guided LASIK is an especially good choice from this perspective, because it so accurately maps your individual eye characteristics, and guides the treating laser accordingly.

LASIK costs have been rising

Over the past 3 or 4 years, several factors have contributed to rising prices:

· More demand for LASIK

· More expensive technology which yields a better result but isn’t used by all doctors

· Varying amounts of pre-op testing and screening

Overall, the cost for a LASIK surgery is in the vicinity of $2,000 or higher.

What’s covered in the cost

When shopping for your eye doctor, ask exactly what’s covered by the quoted LASIK price. The price may or may not include the cost of:

· Screening and testing

· Post-op medications

· Follow-up visits – and if some are included, how many, for what period of time?

· Doctor evaluations to decide whether any extra, or “enhancement” surgery will be appropriate in any given case

· Any enhancement surgery that might be deemed necessary

· Re-treatments during the rest of your life

Remember too that in order to give you a quality LASIK surgery, the surgical facility must cover many expenses, such as:

· Purchase or lease of the laser, microkeratome, and other equipment, and their maintenance

· Disposables which are essential for sterility, like gloves, masks and gowns

· Royalty fees to the laser manufacturer

· Specialized items used during the procedure, such as medications, surgical solutions and blades for the microkeratome

· Insurance

· Facility costs, such as staff salaries and benefits, office equipment, office supplies

· The surgeon’s fee

Financing choices

When choosing your eye doctor, ask what financing options his facility offers. Some centers offer low-interest or even no-interest plans. Some offer a plan that’s extended over a longer period so that the monthly payment can be lower.

Also consider the following:

· Some credit cards give free airline miles and a $2000 charge might qualify you for a free ticket

· Many employers offer Flexible Spending Accounts which set aside pre-tax dollars to cover medical expenses, and this could save you hundreds of dollars

· Depending on your circumstances, LASIK might be tax deductible, so check with your tax person

We have only one pair of eyes, so why not give them the best possible care and optimize their function? By doing our homework ahead of time in choosing a good doctor, by taking advantage of good financing options, and by careful financial planning within our own budget, most of us can probably afford this rather miraculous LASIK surgery.

By Sara Goldstein

eye laser surgery : Finding The Best LASIK Surgeon

2006-08-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

If you have decided to undergo LASIK surgery you will need to choose a surgeon to perform the surgery. This individual will be responsible for vaporizing part of your eye with an ultraviolet laser. Shouldn’t you pick the best surgeon in your area for the job? Here are tips to help you find the best LASIK surgeon.

LASIK is a form of surgery that reshapes your eye so that images are focused correctly. It does this by vaporizing part of the cornea with a laser. There have been a number of technological advances with LASIK surgery including wave front and custom LASIK; however, you are still in the hands of your surgeon when it comes to getting the job done.

Picking a good LASIK surgeon is important. This is important not only for the quality of the surgery you receive, but the follow up offered in case additional treatments are needed or complications arise. Choosing a surgeon because they have an insert in the Sunday paper with the lowest price may not be the best thing for your eyes.

A good LASIK surgeon has performed LASIK surgery for a minimum of three years; this surgeon should have at least 500 LASIK procedures under their belt. You want a LASIK surgeon with a personal touch. The surgeon’s responsibility does not end after the LASIK procedure. If complications arise or you need additional treatment you want to know that your surgeon will be there for you. You can learn more about finding the best LASIK surgeon in your area by visiting the website LasikEssentials.com using the links below.

By Nick Harper

eye laser surgery : Is LASIK Right For You?

2006-08-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

If you are considering refractive surgery such as LASIK to correct your vision problems, your eye care provider will screen you to see if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK surgery. Here is what you need to know when deciding if LASIK surgery is right for you.

LASIK vision correction is effective in correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Presbyopia, a condition that requires reading glasses in older patients, cannot be corrected with LASIK surgery. When you have LASIK surgery the surgeon will reshape your cornea by vaporizing tissue with an ultraviolet laser.

Before you allow someone to do this to your eyeballs, you should probably do your homework about LASIK surgery. Talk to friends and family members that have undergone the surgery ask about their experiences. There are risks and side effects to LASIK surgery so it is best to know what you are getting into ahead of time.

Your eye doctor will evaluate you to decide if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK surgery. Not everyone is a good candidate; if your corneas are too thin for example LASIK will not be possible. Your ophthalmologist will cover all of the risks involved before you agree to LASIK surgery. You can learn more about LASIK vision correction by visiting the website LasikEssentials.com

By Nick Harper

eye laser surgery : Say Bye Bye to spectacles and Contact Lenses

2006-08-14T01:08:00.000-07:00

Eye lasik surgery is a form of surgery which is done over the eyes. Eye lasik surgery is simply a procedure which is considered as effective for an individual who is virtually dependent upon the constant use of spectacles and contact lenses. The full form of LASIK is Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. Eye lasik surgery is basically a procedure which is designed to make a specific and a permanent change to the contour of the cornea. Even the clear covering of the upper portion of the eyes can be removed through eye lasik surgery. Eye lasik surgery is done extensively with the paramount excimer laser use.

Immense success has been fostered in the process of Eye lasik surgery, but yet it involves certain amount of risk. It is basically advisable to know about the risks and the complications which might crop up after the Eye lasik surgery has been performed. Some of the probable risk factors which are related with Eye lasik surgery are vision loss, continuance of glasses, severe dry eye problem, lack of proper far sighted vision etc.

In order to undertake Eye lasik surgery, the procedures needed are as firstly, the eyes are provided drops of anesthetic. Secondly, a thin flap over the eyes is removed by the surgeon performing the surgery which is helpful in relieving the inner portion of the tissues which covers the cornea. Thirdly, cool computer proscribed pulses are applied in the inner part of the cornea. Fourthly, after this the flap which has been removed is again gently placed in its original place. Irritation at the initial stage is quite common but later on there is the gradual reduction of the complications which might have been caused due to the Eye lasik surgery.

