Some facts about LASIK are needed before one can get to the answers of: how does laser eye surgery work?

LASIK stands for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis and FDA has approved this surgical technique since 1998. Eye surgeons normally prescribe this laser eye surgery procedure for persons who have nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism and who have thick corneas.

The preliminary step begins with the eye surgeon administering tests to check your suitability for LASIK. If you have dry eye syndrome, diseases like glaucoma, cataract or diabetes, you will be strongly advised not to undergo the treatment. Reputable clinics report that at least 50% of those who come in for an initial consultation are rejected.

So how does LASIK? How does laser eye surgery work?

First phase of the operation

To begin, you are positioned on a reclined chair, and a numbing drop of solution placed in your eye. Afterwards the cornea is cleaned of floating foreign matter, and then instrument called a lid speculum is put over your eyes to keep the eyelids open. The ring is place right on the eyeball. Suction is then applied around your cornea. Youll experience blurring and dimming of your vision. Then the surgeon uses a microkeratome (surgical knife) to create a thin, circular flap in the cornea.

Second phase

Afterwards, the microkeratome and ring are removed. The doctor then asks you to stare at the light. This is to get your eye stay focused on a fixed object, so that the doctor can proceed to the final phase of the operation.

Third phase

The pre-programmed laser then cuts corneal tissue, thereby reshaping it. After the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is replaced back with a preventative shield is placed over your eyes to protect them from irritants.

The actual operation would have taken you less than a minute, with improved vision apparent in 24 hours.

Post operative care is as important as the operation itself. So dont drive for a few weeks. Dont do contact sports. Go for the post operative check ups the eye surgeon has scheduled with you.

Follow the do’s and don’ts faithfully, so you’ll be able to answer the question: How does a safe laser eye surgery work? With a bright smile and clear vision.

Before you venture any further on the how-tos, here are tips on how not to choose a doctor for LASIK eye surgery.

Dont base your search on which doctor offers the lowest costs for this eye surgery. LASIK is elective surgery and it can be expensive. Make the doctors skills and experience, the priority in your search. You can easily negotiate with your surgeon about spreading the costs over a specific period. But you can not compromise on your eye sight.

Dont rely on the advertising. A doctor may claim to be using lasers for 15 years; LASIK only got approved for use in 1998, do the math.

Now that you have a better idea of how not to choose a doctor for LASIK eye surgery, here are the tips on how to choose!

1.Do arm your self with the basic facts about the procedure, the limitations and benefits. This makes it easier for you to understand the eye surgeon explanations and questions on your eye sight.

2.Check out the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s website at http://www.aao.org, and do a search on surgeons in your area.

3.Additionally, look for surgeons who are members of the American College of Surgeons. As members of the American college of surgeons, they have to pass a stringent set of standards to be accredited. Even better, those are members of academic medical centers, like teaching hospitals; these institutions are always at the cutting edge of technology and information.

4.Talk to your optometrist and ask her or him, whom he or she would recommend you visit for an initial consultation.

5.Assemble a list of these eye surgeons and go for consultations. Its not so important that youve a long list, rather that youve done the preliminary search narrowing the search to accredited surgeons.

6.Visit the surgeons on the list. Prepare a list of questions and ask these, dont be shy. You have only one pair of eyes, and the LASIK eye surgery procedure changes your vision permanently.

7. Evaluate your impressions of the surgeon. Is there rapport? Do you think you can easily talk to this surgeon about your concerns? If so, then youve found your eye surgeon.

The process itself might only take five minutes or it may take longer. This all depends on who is performing the procedure, what problems are trying to be fixed, and how much experience your physician has. Before the procedure starts the operating surgeon will feed you a moderate sedative that you will take orally.

They will likewise give you eye drops that are anesthetized so you do not feel any infliction from it. After this the physician will have you lay down on the operating table and set your eye below the laser. They will only operate on one eye at a time. A retainer will be situated over the eye so as to keep the eyelids from closing. This grants the operating surgeon to cut the corneal flap without any problems.

The surgeon will then utilize an ink marker that will be able to mark the cornea before the flap is produced with the laser. They will also create a very thin flap on the top of the eye. When this is finished the laser is used to reshape the eye and the flap is utilised to ‘bandage’ it together.

The surgeon will need to utilise a special computer that will align the laser to the prescription you require it to be. You will be expected to look at a target light and they will study the motions of your eye underneath a microscope. The laser light pulses are what is utilized to remold the cornea.

When the Lasik procedure is completed you will want to rest for a short period before your other eye needs to be worked on. Ensure that you have taken someone with you who can drive you home.

It is normal that post surgery, you face complications, such as ghosts, halos, starbursts, regular or irregular astigmatism, and reduction in clarity for a short period of time. Over a period of time, from as little as a few weeks to as much as six months, these complications may dissipate, and in certain cases, you may need further surgery before recovering fully. If these complications continue beyond six months, you may assume that these are permanent.

Step-By-Step Recovery after LASIK Eye Surgery

Let us look at the LASIK recovery time in stages:

* First Day After Surgery – Most people can return to their normal routines a day after the surgery. You will need to regularly use antibiotics, steroids, and other medications for your dry eye syndrome. Do not rub your eyes for the first 7 days and, while showering, do not let the water strike you on the face directly. Soap and shampoo in the eyes should be avoided strictly. Computer work, watching TV, and reading are acceptable, provided you lubricate your eyes regularly, and blink frequently. Light exercises are OK, but keep the sweat out of your eyes.

* One Week After Surgery – Avoid touching your eyes, as well as keep sweat out of your eyes. Exercises are fine, but avoid swimming, whirlpools and hot tubs. