Lasik Centers

What Is Lasik Laser Eye Surgery?

2008-12-15T23:03:00.000-08:00

LASIK laser eye surgery is an intricate surgery procedure used to treat all degrees of nearsightedness. The doctor who performs it uses a small scalpel to cut a flap of the cornea, then removes part of the underneath tissue with a laser and put the flap back in its place.

In LASIK eye surgery, the skills of the physician or surgeon are more important than in the PRK procedure, where the computer does most of the work. This is the reason why it is mandatory to find a high-skilled and experienced surgeon who has done several such procedures before to perform it. The success of this procedure depends mainly on the doctor.

Advantages Of LASIK Eye Surgery

Most physicians agree that this kind of eye surgery is very appropriate for correcting very severe vision problems. It also allows a faster recovery than PRK and other procedures. In addition, patients who have undergone a LASIK laser eye surgery can see accurate enough to drive and read within just a week or so.

Does LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Have Risks?

For a limited number of patients, LASIK laser eye surgery can have some negative side effects, which include over or under-correction, scarring of the cornea, astigmatism, corneal infections, lower contrast sensitivity or problems with driving at night.

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery versus PRK & RK

There are physicians that still consider other surgical procedures as well. Some patients who had previously decided on LASIK laser eye surgery are often advised to undergo a so called PRK or RK procedure instead. After studying all the options they have and consider the possible side effects, many of them eventually agree on other methods.

Many clinical centers, while they do perform LASIK laser eye surgery in many situations, they claim that other procedures or methods are in some cases more suitable. For instance, some physicians believe that for a small number of patients with low or moderately nearsighted eye conditions, a RK (radial keratotomy) is more appropriate.

RK is an earlier eye correction surgery procedure that does not need an Excimer laser. The incisions are made radically along the exterior portion of the cornea with a hand-held scalpel. Such procedures are intended to help reshape the curvature of the cornea and allow light rays that enter the eye to focus properly on the retina. The success of the method depends on the length and number of these incisions. Some surgeons use this type of eye surgery for a small number of people with a disorder called mild myopia.

In contrast, other physicians and surgeons consider LASIK laser eye surgery as the best option whatsoever. While they do mention other options to their patients, such as PRK or RK, they don't recommend them in favor of these procedures.

Others claim that a RK procedure involves penetrating around 90 percent of the cornea, which can have negative impacts on the structure of the eye. Moreover, once you have undergone a RK surgery, you can never repeat it or have a PRK. This is the reason why some doctors would never recommend this method to anyone.

About the Author:

Dean Brooks is an internet publisher who likes to publish eye surgery and related information. You can read more at the website http://www.eyesurgery101.net

What Is Lasik Eye Surgery?

2008-12-14T23:03:00.000-08:00

In the last decade or so, LASIK eye surgery has witnessed a phenomenal growth in its popularity. As of now, millions of people are choosing LASIK to meet their eye surgery needs. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that LASIK eye surgery is still a relatively new process about which a lot still needs to be known. In this article, we will tell you what LASIK eye surgery is and why you must ensure that the LASIK eye surgery you are getting is of high quality conducted by professionals.

First, a few basic facts:

- LASIK eye surgery (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a procedure that is used to modify the cornea and allow a patient to see without the use of glasses or other visual aids. It can correct problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (misshapen cornea). While not all patients may experience a complete restoration of vision, they can certainly see much better than before

- LASIK eye surgery involves minimal or no pain and requires much less recovery time than other eye surgery procedures like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

- Dr Lucio Buratto and Dr. Ionnis Pallikaris jointly developed the LASIK eye surgery procedure in 1990. They based their technique on two older eye surgery procedures – keratomileusis and PRK. These surgical procedures involved more complications and brought about less than perfect results, so when LASIK offered fewer risks and better results, it proved an immediate success. In 1991, LASIK was twice performed officially by Dr. Stephen Slade, in Europe and later in the US

THE PROCESS

- Before you undergo LASIK eye surgery, you will be instructed to discontinue the use of contact lenses for 1 to 4 weeks prior to surgery to allow the cornea to return to its original shape

- At the start of the surgery, you will be administered a mild anesthetic, usually orally, and numbing eye drops, which will eliminate pain in most cases, though some patients still complain of some discomfort

- A device called a microkeratome is attached to a suction ring placed on your eye, the blade of which is used to cut a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. The flap is folded back, exposing a layer of tissue called the stroma, which is inspected for debris and dried

- You will then be asked to focus on a fixed spot as your doctor begins the laser, cutting and removing corneal tissue based on the measurements taken at the initial examination. The flap is then repositioned and left to heal. Because no stitches are used, you will be required to wear an eye patch to prevent rubbing, irritation, and pressure that might disturb the healing process

- Both eyes can be operated on at the same time if you are healthy enough and have enough recovery time. In some cases, a surgeon will recommend that the patient receive monovision treatment, which is the correction of only one eye. LASIK eye surgery typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes per eye

WAVEFRONT LASIK: NEW TECHNOLOGY ON THE BLOCK

The newest technology in LASIK is the wavefront laser. The first of these types of lasers received FDA approval in 2002. Wavefront technology sends a wave of light to the retina. The light then bounces back to a sensor, which measures the irregularities of the cornea and produces a 3-D map of the eye’s visual system.
The data from the sensor is then translated into a mathematical formula that the doctor uses to program the computer that controls the refractive laser. After wavefront LASIK, 90-94% of patients enjoy 20/20 vision or better as opposed to 80% with traditional LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK COMPLICATIONS

During surgery, complications related to the cutting or hinging of the flap occur in less than 0.5% of patients. Other complications occurring at less than a 1% rate include the development of irregular astigmatism owing to scarring, healing, or beam problems, infection, or other vision problems (halos around lights, blurry night vision), surgery performed off the center of the pupil owing to surgeon error or the inability of the patient to focus on a fixed point.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?

This can vary depending on your doctor and the type of laser used. The minimum requirements are that a patient must be at least 18 years old and has had no drastic change in vision over the past year. For patients with severe refractive errors LASIK eye surgery may not be an option, but almost anyone with stable and healthy eyes can be treated with some type of surgery.

COST OF LASIK

Plenty has been said about the cost of LASIK eye surgery. Some clinics, for example, may claim that they can perform the surgery at a starting cost of $299 per eye. But you should realize at once that the amount is far too low and that no one actually gets the surgery at that cost. On average, the cost of LASIK eye surgery is about $1,700.

About the Author:

Author - Marcus Grant http://www.health-articles.net http://www.custom-lasik.org

What Is Lasik And Is It Right For You?

2008-12-13T23:03:00.000-08:00

LASIK is the acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, a type of refractive laser eye surgery performed by ophthalmologists for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure and is one of many surgical options for correcting your vision. LASIK is regularly performed on people of all ages and is performed on millions of people every year.

Glasses
Glasses have been used for hundreds of years to correct vision by eliminating one or more of the three basic elements of blurring; nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Glasses or contact lenses are designed to compensate for the eye's imperfections and should always be your first option. LASIK patients may need to wear glasses or contact lenses for some activities such as night driving or reading small type even after surgery.

Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a condition caused by irregularities in the cornea or the lens of the eye that leads to distortion of the image on the retina. Astigmatism is most accurately corrected using a laser with software that is capable of ablating an oval pattern on the cornea. It is caused by a slightly oval shaped cornea that causes light rays to focus on more than one point in front or behind the retina and can be caused by uneven tissue removal. Astigmatism can be treated at the same time as nearsightedness and farsightedness with the use of LASIK.

Complications
Complications affecting vision after laser eye surgery are now reported at a rate of less than a few percents and less than 3% of LASIK patients undergo any lasting complications. Although LASIK is predominantly a safe procedure there are many different potential complications. The best way to help prevent LASIK complications is to choose a surgeon who is experienced and respected in the community for performing these operations.

LASIK is convenient because both eyes can be corrected at the same time and you are at the Laser Center for less than 2 hours. It is an unbelievable advancement in technology and offers a great solution to poor eye sight for most people, but do not forget it is not for everyone. LASIK is the newest method of eye surgery and does not require the use of traditional surgical instruments, like knives, in the use of delicate eye surgery. LASIK is an opportunity to change your vision for the better, and to improve your sense of well-being. The procedure is done most often on people who use glasses or contact lenses because of myopia (nearsightedness).

About the Author:

Find out more about LASIK at www.mrieck.com

What Is LASIK?

2008-12-12T23:03:00.000-08:00

Laser In-situ Keratomileusis or commonly known as LASIK is a surgical procedure that is used treat a wide range of refractive errors in the eye.

The eyeball, cornea or lens being shaped imperfectly causes refractive errors of the eyes. The three common types of problem resulting from refractive errors are as follows:

1. Myopia or nearsightedness. This condition is where only nearby or close objects appear clear to the eye.

2. Hyperopia or farsightedness. This condition is the opposite of myopia and it is where only objects far away or at a distance are clear to the eye. Commonly elderly people require glasses to read a book.

3. Astigmatism, these are where images are blurred at a distance and near. A combination of the above two conditions.

As indicated above, LASIK is a procedure-using laser that can change the above condition that results in patients seeing clearly. In effective, LASIK eliminates the reliance on glasses and contact lenses and thus increases the individual's safety during outdoor activities or sport. In addition, the 24 hour corrected vision and improved conveniences are achieved with as little as 1% risk of side effects post surgery.

The LASIK procedure

Prior to the operation, anaesthetic is placed onto the surface of the eye to numb and reduce irritation. The eye surgeon then starts with an instrument (Microkeratome) to cut or peel a hinged thin flap of corneal tissue off the outer layer of the cornea or eyeball. The flap is then lifted to the side where the laser treatment can takes place.

The laser is then precisely pulsed to reshape the underlaying corneal tissue. The LASIK procedure uses an excimer laser, which is a new class of UV laser (approved by the FDA). It was originally developed for use in the microprocessor industry and later found its application in vision correction. These lasers have a much higher precision and accuracy that can change the shape of the cornea in the eye. It does this by breaking the intra molecular bonds in the collagen molecules during the laser pulse and thereby improving the way light is focused or "refracted" by the eye.

One pulse of the laser can remove and reshape the internal cornea with an accuracy of +/-0.25 microns. To understand the accuracy of one micron, a grain of salt is about 60 microns and the eye can see particles to about 40 microns. It would take about 200 pulses from an excimer laser just to cut a human hair in half. Once the corneal is adjusted, the flap is laid back to the original position prior to the cut and serves as a protective layer during the healing process. The whole process takes only 15 minutes for each eye, which is why LASIK has become popular.

After the procedure, the healing takes place quite rapidity as the cornea bonds quickly. Healing can vary from three days to a week with a final clear vision obtained. Your are now ready to view and see the whole world without glasses or contact lens.

About the Author:

To find out more news on LASIK I suggest you visit some online LASIK sites.

What Happens During Lasik Eye Surgery?

2008-12-11T23:03:00.000-08:00

Lasik Eye Surgery was first started in the Soviet Union and has been a very popular form of myopia corrective surgery for the last 10-15 years.

LASIK laser eye surgery is no different than any other type of surgical procedure. LASIK laser eye surgery is considered a very simple surgical procedure that is repeated many times all over the world every single hour.

Once a patient has been verified to be suitable for lasik eye surgery, he or she will sit down in a reclining chair in a room specially designed for LASIK laser eye surgery. There will be a large machine with a microscope attached to it and a computer screen as part of a laser system. The whole process should not take more than 30 minutes to complete.

The first step your doctor will take is to clean your eye and place a numbing drop of liquid in it. With the LASIK laser eye surgery now underway a ring will be placed around the eye to create suction to the cornea. This will cause the first discomfort of the surgery and blurred vision, but it will only be temporary.

While the suction ring is still around your eye a cutting instrument, called microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in your cornea. From this point on during the LASIK laser eye surgery you will experience some fluctuating blurred vision.

During the evaluation for LASIK laser eye surgery your doctor should have informed you that you will need to be able to stare at a laser for 60 seconds or more during the surgery. You will do this after the tissue has been folded back and dried out by the doctor during the procedure. The laser will direct your eye to the spot that the surgical laser will use to perform the vision correction.

At this point LASIK laser eye surgery may take on an unexpected smell, that of something burning. This is probably because your eye is under the intense scrutiny of the laser that is correcting your vision problems. Though the laser may make some very human sounds (ticking) and smells (burning hair) it is still a very controlled process.

The computer in the room that is hooked up to the laser controls the amount of energy delivered to your eye. Some tissue will be vaporized and finally the flap of the corneal tissue is put back in place, effectively ending LASIK laser eye surgery.

After LASIK laser eye surgery is completed your doctor will supply you with a eye shield or patch for your eye to prevent irritation. It will make you look like a one-eye pirate but you will quickly realize how many times your eye gets bumped or you involuntarily rub it when you cannot do so.

Take the eye-patch off only when you feel confident that you won't be accidentally rubbing your eyes at anytime.

About the Author:

Sarah Hutts is the editor of two websites, http://www.health-wellness-care.com and http://www.beauty-fitness-secrets.com. There are more similar health, beauty and fitness articles at these websites. You may distribute this article as long as you mention her websites.

Lasik In New York

2008-12-05T03:49:00.000-08:00

New York City is the one of the best places to be if you want to have Lasik surgery. There are a variety of laser vision correction surgeries from which to choose from in New York, including LASIK, LTK and PRK. These safe and effective procedures can reduce or eliminate your dependency on glasses and contact lenses.

Through the precise accuracy of laser light, the cornea is gently reshaped to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. These medical procedures are all done on an outpatient basis that uses a cool beam of light to gently reshape the surface of the eye's cornea and this help improve your vision. These procedures are designed to be a one time treatment to help normalize your vision, while also reducing or eliminating your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

Laser vision correction is approved by the FDA as a safe, proven and effective procedure for myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The treatments are painless because of the drops put into the eyes. Some patients may experience discomfort for one to three days after treatment, often described as the feeling of sand or soot in the eye. This passes quickly and your doctor can prescribe medication to alleviate any discomfort during your recovery.

When having lasik in New York, a cool beam of laser light is used to gently reshape the cornea. Lasik is generally the procedure of choice because it is performed under a protective layer of corneal tissue. There is less surface area to heal and there is minimal or no discomfort. The whole procedure is over in a matter of minutes, and corrects several difference eye conditions.

To improve your vision, a cool beam of light gently reshapes the surface of the cornea to make it more like a normal eye, allowing light to come into focus on the wall of the retina and thus improving your eyesight.

There are many Lasik New York specialists studying the use of lasers to reshape the cornea for the purpose of decreasing or eliminating dependency on glasses and contact lenses. In its infancy, this surgery involved the application of incisions to reshape the cornea, but today, thanks to their work, the laser has become the most efficient and least invasive means of performing this type of surgery.