I would like to add something out here. As I myself is a constant user of contact lenses, I sometimes feel like to opt for Eye lasik surgery and just get rid of its use forever. But while I made planning for it, I sat over the internet and made a study of all the signs and symptoms related to Eye lasik surgery and the precautionary measures which is needed to be followed for Eye lasik surgery. But the consequences which sometimes follow Eye lasik surgery had made me to think over the plan once again. But I am quite determined in this respect that when the right time comes for me to undergo Eye lasik surgery, I will definitely go for it.

by Farzina Naznin

eye laser surgery : Eye Surgery With Lasik

2006-08-14T01:03:00.000-07:00

To reduce a persons dependency on glasses or contact lenses one can have Lasik surgery. The term LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure through which you permanently changes the shape of the cornea. The cornea is the clear covering of the front of the eye.

Doctors use an excimer laser to perform this kind of surgery. A small knife, called a microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middle section of the cornea. The pulses from a computer controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. Other techniques are also in use.

The cornea is a part of the eye that helps focus light to create an image on the retina. The bending and focusing of light is also known as refraction. The shape of the cornea and the eye are usually not perfect and the image on the retina is out-of-focus (blurred) or distorted. These imperfections in the focusing power of the eye are called refractive errors. There are three primary types of refractive errors: myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Persons with myopia, or nearsightedness, have more difficulty seeing distant objects as clearly as near objects. Persons with hyperopia, or farsightedness, have more difficulty seeing near objects as clearly as distant objects. Astigmatism is a distortion of the image on the retina caused by irregularities in the cornea or lens of the eye. Combinations of myopia and astigmatism or hyperopia and astigmatism are common.

Glasses or contact lenses are designed to compensate for the imperfections of the eye. Surgical procedures aimed at improving the focusing power of the eye are called refractive surgery. With Lasik surgery, precise and controlled removal of corneal tissue by a special laser reshapes the cornea and changes its focusing power.

Before Lasik there were other techniques developed to reshape the cornea for example Photorefractive Keratectomy. Often the exact same laser is used for the two types of surgery. The major difference between the two surgeries is the way that the stroma, the middle layer of the cornea, is exposed before it is vaporized with the laser. In PRK, the top layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is scraped away to expose the stromal layer underneath. In LASIK, a flap is cut in the stromal layer and the flap is folded back.

Can anyone have a eye Lasik surgery? Most but not everyone and certain complications are unavoidable in a percentage of patients, and there are no long term data available for current procedures. Also, some jobs prohibit certain refractive procedures so be sure to check with your employer/professional society/military service before undergoing any procedure.

Most medical insurance will not pay for refractive surgery and the cost is still significant. If you have what is called refractive instability, like young people, you can not have this kind of surgery. If you are pregnant or have certain diseases like diabetes or are taking medications you should not have Lasik surgery. In these cases you should discuss the possible additional risks with your doctor.

by Keith George

eye laser surgery : 4 Referral Sources For Your Research

2006-08-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

The internet is the top place to find sources for lasik eye surgery procedures. You can use any search engine such as http://www.google.com, where you can find information on just about anything you need to. Using a simple search term like “lasik” returns over four million websites. That’s right: four million. By being a little more specific you can narrow your results down dramatically. For example searching for “lasik pricing” produces two hundred thousand results. You can also use the internet to search for local eye doctors that do lasik in your area. For another example a search for “lasik in Shreveport, Louisiana” yields fifty three thousand results and like I said before you can use just about any search engine. You most likely won’t find the site you need with your first try, but you will be lead in the right direction. By using the internet you can have all your questions answered about lasik, the procedure, the side effects, the pricing, and just about everything else you wanted to know, but was afraid to ask. You possibly will even have some questions answered that you didn’t even think to ask. The internet is the most widespread referral source for lasik.

The second most frequent source for recommendations are magazines. If you have ever had to go to the doctor or the dentist, you have seen tons of medical publications in the waiting room. Nearly all new innovations in medical science can be found by skimming through these magazines. Doctors are in the business to make money, so it would make sense that they would publicize. If it is a new advancement you may even be able to read up on it in these magazines. The disadvantage of using magazines to do research is that there is no real organization or means to search them by topic. You have to plainly search through many magazines to find the one article you need that may or may not have all the information you need. The advantage to magazines is that they are good about getting your attention and making you conscious of certain innovations that you can shortly look up on the internet with a standard search engine.

Medical periodicals are an additional source that scores of people over look. You can more often than not find out all the details of a procedure using medical periodicals. The disadvantage is that these typically read like stereo instructions and they are rather dull. They are first-class to put you to sleep at night, and, similar to magazines, are good starting points. They can give you the guide you need to start an internet search.

The most disregarded resource you have is first hand information from people who have had lasik. You can ask any eye doctor and they ought to be able to give you a reference listing of patients that have approved to speak to potential patients. As a rule they will provide you the best thoughts of what to expect. They will most likely also tell you what the internet and doctors leave out. They have gone through the operation. They know what it feels like, what the after effects are like, and if it is worth it. Now don’t go by just what one person says. Ask several of them your questions so you can get a feel for what to actually expect. You can also ask anyone you know if they know someone who has had it done.

These four things are the top referrals there are on lasik eye surgery. The internet, by far, has the most information at your fingertips, but do keep the others in mind as well. They were around long before the internet and will be around for many years to come. The information they give is very valuable and should not be over looked. If you use these resources you will be very well educated on what to expect when you go into a consultation with any eye doctor. That learning will give you a leg up. You will be able to decipher when a doctor is just trying to sell you something, or if he/she is really trying to help you. You are a person too, not just a paycheck. You know that, so make sure he/she does too. Once those borders are set, then you can feel more at ease letting him/her work on you. Remember knowledge is power, and in this situation that old line holds true.

by Garry Allen

eye laser surgery : Lasik Vision Correction

2006-08-07T22:15:00.000-07:00

Lasik Vision Correction for Presbyopia (aging eyes)

Around the age of 40, most of us who are farsighted or normal sighted become aware that our close up vision is no longer as clear. We find ourselves holding books and newspapers farther and farther away in order to see the printing clearly. The larger and less flexible crystalline lens in the eye no longer provides enough power for reading. Traditionally, as we age, we resort to wearing bifocals to be able to read or do close up work.