If you think you want to have lasik performed on your eyes in New York, you should check into the procedure. It is not for everyone and there are risks involved. You might want to read books, magazine articles, and newspapers to see what is happening in this field. Medical procedures are constantly changing and being improved. Maybe you were not a good candidate back in the mid-1990's when you first thought about having this done. But, with the advancements in technology, you may now be a good candidate.

Your Lasik New York eye surgeons and their staff can provide you with details and answer your many questions. Do not hesitate to talk to them as they are the best sources of information. Now, relax, have your surgery and start seeing better in a few days.

About the Author:

http://www.TheLasikZone.com brings you the latest on Lasik. Lasik is very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on Lasik New York.

The Lasik Vision Institute

2008-12-01T03:18:00.000-08:00

You are hearing more and more about the Lasik Vision Center both in the media and from friends and coworkers. Many people you know have already had surgery and are thrilled with the final results-not having to wear glasses or contact lenses. Why are more and more people every year choosing to have their vision corrected by the Lasik Vision Institute?

There are a few very important reasons why people like the Lasik Vision Institute. They advertise that they have:

* Extremely qualified surgeons - they employ leading medical professionals from around the country and they are personally responsible for your eye care.

* Secure technology - they use FDA approved laser technology during each procedure.

* Confidence - their medical professionals have performed over 500,000 procedures.

* Personalized care and treatment - the medical professionals are extremely qualified and they work with you to offer you a choice of laser vision correction based on your individual needs (whether you want LASIK, LASEK, PRK and Custom Wavefront technology).

* Affordable - they offer reasonably priced procedures and easy financing so that everyone can have their vision corrected.

It is reasonable to be anxious about any surgery in or around your eyes. The Lasik Visition Institute understands your concerns and wants their patients to know about the pros and cons of having laser surgery.

You may feel some anxiety about laser vision correction. The laser eye surgery procedure is fast and reliable, and most people will be able see better than they did with their glasses or contact lenses. But, there is no guarantee that you will never need glasses or contact lenses again. Lasik is a great procedure, but it is not perfect and everyone's eyes are different. You may find that you still need glasses to drive at night.

If everything is okay, you will have your lasik surgery and go through your recovery period. The Lasik Vision Institute staff will answer your questions and provide you with suggestions on what to do after the surgery. It will take a few weeks during your recovery, but your eyes should get stronger and your vision clearer. Most people can return to work the day after their surgery with little or no discomfort.

Take your time, think about your options and then make an informed decision about your lasik surgery. You may end up with 20/20 vision and never have to wear glasses or contact lenses again. Or, you may find out that you do not qualify for this surgery. Either way, you took the time to learn about the procedure and know your options.

If you still want to use the Lasik Vision Institute perform your surgery you can be sure that they will provide you with all of the information you need up front. This includes the costs involves and monthly affordable payments. Their procedures can be as low as $299 per eye and up depending upon the type of surgery performed.

What are you waiting for? You have always wanted to get rid of your glasses and now you know about the Lasik Vision Institute. Contact them and see if they are the right medical group to perform your surgery. They are just a phone call away.

Research A Lasik Institute Thoroughly

2008-11-28T01:36:00.000-08:00

Since it was first performed in the United States in 1991, Lasik eye surgery has grown to be one of the most popular elective surgeries performed in the modern world. As more and more people turn to Lasik to free themselves of eyeglasses and contact lenses, the industry continues to keep pace by building a burgeoning crop of Lasik surgery centers to meet the demand of prospective patients.
But not all surgery centers are the same and in order to ensure that you have a comfortable experience and a successful outcome, it is necessary to find a Lasik institute with a reputation for offering patients state-of-the-art technological procedures and a superior standard of quality patient care.
A Lasik institute is a surgical center where the Lasik procedure is performed. There are a variety of centers around the world – from small privately owned companies to large chains that operate centers in cities around their country. Finding a reputable Lasik institute requires research and perseverance on your part as a patient. But the effort that you put into the search in the front end will more than reward you on the back end in the form of a comfortable experience and successful outcome.
Lasik surgery is a refractive eye surgery that works to correct light refraction in our eyes. In a normally functioning eye light is captured by the lens of our eye – the segment of our eye located directly behind the iris (or colored part) of our eye. The light is then refracted – or bent – from the lens to the retina which sits in the very back of our eye. The retina’s role is to take those refracted light rays and convert them to signals sent to the optic nerve in the form of visual images. When our eyes experience refractive difficulties through illness, injury, heredity, or aging it manifests itself through nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Ultimately, when the light is not refracted properly the optic nerve –located in our brain – receives a signal of a blurry image. During Lasik surgery, a skilled surgeon makes corrections to the way in which our eyes refract light by resurfacing the cornea – the transparent covering of the eye. This resurfacing is done with laser technology and allows for crisper, cleaner light refraction and better vision.
Any Lasik institute that you consider should perform this procedure on a daily basis and employ surgeons who are vastly experienced with Lasik technology. Begin by collecting recommendations from people you know and trust including friends and family who have had the procedure performed, your general eye doctor, and even your primary care physician. Once you have narrowed down the list of possible candidates – based on only glowing recommendations – continue on by researching the centers themselves.
The Internet is your best friend when it comes to conducting research on a Lasik Institute; thoroughly educate yourself on the institute’s history, patient care standards, and reputation in the industry. Follow this up by visiting the institute in which you are interested to assess the cleanliness of the institute, the level of technology being used, the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, the organization of the institute, and the financial options they provide their patients.
Finally, a Lasik institute is really only as good as the surgeons who work there. Meet with the surgeon who will perform your procedure to gage their commitment to patient care; and do research on your own to establish the credentials and reputation of the specific surgeon. Ultimately, you want to ensure that the surgeon – as well as the institute – is as much committed to a pleasant experience and successful outcome as you are.

Refractive Eye Surgery - Is Lasik The Best Option?

2008-11-25T01:35:00.000-08:00

Refractive surgery is a general term referring to the collection of many different surgical procedures, all with the key intent to fix the refractive error of the eye. Refractive surgery is the preferred treatment for rectifying a variety of vision impairments. Its popularity is owing to the fact that it produces efficacious and predictable vision improvement without any major side effects.
Essentially speaking, refractive surgery is any eye surgery employed to improve visual acuity and decrease dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The refractive surgery field encompasses operative procedures for all types of refractive errors, be it myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism or presbyopia. The most common procedure is to use lasers to reshape the corneal tissue.
Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure. Especially recommended for treating nearsightedness, it consists of cutting a flap in the cornea in order to carve the tissue underneath and give it the desired shape. The eye surgeon may either use a microkeratome (a precision surgical instrument) or a laser to cut a flap of the corneal tissue. Then onwards, the underneath tissue is reshaped with the aid of the excimer laser (a high-precision ultraviolet chemical laser).
Other refractive surgery procedures include Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelium Keratomileusis (LASEK), EPI-LASIK, Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), Radial keratotomy (RK) and arcuate keratotomy (AK), among others. Cataract extraction and intraocular lens implants may also be considered as types of refractive surgeries, since the key intent is to extract the lens with a refractive error and replace it with a new lens that provides clear and improved vision.
As of now, LASIK is a clear winner among the available eye corrective surgical procedures. All the above listed refractive surgery procedures have potential complications. However, LASIK has a minimal complication rate of a mere 5%. With the technology in hand and with proper pre-operative examination, your laser eye surgery would go as smooth as a walk in the park.

About the Author:

http://www.find-lasik-surgeon.com is a useful resource. Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about refractive eye surgery at Your Lasik Information. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. http://www.Your-LASIK.info

Qualifications For Lasik: California Residents Listen Up!

2008-11-21T01:35:00.000-08:00

When it comes to lasik, California has the largest number of doctors that provide this surgery. But, remember, numbers don’t mean anything. Lasik eye surgery is a wonderful innovative technology that allows you, the patient, to improve your eye sight to near perfect standards. For this to happen, several key things must play a role in the process. You need to have the right diagnosis and the right equipment to take care of you. One of the foundations of your care will come into play with the skill of the professional eye surgeon that will do the work, too.
There are many aspects of that doctor’s care that should be addressed. For lasik, California does have the largest sector of qualified physicians, but even this should not be enough for you. There are key elements that you must address.
• What type of experience does the doctor have? Good and bad should be discussed.
• What type of equipment will your doctor be using? It must be FDA approved lasers that are specific for this procedure.
• What type of personality do they have? Are you comfortable with them and put at ease? Do you feel as if you could ask anything?
• What type of follow up care do they provide? IS this included in the charge or does it become extra cost?
• What do they see as your potential benefits and drawbacks?
All of these things are essential to ask and to know about the eye surgeon that you take into account. Although there are plenty of physicians that can provide lasik, California residents need to invest the time and research to find out who is the best qualified to provide their services. With the skill that’s necessary and the understanding that makes the difference anyone can feel good about having their lasik procedure done.
About the Author:

For more observations about laser eye surgery from Frank, click the link.

What Happens Before, During, And After A Lasik Eye Surgery Procedure?

2008-11-15T23:03:00.000-08:00

Since LASIK was approved by the FDA in the early 1990’s, the procedure has grown to become the most widely-performed eye surgery in the United States. LASIK is a surgical procedure performed on the eye to correct an individual’s vision and reduce dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, which literally means to "reshape the cornea from within using a laser.” The procedure has broad applications to treat refractive errors of the eye and can be used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (an elongated cornea).

LASIK works by improving the ability of the eye to properly focus light. In a perfectly formed eye light entering the eye bends and directly hits retina, allowing the eye to produce a clear image. The majority of people, though, have imperfectly shaped corneas. Imperfectly shaped corneas do not properly refract the light on the retina, with the result that the viewed image is blurry and distorted. LASIK can correct these refractive errors by permanently changing the shape of the cornea. Once reshaped, the cornea is able to better focus light, eliminating the need for glasses or contacts.

LASIK patients will be given a detailed set of instructions to follow, beginning a few weeks before the procedure is to take place. It is critical that these instructions are followed if the surgery is to be a success. Patients wearing contact lenses will be advised to stop wearing their lenses anywhere from 2-4 weeks before the procedure, to give their eyes a chance to resume their natural shape. Certain foods, vitamins, beauty products, and medication can also affect the health of your eyes and may need to be avoided prior to LASIK. Failure to follow pre-operative instructions may result in a failed LASIK procedure, or the need to completely redo the surgery.

Patients remain awake and alert during surgery, although the doctor may administer a mild sedative to help keep the patient calm and relaxed. Numbing eye drops will be applied to the eye to serve as a local anesthetic. Since the eye’s natural tendency is to blink when it comes into contact with foreign items, it is necessary to secure the eyelids to keep them out of the way of the laser. This is done using an instrument called a lid speculum. Once the speculum is in place and the eye is cleaned, a small ring is placed on the cornea to apply a strong suction to the cornea. This part of the procedure can be a bit uncomfortable, but the strong suction ensures that the eyes remain immobile throughout the rest of the surgery.

Next a flap is cut into the cornea, leaving a small hinge to keep it attached to the eye. This flap may be made using a small razor sharp knife called a microkeratome, or by using a laser – also called IntraLase. The suction ring serves as a precise guide for the microkeratome to ensure that the flap is made cleanly and accurately. After the cut has been made the suction ring is removed and the flap is gently teased away from the cornea and peeled back (towards the hinge) to reveal the underlying stroma.

The doctor will then dry the eye and ask the patient to stare at a fixed light, without moving, until the end of the procedure. Once the eye is in the proper position, the excimer laser will be activated. The surgeon will have already programmed the laser to remove the precise amount of tissue from the exact location(s) on your eye before the start of the procedure. More severe refractive errors will require a longer laser treatment, since more corneal tissue will need to be removed. As the laser pulses a beam of light into the eye to remove the excess tissue from the eye, the patient will hear a ticking or zapping sound and may smell an odor similar to that of burning hair. Once the laser has ceased pulsing, the surgeon will replace the corneal flap on the eye and smooth it out to ensure no surface wrinkles develop.

Since an eye is vulnerable after LASIK, it is very important to take extra precautions to protect the eye during the healing process. The doctor will give the patient an eye shield to wear immediately after the LASIK procedure. This shield should be worn while sleeping to prevent a person from rubbing their eye and dislodging the flap. The eye shield also prevents a person from inadvertently putting any pressure on the eye. Antibiotic ointment should be used to prevent infection from forming, while eye drops may be used to keep dry and scratchy eyes well-lubricated as they heal.

The doctor will make a follow-up appointment to evaluate the patient’s eyes within 24-48 hours from the time of surgery. This will allow the physician to monitor the healing process, evaluate the eyes for any potential problems, and begin accessing the success of the LASIK procedure. After the initial follow-up appointment, the patient will be asked to return for regular visits every few weeks, then every few months, until such time that the surgeon is confident that the procedure was successful.

Keep in mind that LASIK is not a risk-free procedure and that not all individuals are good candidates for LASIK. If you are interested in finding more about this procedure, contact your ophthalmologist and request an appointment.

About the Author:

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for MyEyeSurgery.com. To learn more about LASIK eye surgery and LASIK eye surgeons, visit us.

What Are Your Chances Of 20/20 Vision After Lasik Eye Surgery?

2008-11-14T23:03:00.000-08:00

You might have come across eye centers touting outrageous offers of "20/20 vision or money back". The whole concept of 20/20 vision has been ballyhooed immensely when it comes to laser eye surgery. In essence, the value 20/20 refers to a way of measuring visual acuity via the Snellen eye chart – the same old alphabet chart that you might have seen at a nearby eye care center. As an instance of Snellen measurement, people with 20/40 vision can see clearly at 20 feet what people with 20/20 vision can see clearly at 40 feet.

With the latest technological advancements in laser eye surgery, the conventional LASIK procedure has been augmented with superlative techniques like wavefront LASIK, and its add-on, iris registration. With such enhancements there is an even greater chance of 20/20 vision relative to that with conventional LASIK. By wielding wavefront technology there is a great, around 95%, chance of 20/20 vision. However, with the iris registration technology, the possibility of 20/20 vision skyrockets to an overwhelming 99%.

20/20 vision is what you aim for while undergoing any type of refractive surgery – it's used as a benchmark. However, some people hold a somewhat dissenting opinion about 20/20 vision, as far as laser eye surgery is concerned. The argument put forth is that visual quality matters more than visual acuity. As is evident from a number of cases, laser eye surgeries, for instance LASIK, have potential complications. A patient might experience blurry vision, halos, ghost vision or double vision, glare, and starbursts surrounding light sources at night.

Normal vision is crisp and sharp. But after laser eye surgery, a person might have to deal with debilitating side effects, which typically diminish vision quality. Though the patient might still be able to decipher a 20/20 line on the Snellen chart, the vision might be blurry. Unless the complications subside, eye surgeons' famous promise of 20/20 vision is merely a myth.