Is Lasik Vision Correction possible for Presbyopia?

The new trend in Lasik vision correction for Presbyopia is called monovision. Monovision is where one eye is corrected for near vision and the other for far vision. By focusing one eye for distance and the other for near, the goal is to be able to see both far and near when you use both eyes. Everyone has a dominant eye (this is the eye that takes the lead, tells your eyes where to point and how to focus) and a non-dominant eye. Your dominant eye would be corrected for distance and your non dominant eye for reading.

Does monovision work to correct Presbyopia in all older patients?

Monovision works well for about 50% of all patients with Presbyopia. How do you know if it would work for you before you make the investment in Lasik vision correction? Your eye doctor can allow you to ‘test-drive’ monovision and ‘try before you buy’, by letting you use contact lenses that slightly under-correct nearsightedness in your non-dominant eye. For some people who try monovision, they instantly know that this is a perfect solution for them. Their eyes are able to view a mountain in the distance one moment and switch to looking at their watch the next. They are able to view both far and near with reasonably clear focused vision. The other 50% of people (myself, included) find that this drives them crazy. If you spend most of your time doing highly technical, demanding, critical close up work, monovision may not be right for you. I complained to my eye doctor that using contacts to try monovision didn’t allow me to see as perfectly for close up work as bifocals did. He told me that in his experience, for his patients who are a type A personality, very picky about small details and demand absolute clarity in close up vision, monovision was not always a good choice. It’s a good idea to talk to your eye doctor and ‘try before you buy’ to make sure that Lasik vision correction is right for treating your Presbyopia.
eye laser surgery
by Beth Gabriel

eye laser surgery : What to Do Before Surgery

2006-08-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

Step 1, do you know what to expect?

The absolutely, most important choice to make before having Lasik surgery is to select the best in Lasik Eye Surgeons. Need help in choosing which Lasik Eye surgeon to pick? Please click on the link in the next paragraph for help in deciding what to look for in Lasik Eye surgeons. After you have chosen your Lasik surgeon, you will be scheduled for an initial consultation. Your Lasik surgeon may ask you to stop wearing any contact lenses and return to wearing glasses for 2 to 4 weeks before your consultation. Why?

All contact lenses, but especially hard lenses, can change the shape of your cornea temporarily. During your baseline exam, your surgeon will thoroughly examine both of your eyes, taking precise, detailed measurements. These measurement help determine how much corneal tissue will need to be reshaped to give you the best possible outcome after surgery. Wearing contact lenses up to the day of your baseline exam may cause inaccurate measurements to be taken and this can result in inaccurate changes made to your vision. There's no way you want this to happen, so listen to your surgeon's recommendations if he or she asks you to stop wearing your contacts prior to your exam.

Need help in choosing which Lasik Eye Surgeon to pick? See Choosing Your Lasik Eye Surgeon for help in researching, questioning and selecting the best surgeon. The goal of your initial consultation and baseline exam is to help you and your surgeon determine if you are a good candidate for Lasik surgery. Your Lasik surgeon will discuss the medical history of your eyes with you and will also ask you about your general medical history.

Topics your Lasik surgeon will discuss with you:

when did you first began wearing glasses or contacts
do you have any history of eye injuries
have you had any reoccurring eye infections
do you have frequent headaches, blurred vision or double vision
what current medications are you taking (both prescription and non prescription medication as they may be important to your vision)
what are the possible risks of having Lasik surgery
what are the non-surgical alternatives to Lasik surgery
what questions do you have regarding your upcoming surgery
signing the informed consent form for Lasik surgery (signed agreement between you and your surgeon that you understand the risks, benefits and alternatives of your procedure)
do you have any long term, chronic, medical conditions that could affect the long term health of your eyes
are you pregnant or nursing
Don’t feel pressured to sign the informed consent form for Lasik surgery until you feel confident and comfortable with your surgeon. And don’t let anyone ‘talk you into’ having Lasik surgery. Your family and friends can give you advice but only you can decide what is best for your eyes. On the day of surgery, avoid using any lotions, perfume or make up to help avoid eye irritation and possible eye infections. Arrange for a friend or family member to give you a ride to and from your Lasik surgery for your safety and peace of mind. Look for my next article in the series on Lasik Surgery – Step 2, What to expect the day of your Lasik Surgery, coming out next week.

By Beth Gabriel

eye laser surgery : PRK Vision Surgery

2006-08-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

Excimer laser PRK/PARK vision surgery for low to moderate myopia and myopic astigmatism respectively, is another established surgical technique which has proved to be very safe and effective. Studies have shown that the majority of patients with myopia of between -1.0 to -6.0 diopters enjoy a very satisfactory outcome (20/20 vision or better) following PRK vision surgery. About 80% do not require eye glasses or corrective lenses.

Where PARK is performed, the best outcomes are achieved for myopic eyes with associated astigmatism not exceeding 1.5 diopters. As higher corrections are attempted, the outcome becomes less predictable although satisfactory results are often achieved for moderate myopia and astigmatism.

H-PRK is the most recent form of surface-based laser vision surgery. It is generally used for low degrees of of hyperopia (farsightedness) as the procedure is still in its infancy. However, early results look promising.

The three PRK procedures outlined above are all performed in a very similar manner. Tissue immediately below the thin layer of corneal surface cells (epithelium) is rubbed away to reshape the cornea during a painless procedure. The sole difference between them is the pattern created on the cornea. LASIK vision surgery, by contrast, slices a thin, hinged flap from the top of the cornea and is used for higher corrections.

The benefits of PRK vision surgery.

PRK does not involve the creation of a hinged corneal flap which is a very exacting procedure. As a result, PRK is associated with fewer complications than LASIK surgery.