In general, the degree of refractive error and the pupil size are the only criteria while determining the candidature of a patient for laser eye surgery. Most patients are not tested on other grounds, such as contrast sensitivity, glare and depth perception. The data pertinent to such aspects is fairly anecdotal. A comprehensive preoperative test regime is necessary for achieving authentic 20/20 vision (with enhanced vision quality) after laser eye surgery.

If you find a LASIK surgery that you are confident with, you will be able to get more information about 20/20 vision.

About the Author:

Nicola publishes articles, reports, news, views and information about LASIK eye surgery at http://www.Your-LASIK.info. LASIK Surgeons Directory http://www.Find-Lasik-Surgeon.com is a useful resource. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. Copyright http://Your-LASIK.info

What Are The Long Term Results Of Lasik Surgery?

2008-11-13T23:03:00.000-08:00

Recent encouraging news about the long term results of lasik surgery will no doubt please the 1.4 million Americans who elected to have Lasik vision correction surgery last year.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is still cautious; it believes that laser companies have not yet presented enough evidence to enable final conclusions about the effectiveness or the safety of enhancement surgery.

However, the recent news is encouraging. The American Academy of Ophthalmology was told at its annual meeting in November 2006 a follow-up study of people who had undergone lasik and PRK (photorefractive keratotomy)10 years earlier was very positive.

The researchers found that while there had been some regression, on average patients had maintained 20/25 vision.

A 2005 Irish study of patients who had had lasik surgery in 1998 and 1999 was also positive. There had been some regression, but surgeons had been able to correct eye defects with a great deal of accuracy, and there was a high level of patient satisfaction.

The popularity of the lasik option for people who depend on eyeglasses or contacts therefore appears to be well-founded, and the results can often be dramatic.

Some 95 % of all patients report improved vision almost immediately. Quite often eyesight improves to 20/40 or better.

The first modern Lasik surgery was performed in America in 1991, so many surgeons now have nearly 20 years experience, and equipment and techniques are continuously improving.

Still, the FDA is cautious. Its website notes that "Long-term data is not available. Lasik is a relatively new technology. The first laser was approved for Lasik eye surgery in 1998. Therefore, the long-term safety and effectiveness of Lasik surgery is not known."

Lasik surgeons agree, and caution that lasik is surgery, and therefore some risk.

The FDA list of potential problems is sobering:

Some patients lose lines of vision (on the eye chart) that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or further surgery;

Some patients have troubling side effects that can include glare, halos or double-vision. Situations of low contrast, such as driving in fog or at night, can become a real problem for those who lose some visual acuity ("sharpness"), even if they have 20/20 vision;

Patients may be over- or under-treated, which may require further surgery, called enhancements, to correct;

Patients may develop severe "dry eye" problems;

Results are generally not as good in patients with very large refractive errors - although this is an issue that most surgeons will highlight at the very first examination, and will probably recommend against lasik in such circumstances.

The FDA is worried that the benefits of improved vision may not be permanent. While the recent studies support the view that there may be a gradual regression, but it does appear to be just that - gradual.

There is always the possibility that even with the surgery, a patient may still need to wear glasses; this will be particularly true of older patients.

On balance, therefore, the new findings suggest that as long as you have investigated the issues properly, you have chosen your surgeon carefully, you understand the potential side effects, and you are a good candidate, you can count on achieving good lasik long term results.

About the Author:

If you need more information on lasik risks , or on lasik eye surgery , you can visit Darrell van Zyl's site at http://www.lasikeyesurgeryanswers.com

What Are The Lasik Procedures?

2008-11-12T23:03:00.000-08:00

The LASIK surgeon uses computer software to guide the IntraLase laser beam, which applies a series of tiny (3-micron-diameter) bubbles within the central layer of the cornea. The resulting corneal flap is created at a precise depth and diameter pre-determined by the surgeon. As occurs with a mechanical microkeratome, a small section of tissue at one edge of the flap is left uncut, forming a hinge that allows the surgeon to fold back the flap so that the cornea can be accessed and reshaped for vision correction.

LASIK has proven to be a safe and effective method of laser eye surgery as recently published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology by Ophthalmologist Professor Michael O'Keeffe reporting the results of a long term study commenced in 1998 and 1999 whereby LASIK patients were followed for a period of 5 years.

The LASIK Procedure

1. Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye.

2. A protective flap is created and gently lifted by the surgeon, revealing the inner corneal tissue.

3. Computer-controlled pulses of cool laser light are applied to the inner layers of your cornea. As the laser pulses, it makes a ticking sound. The inner corneal layer is reshaped with the laser to mimic your contact lens or glasses prescription.

4. The surgeon gently replaces the flap and aligns it to its original position. It heals naturally and securely.

5. Some patients may feel slight irritation for a few hours, but most are quite comfortable after a nap and rest.

Are there Follow Ups after Lasik Treatment?

Most patients are usually seen the day following the treatment and then at least 1 month and 3 months following the treatment. Some patients require more visits. Remember, we are available 24 hours a day when you have any questions, concerns or need attention.

So, we urge you to find out more about Lasik Surgery today!

About the Author:

LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive Eye Surgery procedure. Find out more about LASIK Eye Surgery at http://EyeSurgery.ewhy.info

What Are The Eye Conditions That Lasik Helps To Correct?

2008-11-11T23:03:00.000-08:00

There are four general eye conditions that are treatable with the Lasik procedure. Some people mistakenly believe that Lasik can be used to treat all forms of vision problems and all degrees of short sightedness or far sightedness and this is not true. Even the conditions which are treatable with Lasik must fall within a certain range to qualify for the laser treatment.

Lasik was primarily designed to help those patients with mild to moderate vision problems. Patients with severe vision problems may be helped with Lasix but their eyesight may still remain poor enough to require glasses. Although most patients who undergo Lasik never need to wear glasses or contacts again, this isn’t the case for everyone.

Lasik is mainly used to treat the eye conditions of myopia which is also known as nearsightedness, hyperopia which is also known as farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia if you choose to use the monovision method of correction.

Myopia

Myopia is also called nearsightedness, and is a condition where you can see objects close up much clearer than objects at a distance. This is generally caused by a eye that is longer than normal and the light rays therefore focus in front of the retina rather than on it.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia is called farsightedness and is the opposite of myopia. Objects that are at a distance are clearer than objects that are up close and this is because light rays focus behind the retina instead of on it.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common condition which results in blurry vision which results from an unusual shaped eyeball. Instead of being round, the eye is more of an oval shape and this causes the light rays to focus on two points instead of one. In addition, those with the condition of astigmatism often have myopia or hyperopia as well. When Lasik is used in a case like this, both conditions can be treated at once.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a common eye condition that normally occurs with aging and strikes people in between the age of forty to fifty. It is the result of the eye lens losing its elasticity. This causes objects to become blurry the closer they become. This condition is usually corrected with reading glasses. Lasik cannot correct presbyopia in itself but Lasik can compensate for the condition through a procedure know as monovision. One eye is corrected to see far away and the other is corrected to see up close so the brain is tricked into seeing clearly.

Lasik has helped many people with the above conditions to be able to give up wearing glasses and contact lenses and restore clear vision. Only your eye doctor will be able to determine if Lasik is appropriate for your situation.

About the Author:

Peter Rankin is a staff writer at Vision Digest and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Fitness Digest.

Lasik FAQ: Answers To Common Questions About Lasik Eye Surgery

2008-11-05T03:49:00.000-08:00

* What is lasik surgery?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. This is a refractive surgical procedure which is performed by an ophthalmologist. This surgical procedure is done in order to correct the vision of the patient, thus lessening his or her dependence on any corrective devices such as contact lenses or eyeglasses.

* How risky is lasik eye surgery and what exactly are the risks?

Some patients are happy with the result of LASIK surgery. But, like other surgical procedures, risks are inevitable. This is why it is necessary that you know your limitations and the possible complications of the surgery.

The risks of LASIK eye surgery include:

Patients might lose their vision.

Patients may develop unbearable visual symptoms.

The surgery may either be undertreated or overtreated.

Patients might develop serious dry eye conditions.

* How much does lasik eye surgery cost?

If you opt for the traditional LASIK, the surgery can cost from 1,600 to 2,000 dollars per eye, but if it is customized LASIK that you want, it will cost you around 2,000 to 2,500 dollars per eye. The prices for LASIK surgery differ depending on your chosen LASIK surgeon.

* Does insurance cover Lasik surgery?

Although LASIK surgery is not a cosmetic surgical procedure, it is still considered elective surgery. Such surgeries are covered mostly in Asian and European countries, but most insurance policies in the United States, Canada and Latin America do not cover it. Furthermore, not even Medicare will cover it.

However, it is probable that the rate for LASIK is deductible on U.S. federal taxes. Therefore, before having the surgery, check to see if it can be considered a deductible health care expense.

* Is the Lasik procedure painful?

Patients do not experience any discomfort during the LASIK procedure itself, because the eye is given an eye drop anesthetic before the procedure takes place. If the patient suffers much discomfort after the procedure, he or she can take Ibuprofen or Tylenol during the first two days after surgery.

* How long has Lasik technology been around?

LASIK technology has been around for more than 10 years now. The first time it was performed in some clinics in the U.S was during the early 1990s. From that time, more than a million procedures of LASIK were performed. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has endorsed it as the newest eye remedy technology.

* What procedures can a laser perform?

There are three types of procedures that a laser can perform. The most popular of the three is the LASIK. In this procedure, a thin coating of the cornea is removed to make a flap. This allows the laser to take tissue from underneath the flap. After the flap is replaced, eyesight is restored in an instant.

Another procedure is the LASEK or EPIFLAP surgery. This includes the incomplete removal of the outer layer of eye cells and the epithelium, which show the cornea. The cornea is flattened or otherwise reshaped using a laser, then the outer cells are repositioned and after several days, the eye will heal.

The third one is the PRK. This procedure includes the full removal of the epithelium or outer cells of the eye.

About the Author:

Lanny Frankel is editor of Lasik FAQ, the online Lasik guide. He also writes Lasik FAQ's for PrettyGreatAnswers.com.

The Benefits Offered By Bladeless LASIK Eye Surgery

2008-11-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

The risks involved in LASIK eye surgery is relatively small compared to other types of surgery. However, there is still a risk which is there because of the use of the blade that is used to cut the flap in the cornea. The use of this blade comes with the element of human error. This is because all human beings make mistake from time, although this risk is reduced the more highly trained someone is. However, this risk is still there.

Bladeless LASIK lowers that already small risk even further as it removes the need for a blade. This function is taken over by IntraLase lasers which are controlled by computers and can therefore provide a more precise cutting action. Because bladeless LASIK is so delicate that it can even be used on people who have thin corneas. These are people who usually not approved for other types of laser surgery.

Bladeless LASIK offer a number of advantages. The IntraLase laser used during bladeless LASIK allows for an increased curvature, hence lowering the margin of error even more. The fact that a laser is used instead of a blade leads to less infections and irritation. Not only that, bladeless LASIK only leads to a shorter recovery period compared to other types of LASIK eye surgery.

Before bladeless LASIK, many people who had surgeries had to come back for follow-ups or to redo a surgery that didn't go so well. There is also a great deal of irritation that follows other surgeries. However, with bladeless LASIK most of these are something of the past, because of a success rate that is very close to 100%.

So now you may wonder, why do we need an eye doctor for if the lasers are doing everything? Well even though many of the actions are controlled by lasers, these lasers still have to be directed. And to be able to do that you need to have the knowledge of both laser technology as well as eye surgery, which only a trained LASIK eye surgeon can give you. Surgeons who do bladeless LASIK now also need to know how to operate the computer that controls the InterLaser lasers.

Although bladeless LASIK may cost a bit more, many people think it is worth spending that extra money, considering the near perfect results you get. Not to mention the reduced irritation and shorter recovery time.

About the Author:

For more info on Lasik laser eye surgery and how it can help you, please visit LASIK EYE ADVICE now.

New LASIK Procedures

2008-11-01T21:36:00.001-07:00

We typically first think of LASIK surgery when considering laser vision correction. However, technology has advanced in the field of surgical vision correction and today there are many more options that make traditional LASIK eye surgery more precise and individualized.

Understand Your Options
For the individual looking to reduce their dependency on glasses or contacts, surgical procedures which improve the focusing power of the eye, are a tremendously effective option. The procedure commonly referred to as LASIK is the most technologically advanced way to correct vision, and has helped millions of people worldwide reduce their dependency on glasses and contact lenses.

LASIK surgery uses a cool beam, also known as an excimer, to reshape the surface of the eye, the cornea. By altering the shape of the cornea it is able to change the angle in which light enters the eye. Glasses and contact lenses employ this same theory with an impermanent change. In the past LASIK has had some limitations but now is able to successfully correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

LASIK is the most common term used to refer to laser vision correction procedures. All forms of LASIK use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, but there are variations to the procedure which provide different advantages. A series of vision tests called Advanced Diagnostic Testing allows your doctor to determine which approach is best for you.

LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis) gently reshapes the cornea with the use of an excimer laser. In traditional LASIK, an extraordinarily thin flap is created in the top layer of the cornea and then gently folded back. The underlying layer is then re-shaped with the laser in a matter of seconds, correcting the refractive errors that cause the vision impairment. The flap is then repositioned across the cornea, which naturally adheres and begins to heal within minutes. Of all the laser vision correction procedures, LASIK provides the most comfortable and rapid healing process.

Advanced Surface Ablation
ASA refers to the laser vision correction procedures that treat the surface of the cornea without the creation of a flap. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and Epi-LASIK are the two most common forms of ASA and refer to the methods of preparing the corneal surface just prior to using the laser. ASA is the safest form of laser vision correction. It allows a wider range of patients to be treated who may not be able to undergo a traditional LASIK procedure due to thin corneas, job restrictions, or other visual issues. ASA is also considered by many to provide the chance for the sharpest and clearest vision, since there are no induced refractive errors associated with a corneal flap. ASA does have a disadvantage because it usually involves a few days of discomfort (treated with Ibuprofen), and a slower visual recovery time, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Generally, only the most experienced surgeons practice the Advanced Surface Ablation techniques.

Blended Vision
Blended Vision is a LASIK technique you might want to consider if you wear reading glasses or are nearing the age when reading glasses may become necessary. As we get older, we frequently have trouble reading, particularly small or very fine print. This is a natural part of the aging process associated with the lens inside the eye. When this happens, most people need reading glasses. If you use glasses to read prior to LASIK surgery or you remove your glasses to read, you may need to use glasses for reading after LASIK, because LASIK does not treat the lens inside the eye. However, a Blended Vision procedure may provide you with suitable near and distance vision. Blended Vision, also called monovision, is a technique in which one eye (usually the dominant eye) is corrected for clear distance vision, and the other for comfortable near vision. Blended Vision allows a person to see both close and distant objects clearly, though perhaps not quite as crisply as when both eyes are corrected for just one distance or the other. Many people who wear contacts use blended vision today and are very satisfied. Your doctor will demonstrate how this method works prior to your procedure, and thereby help determine if Blended Vision will work well for you.