The complications, however, in LASIK can be serious and lead to permanent loss of best corrected vision if the corneal flap is incompletely reseated or damaged in any way.

Following PRK laser surgery minor symptoms are quite common in the first few months, but soon disappear altogether. However, problems like halo and distorted vision (now less common with the introduction of larger diameter treatment zones), or severe haze and scarring, which can result in permanently affected vision, only affect around 1-2% of patients.

Anisometropia (a difference in focus between the two eyes after one eye only has been treated) is more marked for patients who undergo LASIK surgery for higher levels of myopia. The difference in focus might be quite marked and make driving unsafe.

Those patients with moderate myopia who cannot wear contact lenses might well consider PRK instead. Their symptoms of anisometropia may well be less pronounced between the treatment of the first and second eyes.

The drawbacks of PRK vision surgery.

A PRK procedure generally requires a lengthy period between the first and second treatments of between 6 and 12 months. In LASIK, on the other hand, stabilization occurs earlier than after PRK and retreatment can typically go ahead between 1 and 3 months after the primary treatment.

As the period between primary and retreatment is a lengthy one in PRK, so several months need to elapse before 20/20 results are achieved, and then eye glasses may have to be worn.

While the actual laser treatment is usually pain-free, most patients will experience mild to moderately severe eye pain lasting up to 36 hours. Pain killers are prescribed for what is, in effect, a large abrasion on the cornea. LASIK is relatively pain-free.

What to expect from PRK vision surgery.

Before going ahead with a PRK procedure, your eyes will be assessed by an eye surgeon which will include computerized corneal topography capable of revealing otherwise undetectable irregularities in the cornea.

Such a detailed mapping of the cornea will allow the surgeon to remove tissue to a pattern pre-determined by the patient's own refraction.

Before this corneal tissue is removed, the epithelium (thin layer of surface cells) is rubbed off, a process which takes just one to two minutes. The corneal ablation is even quicker depending upon the degree of correction being treated.

After treatment, topical drops and ointment are applied to the eye. You will also wear a pad for 6-24 hours post-surgery. Eye drops will keep the tear film lubricated and quite possibly you will need to wear glasses, and best vision could take six months to achieve.

How to choose a PRK eye surgeon.

We finish with the most important question of all: choosing your eye surgeon. Personal recommendation is usually the best method, followed by an interview of likely candidates.

Be well prepared with your questions which should include accurate information about your likely outcome; the cost of treatment (and any retreatment); what the cost of treatment comprises (are clinic reviews and medication included?) and, of course, the surgeon's qualifications and track record. Oh, and read the fine print.

Be wary of expensive advertising and eye surgeons who offer substantial discounts. The best, who don't come cheap, though, at $2000 an eye, let their satisfied patients speak for them.

By Maureen Cook

eye laser surgery : Are You a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

2006-08-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

You may be a good candidate for laser eye surgery if you:
are at least 21 years of age for a Summit laser or 18 years of age for a VISX laser, since the eyes are still growing to this point
have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye disease (refractive errors are considered eye disorders, not diseases)
have mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness) within the range of treatment (see your doctor to determine your range)
have a way to pay for the treatment since laser procedures are costly and probably not covered by health insurance policies
are fully informed about the risks and benefits of laser surgery compared with other available treatments.

by Carol Lewis

eye laser surgery : Is Laser Surgery for You?

2006-08-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

For some, like Goldstein, laser surgery has been the ultimate freedom from the everyday hassles of contact lenses, and a second chance at having normal eyesight. But can everyone expect such dramatic results?

"The answer is no," says Rosenthal. "It's not a foolproof procedure and people need to know that some can end up with worse eyesight than before they went in."

Mary Ann Duke, M.D., a general ophthalmologist practicing in Potomac, Md., adds that there are other reasons why the expectations for eye laser surgery vary from person to person.

"People who are slow healers or who have ongoing medical conditions [such as glaucoma or diabetes] are not good candidates for laser surgery," she says. "That's why it's so important for patients to undergo a thorough examination with their doctor."

Poor candidates for this surgery also include those with uncontrolled vascular disease, autoimmune disease, or people with certain eye diseases involving the cornea or retina. Pregnant women should not have refractive surgery of any kind because the refraction of the eye may change during pregnancy.

Looking Ahead

At present, a number of other lasers for eye surgery are currently being tested in FDA-sanctioned studies to determine their safety and effectiveness. Investigational Device Exemptions (IDEs) filed with FDA allow for clinical studies involving the excimer laser and the correction of farsightedness. The IDE process is designed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of a device, or a new procedure with an already approved device, either to obtain information for publication or to generate the data needed to obtain marketing approval from FDA.

"If the refractive surgery center says the laser is approved by FDA, it probably is," Waxler concludes. "Still, it is wise for consumers to check that the device being used for their surgery is FDA-approved," he says, or that they make sure they are being treated with a laser that is under study in an FDA-sanctioned clinical trial.

During the first few weeks immediately following laser surgery, Goldstein says, "Every week I kept thinking, 'this is as good as it gets'?" Then, she discovered by the sixth week, as predicted by her surgeon, that her eyesight was noticeably better and eventually stabilized.

"I would tell others to be patient about their expected outcome," she advises. "Even though with LASIK you can expect quicker results, I'm happy with the choice of PRK."

Carol Lewis is a staff writer for FDA Consumer.

eye laser surgery : Is It Worth Looking Into

2006-08-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

For Jeri Goldstein everything was a blur. Without her contact lenses she couldn't distinguish people, the scenes on television, the stars at night, and, generally, the world at large. Then, in March 1998, the 49-year-old California resident had eye surgery, and all that changed.

"After wearing contact lenses for 35 years, you can't imagine the freedom I felt," says Goldstein.

Goldstein underwent refractive eye surgery, an elective procedure intended to correct common eye disorders, known as refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (distorted vision). Although there are several types of surgical techniques being performed today to correct refractive errors, laser refractive correction is fast becoming the most technologically advanced method available, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology in San Francisco. Doctors say it allows for an unparalleled degree of precision and predictability.