CustomCornea ®
Wavefront technology is now being incorporated to identify subtle visual distortions, which up to now have been unable to be measured, let alone be treated. Wavefront treatments such as CustomCornea® provide the best opportunity for superior vision compared to that previously available through older, conventional methods of LASIK.

When it comes to LASIK, there are many options to consider. LASIK candidates are all different in their needs and desires for choosing surgery over glasses or contacts. A successful outcome for refractive surgery is dependent upon choosing the best procedure for their needs and a surgeon who specializes in LASIK.

About the Author:

Aric Resnicke is President of the Pacific Laser Eye Center Group. Their 13 experienced LASIK surgeons are in 5 convenient Northern California laser eye surgery locations. For more information on laser eye surgery visit http://www.paclaser.com

New LASIK Procedures

2008-11-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

The Average Cost Of Lasik Eye Surgery - Discover The Real Figures

2008-11-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

You'll see advertisements offering lasik eye surgery for as little as $500 (remember that's per eye), but that is nothing like the true average cost of lasik eye surgery.

One published estimate suggests that in reality, fewer than 3% of treatments cost less than $1000 per eye.

Certainly, prices have been rising steadily since the start of this millenium.

One study suggested that the average price in 2002 was around $1600. A year later it had passed $1700; by 2004 it was another $100 higher and by 2005 it was nudging $2000.

Prices seem to have stabilized a little since then; one of the major players, TLC Laser Eye Centers, says that in 2006 its prices were still around $2000.

Supply and demand certainly influences prices. Market Scope, which is a leading supplier of information in this market, estimates that at the turn of the century there were about 1.44m lasik surgeries in the United States.

Three years later the figure had dropped to 1.15m, but has recovered substantially since then. Part of the reason for the fluctuation was a rash of lawsuits that drove a number of the discount surgeries out of business; those that survived had to move prices up to ensure they can deliver quality procedures and stay in business.

It's difficult even to talk about the "average cost" of lasik eye surgery because prices are anything but standardized, and phrases such as "lasik cost" or "lasik price" are almost impossible to pin down.

However, if you read the fine print carefully, add back all the exclusions, you'll find that the true average cost of lasik eye surgery is closer to that figure of $2000 per eye than the $500 suggested by some discount lasik clinics.

If you live on the West Coast average prices will be higher than elsewhere.

If you pick an experienced surgeon (and other research shows that experienced surgeons have a much lower percentage of "problem" procedures) your cost will go up still further.

The base cost per eye will increase by between $350 to $500 if you need "custom lasik" treatment such as wavefront technology, which is used to map and measure the eye's visual field with great accuracy - which in turn results in a higher success rate.

If the surgeon uses IntraLase (a type of laser) to create the LASIK flap rather than a microkeratome (a type of blade) expect the lasik eye surgery price to go up by a further $250 to $500 per eye.

The benefit of the different (and more expensive) Intralase technology is that most surgeons using it report a substantially lower incidence of problems with the "flap" that is created as part of the Lasik procedure.

The equipment used both in testing and in the actual procedure can vary widely. Eye clinics will analyze the tear film, measure the thickness of the cornea, map the corneal topography, measure the pupil size, use different types of laser - and have good arguments in favour of the processes and equipment they offer you.

So it's easy to see how the average cost of laser eye surgery edges upwards from what is in effect a base price quoted in the advertisements. Experience, equipment, procedures - all play a part in moving the price along.

Remember to read the fine print; there is no substitute for an informed decision about what the full costs of the treatment will be; averages can be very deceptive when dealing with something as variable as the average cost of lasik eye surgery.

About the Author:

If you have questions on lasik costs , or need lasik eye surgery answers , you can visit Darrell van Zyl's site at http://www.lasikeyesurgeryanswers.com

Many Patients Choose The Lasik Vision Institute For Their Lasik Procedure

2008-10-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

Lasik vision correction has become one of the most popular elective surgical procedures performed in the United States. With over one million people having undergone the procedure in the U.S. alone, laser eye surgery centers continue to crop up in order to keep pace with the demand. Patients who opt to have Lasik most often have very successful outcomes – with only 3-6% reporting mild to moderate complications following surgery.

But savvy patients know that in order to maximize their chance for success it is imperative to choose a Lasik surgery center that has experience and a stellar reputation in the industry. One such center that has parlayed its experience in Lasik surgery into a nationwide chain of quality centers is the Lasik Vision Institute.

With surgery centers in 30 states nationwide, the Lasik Vision Institute was founded in 1999 with a commitment to providing a consistent level of service to every patient who walked through their doors. This continuum of care is evidenced in every center throughout the country; what you experience in Florida will be what you experience in Pennsylvania and so forth.

The company prides itself on utilizing the most state-of-the-art technology available on the market, along with a stable of professional and experienced Lasik eye surgeons, medical support staff, and office staff. The company has continued to gain popularity over the years as Lasik patients recognize the consistent service provided by the centers around the country. To date, the Lasik Vision Institute has performed over half a million Lasik procedures.

Refractive procedures – such as Lasik – work to correct refractive conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These conditions – and others like them – affect how the lens of our eye refracts light to the retina. The retina – whose job it is to convert the light it receives to messages that can be seen by the optic nerve in the brain – is most affected by refractive conditions.

If the light is not refracted properly the message that the retina sends to the brain is seen as a blurry image. The Lasik procedure works to correct this problem by resurfacing the cornea – the transparent layer that covers the lens of the eye – allowing it to refract light properly. This resurfacing is done with the use of a laser.

The surgeons of the Lasik Vision Institute are required to be enormously experienced in laser refractive procedures. The fact that the Institute focuses solely on Lasik brings its patients significant comfort in knowing that they are dealing with a surgical center that is so committed to providing comprehensive care and quality procedures. It is for this reason that the Lasik Vision Institute has become a reputable authority in the world of Lasik procedures.

In addition to superlative patient care, the Lasik Vision Institute is able to perform procedures in a way that is affordable for its patients. Because the Institute has centers across the country, it is able to buy its equipment as a whole thus reducing overhead and passing these savings on to their patients.

Selecting Lasik, Reston VA Options

2008-10-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Those that are considering lasik; Reston, VA residents or not, should take a close look at the factors that play a role in selecting the right doctor for the procedure. What you need to know is that lasik that is performed by a skilled professional that has experience can be more successful and a bit less of a risk then when it is played by someone that’s newer. For that reason, you should take the time to find a qualified professional lasik eye surgeon that will provide you with the highest quality eye care possible.

Experience is by far the most important thing to look for in a lasik eye surgeon in Reston or elsewhere. It is essential for a number of reasons specifically because they have more practice in identifying the need that you have in cornea improvement. The more skill and experience they have using the laser equipment for lasik the better the results can be as well.

It is also important to find out the worst case scenario. Talking with your surgeon about the potential problems that he or she sees for you is essential to realizing the benefits and risks that you have. This information should be brought to you outright, but if you aren’t told about it from the start, ask. It is important in the decision making process.

If you are considering lasik, Reston, VA has many wonderful, highly skilled eye surgeons that can provide you with the highest quality care. The good news is that many have the experience necessary to provide excellent results. Even so, there are risks to every patient that can’t be controlled with just the helping hand of an eye surgeon. Those that are looking forward to having lasik should take into consideration all risk and benefit potential before making their decision.