"Laser surgery is the most exciting advancement in ophthalmology," says James J. Salz, M.D., clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and the doctor who performed Goldstein's surgery. But surprisingly, he says, despite its sudden popularity, "only 20 percent of ophthalmologists in the United States today are trained in its operation."

The Food and Drug Administration first approved the excimer laser in October 1995 for correcting mild to moderate nearsightedness. With that approval, the agency also restricted use of the laser to practitioners trained both in laser refractive surgery and in the calibration and operation of the laser. Currently, the excimer laser has been approved for use in a procedure called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and, as of November 1998, for a procedure called laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK).

Precision Surgery

PRK is an outpatient procedure generally performed with local anesthetic eye drops. This type of refractive surgery gently reshapes the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue from the outer surface with a cool, computer-controlled ultraviolet beam of light. The beam is so precise it can cut notches in a strand of human hair without breaking it, and each pulse can remove 39 millionths of an inch of tissue in 12 billionths of a second. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes, and patients are typically back to daily routines in one to three days.

Before the procedure begins, the patient's eye is measured to determine the degree of visual problem, and a map of the eye's surface is constructed. The required corneal change is calculated based on this information, and then entered into the laser's computer.

Since 1995, a limited number of laser systems has been approved by FDA to treat various refractive errors, both with PRK and LASIK.

According to FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, clinical studies showed that about 5 percent of patients continued to always need glasses following PRK for distance, and up to 15 percent needed glasses occasionally, such as when driving. In addition, many patients experienced mild corneal haze following surgery, which is part of the normal healing process. The haze appeared to have little or no effect on final vision, and could only be seen by a doctor with a microscope. Some patients experienced glare and halos around lights. These conditions, however, diminished or disappeared in most patients in six months. For about 5 percent of patients, however, best-corrected vision without corrective lenses was slightly worse after surgery than before. In view of these findings, FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (which oversees advertising) issued a letter to the eye-care community in May 1996 warning that unrealistic advertising claims, such as "throw away your eyeglasses," and unsubstantiated claims about success rates could be misleading to consumers.

LASIK

LASIK is a more complex procedure than PRK. It is performed for all degrees of nearsightedness. The surgeon uses a knife called a microkeratome to cut a flap of corneal tissue, removes the targeted tissue beneath it with the laser, and then replaces the flap.

"With LASIK, the skill of the surgeon is important because he'll be making an incision," says Stephen Crawford, O.D., an optometrist practicing in Virginia, "compared to the PRK method where the machine does more of the work." Crawford urges people to find qualified, experienced doctors to perform this surgery. "You'll want someone who's done a number of LASIK procedures since this is a surgeon-dependent operation," he said.

According to Ken Taylor, O.D., vice president of Arthur D. Little, Inc., a technology and management consultant firm in Cambridge, Mass., "Last year, across the country, 40 to 45 percent of refractive surgeries performed by physicians were LASIK, which equates to approximately 80,000 procedures." Doctors not participating in clinical trials may choose to use the approved laser to perform LASIK procedures at their discretion, says Morris Waxler, Ph.D., chief of FDA's diagnostic and surgical devices section. But most uses are considered "off label" and are not regulated by FDA.

Ralph A. Rosenthal, M.D., director of FDA's division of ophthalmic devices, says, "The agency has ruled that individual physicians can perform LASIK under the general 'practice of medicine,' if it's in the patient's best interest."

Advantages of LASIK

Some doctors believe that LASIK is a suitable procedure for correcting the most severe refractive errors. They also say that there is generally a faster recovery time after LASIK than after PRK. In addition, LASIK patients can see well enough to drive immediately and have good vision within a week.

After studying the options, Goldstein first decided on the LASIK procedure, but was surprised to learn that her doctor advised against it.

"Initially, I wanted the quick recovery that LASIK offers," Goldstein says, "but the bottom line was, which surgery will give me the best results, and after considering everything, eventually we agreed on PRK."

James Salz is currently involved in an FDA-sanctioned clinical trial at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, which is now studying the laser system specifically for farsightedness (hyperopia) with astigmatism. Although routinely performing laser eye surgery, he still encourages a small percentage of his low to moderately nearsighted patients to undergo radial keratotomy, or RK, an earlier refractive correction procedure that does not require the excimer laser.

With RK, incisions are made in a "radial" pattern along the outer portion of the cornea using a hand-held blade. These incisions are designed to help flatten the curvature of the cornea, thereby allowing light rays entering the eye to properly focus on the retina. The number and length of the incisions determines the degree of correction attained.

"Typically, this is still a practiced procedure for select people with very small corrections of myopia," Salz says.

Conversely, Crawford says that although he will mention RK as an option to his patients considering eye surgery, he is not in favor of this method. He says studies indicate that incisions made during this procedure, which penetrate approximately 90 percent of the cornea, appear to weaken the structure of the eye. Also, once you've had RK done you can't repeat it or have PRK done.

"I think that patients should understand and consider all available options for correcting refractive errors," Crawford says, "but I would never recommend RK to anyone."

by Carol Lewis

eye laser surgery : Expectations vs. Reality

2006-08-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

Laser Eye Surgery – What are your expectations?

The success of laser eye surgery (as with any elective surgery), is measured by how the outcome matches your before-surgery expectations. Are your expectations realistic? Can your expectations be met by laser eye surgery? It’s your surgeon’s job to help you consider all aspects of good vision prior to your laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery can greatly improve your vision but no procedure can promise ‘perfect vision’ to every patient. When asked, most people say they expect to have 20/20 vision following laser eye surgery. In truth, most will be satisfied with 20/25 or 20/30 vision.

Laser eye surgery can give mild to moderately nearsighted (distant objects are not clear) patients a 90% chance to be able to drive during the day without glasses. Many of these patients will still need to wear glasses for night driving but most consider this a vast improvement to their vision before surgery. Extremely nearsighted patients who view the world through thick glasses are often not able to be fitted with contacts to correct their vision. For these patients, laser eye surgery can be a life saver and they are some of the most satisfied patients following eye surgery. These patients say that their ability to see without having to wear thick glasses is a life changing event. Many claim they feel more attractive and feel free to play sports for the first time since childhood.

It’s important to realize that good vision is more than being able to read the 20/20 line on your doctor’s eye chart. Having good vision means you also need to consider all the elements of vision:

depth of field – can you see clearly from near to far
night vision – can you see clearly in low light conditions
color vision – are you able to distinguish red from green
contrast sensitivity – can you distinguish different shades of gray
bi-ocular vision – do your eyes work together

Will you be happy with your results following laser eye surgery? The best way to insure your happiness is to discuss your expectations with your surgeon. Will you only be happy with ‘perfect’ vision or are you prepared to have slightly less than perfect vision if it means you won’t need to wear contacts or glasses on a daily basis?

by Beth Gabriel

eye laser surgery : Lasik Eye Surgeons - Who to Choose

2006-08-01T23:01:00.000-07:00

How to choose who to trust with your eyes

The most important decision a Lasik eye surgery candidate can make is choosing the best in Lasik Eye Surgeons. Only ophthalmologists are permitted to perform Lasik eye surgery. Your optometrist who performs your regular eye exam, can give you a list of Lasik Eye Surgeons in your area to choose from but your optometrist is not licensed do your Lasik surgery. Look for a surgeon who is versatile and competent in several refractive procedures. Lasik isn't the only surgical procedure to correct your vision and isn't the best solution for everyone. Choose a surgeon who is familiar and experienced with many different techniques; PRK, Lasek, CK, clear lens replacement and Lasik.

By choosing a surgeon who is experienced in several of these techniques, they can better help you to decide which procedure is best at correcting your vision problem. A surgeon who has performed 20,000 PRK procedures isn’t necessarily the best at performing Lasik surgery. Once you and your surgeon have decided which procedure is best for your eyes, ask your surgeon how many procedures they have done using that particular technique. You might also ask your surgeon if they are board certified in ophthalmology. This means they have passed additional exams beyond medical school, internship and residency.

Ophthalmologists who are Lasik eye surgeons must take special courses in this technique and complete many hours of hands-on training. Hospitals, Lasik surgery centers and manufacturers of Lasik surgical equipment all require this special training before surgeons are allowed to practice Lasik eye surgery. All Lasik eye surgeons who are new to doing this specialized surgery are trained by a skilled Lasik surgeon. Don’t hesitate to ask to see documentation of the training and courses that your Lasik eye surgeon has completed. They should be proud to show you all that they have accomplished.

After your initial consultation with a Lasik eye surgeon, don’t worry that you will hurt their feelings if you choose to consult with a second (or third) surgeon. This is a common and accepted practice to ask for a second opinion. Choosing the best Lasik eye surgeon is probably the most important decision that you will make this year so take your time and do your homework before putting your eyes in their hands.

Eye surgery terminology

Lasik - laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, a flap in the cornea is created using a microkeratome and a laser reshapes the underlying cornea.

PRK - photorefractive keratectomy, a laser is used to remove the surface layer of the cornea

Lasek - laser epithelial keratomileusis; a form of PRK but the surface layer of the cornea is not removed, just pulled back to allow the laser to reshape the cornea.

CK – conductive keratoplasty,radio frequency energy used to correct farsightedness

Clear lens replacement – surgical removal of the crystalline lens through a tiny slit in the cornea and a clear lens is put in its place

by Beth Gabriel

eye laser surgery : Laser Surgery

2006-08-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

A laser is a beam of light that is concentrated with energy. This beam can selectively transmit its energy onto tissue in order to cure skin troubles of any kind, from eruptions to stretch marks. It can even be used in the treatment of eye defects such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Lasers hold in themselves a material that creates and magnifies light. Two mirrors are used to reflect the light back and forth via this material. This gives rise to a beam that is packed and powerful, composed of one pure color or many different pure colors. These qualities, which distinguish a laser from a light bulb, make the former indispensable to medical applications.

The deployment of lasers in medicine is intricate, and plastic surgeons are trained to use lasers judiciously. They will be the best ones to decide if the use of laser is warranted in a particular case. Physicians use lasers to make cuts where necessary, eliminate tumors, close blood vessels and treat the skin for anything from acne to wrinkles, besides treating eye defects. The laser has the potential to change tissue without actually cutting into the skin. This makes major surgery unnecessary in the treatment of various conditions.

Laser surgery can do plenty in dermatology, ophthalmology and in the removal of tumors, for instance. The laser is similar to a scalpel, only composed of light, not steel. In dermatology, lasers help in the eradication of birthmarks, warts or other facial growths. Surgeons will use low intensity beams while working on facial tissue. This is done in order to preserve as much of the tissue as possible, which in turn, preserves natural beauty. Lasers are used in hair transplants, mainly to prepare the part where new hair will be placed.

After surgery, some inflammation is not uncommon. This can be treated with topical antibiotic creams. Avoiding exposure to direct sunlight also helps the process of recovery. The full impact of the operation may not be noticeable for over two months, especially where vascular defects are concerned. Any follow-up treatments will have to be scheduled after the initial healing process is complete.

Laser Surgery provides detailed information on Laser Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery, Cosmetic Laser Surgery, Laser Surgery For Stretch Marks and more. Laser Surgery is affiliated with Corrective Laser Eye Surgeries.

By Marcus Peterson

eye laser surgery : Lasik Eye Surgery Complications

2006-07-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

What are some of the possible complications of Lasik eye surgery?

Undercorrection – this occurs when the expected vision correction falls short of the desired outcome. This occurs more commonly with patients who have a high degree of nearsightedness (only objects close up are clear), farsightedness (only objects far away are clear) or astigmatism (images both far and near are distorted). Why? There is more laser corneal sculpting that needs to occur with patients having higher degrees of vision imperfection. When interviewing Lasik eye surgeons, it’s important to ask them what percentage of their patients need retreatment for undercorrection. This should be something that they are willing to freely discuss with you. If not, walk away! This is not to be confused with a planned slight undercorrection for nearsighted patients over forty years old which aids their reading vision. But this is something that you and your Lasik eye surgeon would have discussed before your surgery.