About the Author:

visit http://www.lasereyesurgeryplanet.com and read more of Frank’s articles.

Searching For Lasik Orange County Facilities

2008-10-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

Lasik is the non-invasive surgical vision correction procedure that has taken the country, and the world, by storm. Why, people ask, should they have to deal with eyeglasses and contact lenses when Lasik procedures can correct such common vision problems as near and far sightedness and astigmatism, as well as other acuity and depth perception vision problems?

Finding a doctor or facility that performs Lasik procedures isn't difficult if you live in a city or on the east or west coast of the United States. Some of the more popular cities, Los Angeles, San Francisco, as well as facilities in Orange County, provide more than enough competition on the west coast to offer patients the best in pricing and experience. When seeking the right Lasik procedure or facility to take care of your vision problems, however, there are several things to keep in mind.

There are more than one type of Lasik surgeries performed in places like Orange County, such as PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK. Such procedures can be found in offices scattered throughout Orange County, California, such as Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo and Lake Forest, just to name a few. Keep in mind that there are different procedures, as well as experts, with each of those procedures. Whenever possible, try to get two or three different opinions from Lasik proficient surgeons before you settle on one or the other to make sure they have the experience that you need, at a cost that you can afford.

While any type of Lasik eye surgery isn't cheap, prices can be competitive, especially in large cities, so you may find deals that seem alarming, if not downright suspicious, in these areas. Usually, Lasik procedures cost roughly $1500 per eye, sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the type of procedure you're having, as well as the severity of your vision problems, but if prices dip below $750 an eye, you may want to start asking yourself why. While it's hard to turn down a bargain, remember that you're talking eyesight here, which cannot be replaced.

The same goes for the reputation of your eye surgeon. Just because he's the biggest or most well known name in your community doesn't mean he has adequate experience in the type of Lasik procedure you need, so you have to balance cost with reputation and find a common middle ground. Always check out the credentials of any surgeon you intend to visit, and make sure that they are trained and proficient in the newest Lasik laser equipment and procedures possible.

A consultation will be your first step toward Lasik eye surgery, and again, it's a good idea to get more than one opinion on your vision problem, and suggestions by the eye doctor over which Lasik procedure is right for you. Finding a listing of qualified refractive surgeons anywhere in Orange County is as easy as looking in the phone book or on the internet, though take care to always check with the BBB or the California State Medical Association for complaints or lawsuits filed against any doctor on your list of possibilities.

About the Author:

For the latest information on Lasik Orange County facilities, check out http://LasikRevealed.com .

Searching For A Local And Reputable Lasik Eye Center

2008-10-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Lasik eye surgery is a procedure for which many of us are candidates. Using laser technology to modify the surface of our cornea allows for a great improvement in vision; and often frees us from the expense and inconvenience that comes with eyeglasses and contact lenses.

This procedure is done so frequently – and on such a wide scale – that people tend to forget that ultimately it is a surgical procedure that should be given the same consideration as any other type of surgery. So when it comes to choosing a Lasik eye center, the decision should be made with a number of different factors in mind.

Lasik surgery uses laser technology to resurface the cornea – the thin layer of transparent tissue that covers the iris and lens in our eye. The lens actually sits behind the iris – the colored part of our eye – and receives the light that we see all around us in the form of images. The lens refracts – or bends – the light to the retina – a group of cells that line the back of the eye. The retina then takes these light signals and converts them to messages that can be received by the optic nerve in our brain.

When we suffer refractive difficulties – through nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism – the light is not refracted properly and the brain receives a message of a blurry image. During refractive surgery – such as Lasik – the appropriate corrections are made in order to refract light properly.

A Lasik eye center performs Lasik surgery on a daily basis. During the procedure, the patient’s eye is numbed, held open with a speculum, and immobilized using a cornea suction ring. Once the eye is held steady, the surgeon makes a thin incision in the top layer of the cornea to create a flap. The flap is then folded back to reveal the mid-section of the cornea – known as the stroma.

This is the part that is resurfaced using laser technology. Once the resurfacing has been completed, the flap is returned over the eye and allowed to heal naturally. Most people who have Lasik report success through much improved vision. But achieving successful results relies most heavily on finding a reputable Lasik eye center.

First and foremost, no decision should be made at all about Lasik until you are absolutely certain that you are a candidate for the procedure. Only your eye doctor can make that determination so you should begin this process with a comprehensive examination by your ophthalmologist who can tell you which procedure will work best for you and what Lasik eye center to visit. If your doctor is someone whom you trust then this is the best recommendation that you can get for a Lasik eye center.

It is also advisable to speak with other patients who have undergone Lasik eye surgery. Not only will you learn about their experience with a particular Lasik eye center but you will learn what to expect from the procedure in general. Do not underestimate the power of your peers. Listen to what they have to say about their doctors, how they were treated, the professionalism of the Lasik eye center staff, their comfort during the procedure itself, their recovery time and experience, and, finally, their results.

Lasik Vision Correction - Are You A Good Candidate?

2008-10-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

Lasik vision correction is no longer promoted quite as widely and enthusiastically as it was only five years ago. Doctors are more cautious, and surgeons more discriminating when accepting patients as candidates for surgery.

Generally candidates fall relatively easily in one of three groups - good candidates, "less than ideal" candidates, and those who definitely should not consider a lasik procedure.

As with so much in life, extremes are contra-indications. Lasik vision correction is probably only a good idea for healthy people who have a low to moderate eye problem, and who find eyeglasses or contact lenses annoying or restrictive.

Good candidates

You need to be more than 18 years of age; lasik is not approved for anyone under that age, as young eyes change too much. You will have had a stable prescription for corrective lenses for at least two years - also to ensure that your eyes are not changing too much.

You must be affected by one or more of the three common conditions that lasik can treat - myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) or astigmatism (blurred vision caused by a badly-shaped cornea), or a combination of these three.

You should not suffer from eye diseases, or indeed any other disease that might impact on the effectiveness of surgery, or on your ability to heal quickly.

Your cornea must be at least 500 microns thick, to allow enough depth for the surgeon to create the required corneal flap.

Your pupils must not dilate more than seven millimeters in the dark, or else you will be much more likely to suffer from night vision problems such as halos or glare after any lasik vision correction.

The "less than good" candidates

If you fall into this category be very cautious. Make sure you understand the risks; the "informed consent" your surgeon will ask for means exactly that - you have understood the risks and given permission for the surgery to go ahead.

If you have a history of "dry eyes", you may find that this condition will worsen after lasik vision correction.

If you ever had ocular herpes at least a year must have passed since the initial diagnosis, as lasik can cause a recurrence.

If you have an autoimmune disease such as diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease you may have problems healing after surgery.

Some medicines such as steroids or immunosuppressants can also cause slow healing.

Scarring on the cornea is a contra-indication, although it may not be an absolute negative.

While people with contact lenses do play contact sports, is it really a good idea to have lasik vision correction if box, wrestle, play karate or take part in other activities where a blow to the face can be a normal occurrence?

Non-candidates

Don't consider lasik if you are pregnant or nursing, or will be within six months. Any change in your hormone levels could also cause changes in the tissue in your eyes.

Past eye surgery may also be an absolute disqualifier, although modern techniques can sometimes be used to offset the results of earlier, less-sophisticated refractive procedures.

Lasik is out if you have cataracts, suffer from advanced glaucoma, your cornea is too thin or you suffer from a disorder that thins your cornea, or your eye problems are too severe for lasik vision correction to be considered.

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