Overcorrection – this complication occurs less frequently than undercorrection and results when the amount of correction (corneal laser sculpting) exceeds what is planned. Slight overcorrection can be temporary and may resolve itself in the first month following Lasik eye surgery. Patients can manage slight overcorrections by wearing glasses until their vision resolves. Some patients with overcorrection may need additional Lasik eye surgery 3 to 6 months following their first surgery.

Dry Eye – many Lasik eye surgery patients may experience the feeling of ‘grittiness’ in their eyes following surgery. This condition usually resolves itself in 3 to 6 months and may be helped by using lubricating eye drops. Patients using birth control pills and patients going through menopause may experience this condition more often. If ‘dry eye’ continues beyond 6 months, Lasik eye surgeons may recommend blocking your tear ducts with tiny silicon plugs to prevent tears from draining away too quickly.

Corneal abrasion – a small percentage of Lasik eye surgery patients may develop a small corneal abrasion (scrape) caused by the microkeratome (instrument used to create corneal flap) used during surgery. This abrasion is generally not serious and will heal quickly. Lasik eye surgeons may temporarily place a thin bandage contact lens on your eye to promote healing. While your abrasion is healing, your vision will be blurry.

Night glare – this annoying condition may not affect your vision clarity but patients may see halos or ghosting of images at night during the first month following surgery. Night glare generally improves in 3 months and often disappears within 6 months. Patients with large pupils and more severe vision impairment may be more prone to night glare.

Corneal flap complication – this occurs when the corneal flap is too small, too thin or is an irregular shape. In some cases the corneal flap may shift slightly following surgery if a patient rubs their eyes during the first 6 hours after surgery. If the flap does shift, ‘wrinkles’ can form causing distorted vision. A second procedure may be necessary to ‘smooth out’ the wrinkles and improve vision.

Infection – although this is the most feared complication of Lasik eye surgery patients, it is extremely rare. If your eye is going to become infected, chances are it will happen in the first 72 hours following surgery and will be treated with antibiotic eye drops. For this reason it is very important to avoid eye makeup, hot tubs and swimming pools for at least the first week following Lasik eye surgery.

The risks of Lasik eye surgery are low with experienced Lasik eye surgeons but you need to be aware of possible complications prior to surgery. Lasik eye surgeons should freely discuss all possible complications of Lasik eye surgery prior to surgery. Do everything you can to put your eyes in the best possible hands.

Beth Gabriel is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Lasik-Solutions.com. She provides more Lasik Eye Surgery information and help with choosing Lasik Eye Surgeons that you can read on her website from the comfort of your home at 2:00 am!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beth_Gabriel

eye laser surgery : Throw Away the Glasses: Go for Laser Eye Surgery

2006-07-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

For Julie, my best friend, world meant black without her spectacles. The poor myopic girl became the butt of social ridicules because of these thick glasses of hers. At twenty five she used to look like forty years old because of her glasses. Yes, she tried contact lenses once, but she wasn’t comfortable with them and the glasses were the only bridge between her and the world, until the summer of 2000, when she underwent laser eye surgery. Since then everything has changed for her. In her own words surgery brought her freedom; freedom to see the world with her own eyes without any kind of dependence.

Julie is not alone in her experience. There are thousands all across the USA, who are taking to Laser Eye Surgery, the most exciting advancement in ophthalmology. The traditional corrective measures for problematic eye sight involve using spectacles or contact lenses. But in recent years laser surgery seems to replace these traditional devices of correcting eye sight problem.

But what is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure intended to correct common vision disorders, referred to as refractive disorders in ophthalmology which include myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness and also astigmatism or distorted vision.

In this surgery, the laser is aimed at the cornea, which is the outer and clear round structure covering the iris, the colored part of the eye and the pupil. The surgery intends to gently reshape the cornea by changing the thickness of the tissues of cornea. No matter whether you are far sighted or near sighted, the surgery will help your eyes bring the images into proper focus.

Can you opt for different types of laser surgery?

Yes of course you can. Currently there are mainly three types of laser eye surgeries, which you can choose from depending on the type of your eye problem and your budget.

So far LASIK is the most popular type of eye laser surgery that uses the most advanced technological equipment. This is a procedure, which involves carving out of a thin layer of cornea to create a flap. The objective of this procedure is to direct the laser to the tissues lying underneath. The flap which is replaced grows back naturally. And you get an improved vision almost instantly.

The next option is EPIFLAP or LASEK surgery. In this process, the outer layer of cells on the eye is partially removed to expose the cornea. Then laser is applied to flatten or reshape the cornea and the outer cells are pushed back. Just a matter of few days and you get impeccable vision.

The last and oldest option is PRK, which is performed on an outpatient basis with local anaesthesia. In this refractive surgery, laser is applied to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the outer surface to reshape cornea.

Is it safe?

The laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure, approved by The US Food and Drug Administration. So you can understand there can be no question regarding its safety. But of course there are certain differences of opinion relating to its result, because the procedure is relatively new and long term effects of this surgery are still unknown.

If you are still doubtful, let me share with you a piece of information: according to a certain estimate, more than one million Americans every year undergo laser eye surgery to get rid of their glasses and contact lenses and the number is still increasing. A more valid proof of its growing popularity is the diminishing cost of the procedure.

Lucy Bartlett is a proud contributing author. Find more articles here. For more info visit Laser Eye Surgery or Lasik

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Bartlett

eye laser surgery : Laser Eye Surgery

2006-07-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

Good vision and eyesight can make or mar the quality of a person’s life. The conventional method of correcting vision is through spectacles or contact lenses. In recent times, however, laser surgery has become a much-sought-after alternative. The laser is aimed at the cornea, the outer circular structure that shields the colored part of the eye (otherwise known as the iris), and the pupil. In correcting myopia, for instance, the laser is set to decrease the thickness of the cornea. This makes it possible for the eye to bring images into focus accurately.

There are essentially three different types of laser eye surgery. The latest and most prevalent type of laser surgery is called ‘Lasik’. This process involves creating a flap by cutting off a thin layer of the cornea, which further enables the laser to aim for the tissue beneath. The flap is merely placed back, and regenerates naturally. The results are almost immediate – vision is restored in no time.

The second most popular type of laser surgery is called ‘Epiflap’ or ‘Lasek’ surgery. This method involves the fractional removal of the epithelium to reveal the cornea. The cornea is then firmed or reshaped by a laser. Furthermore, the outer layer of cells is pushed back, and the eye heals shortly after.

PRK was the prevailing laser eye surgery method for years. It involved the entire removal of the epithelial cells on the eye. While Lasik is used to treat severe hyperopia or myopia, Lasek is only used to correct mild to average myopia.

These treatments are generally considered safe. However, the medical community is divided in its opinion over some of the latest advances in eye surgery and treatments. This is largely due to the newness of the technology and a lack of research on the long-term effects of some of these treatments. Moreover, like any surgery, eye surgery poses its own set of risks, and doctors are expected to educate their patients on the matter. It is not unusual for patients to suffer complications, even to the extent of having to have their cornea transplanted. Laser eye surgery should only be done on a healthy adult. Mild eyesight issues are not considered legitimate enough to warrant laser surgery. Conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes and illnesses involving the bone and joint can also rule out the possibility of laser treatments.

Laser Eye Surgery provides detailed information on Laser Eye Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery Costs, Corrective Laser Eye Surgeries, Lasik Laser Eye Surgeries and more. Laser Eye Surgery is affiliated with Cosmetic Laser Surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton

Laser Eye Surgery Could Be For You

2006-07-29T00:58:00.000-07:00

It might be the case that you are tired of wearing glasses, or you believe that it cramps your style. You also don’t want to use contact lenses, in order to avoid infection or inflammation due to overuse. In such a scenario, you are likely to consider LASIK eye surgery, which is one of the most prevalent vision correction procedures. And therefore, you require some basic LASIK education, in order to get a clear picture of what you can expect from LASIK if you want to know whether you should do eye laser surgery.
If the light rays don't focus on the retina (light-sensing cells), the image you see is blurry. This is termed as refractive error, and may be caused due to an irregularly shaped cornea. LASIK surgery involves carving of the cornea in order to give it the perfect shape, thereby making light rays focus on the retina. LASIK surgery employs a high-precision laser, named Excimer, which is an ultraviolet chemical laser.
Scads of people have undergone LASIK, and most procedures have been successful. But as with any surgery, LASIK has associated risks and complications. However, LASIK has a relatively low complication rate, between 1% and 5%, which is among the lowest in the eye surgery field. Another trivia from the chapter on LASIK education is that LASIK may not result in perfect vision. That is, not all patients achieve a 20/20 vision.
If you suffered from myopia and have undergone LASIK as a corrective procedure, you would still require reading glasses (for near vision) in your late 40s. LASIK is an irreversible procedure, and most insurance companies do not cover LASIK surgery. Therefore, make sure that your surgery is performed by an experienced ophthalmologist. Also note that only eye MDs (ophthalmologists) are permitted to perform LASIK surgery.
Now that you are aware of the ins and outs of LASIK surgery, decision making is much easier. Have a discussion with an experienced ophthalmologist. It might be the case that you could very well forego the surgery. But if need be, LASIK is a superlative option to correct your vision.
Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, information and views about whether you should do eye laser surgery at Your Lasik Information. The LASIK Surgeons Directory will help you find a LASIK doctor.
Copyright Your-LASIK.info All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

3 Reasons You Should Do Eye Laser Surgery

2006-07-28T01:46:00.000-07:00

There are a number of reasons why you should do eye laser surgery, but also many reasons why you shouldn't. This article examines those reasons, in order that you can make an informed decision if eye laser surgery (or Lasik) is right for you.

To start, we can discuss the conditions which are certainly treatable by Lasik, and mean that you could or you should do eye laser surgery.
Myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia farsightedness or astigmatism are all treatable by eye laser surgery. As long as your vision has remained unchanged for at least two years, then you would probably experience benefit from having the procedure done.

There are some caveats to these though, and we can start with your age.

If you are under 18 years old, then eye laser surgery is most definitely not right for you. The FDA has not approved any laser for the use of LASIK for people under 18, because in all likelihood, your visions prescription will still be changing. There is also the legal argument that minors may not be able to sign a legal consent form.

There are also some other considerations.
You should be aware that eye laser surgery, like all other surgical procedures, does come with some risks attached to it, and your vision at the end may be less than perfect. Furthermore, it is possible that you may encounter side effects such as a 'glare' effect. If you are not willing to accept the potential risks, then eye laser surgery is not right for you.

Once the Lasik procedure has been completed, there will be a significant amount of time required to recover. In other words results will not be immediate. You will also need to follow a fairly strict regime of medications such as eye drops. If you feel unable to do this, then eye laser surgery is not right for you.
If you have any of the following conditions:-

* Diabetes
* Auto immune diseases
* If you are Immunocompromised at all
* Collagen vascular disease

Then you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery.
If you are taking any medications which might impair or prevent your natural healing, then you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery. The type of medications in question are steroids or immunosuppressants.

There are a number of existing eye conditions which also mean that you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery. Some of the conditions in question are as follows:-

* Keratoconus or other corneal thinning disorder
* Corneal scarring
* Glaucoma
* Cataracts
* A recent occurrence of ocular herpes.
* Retinal disease
* Dry eye

Any of these conditions should preclude you from undertaking eye laser surgery.
I hope this article has been of use, and you leave better informed about eye laser surgery than when you arrived. If you have doubts or questions, then always refer to your Lasik surgeon or doctor. By Charlie Cory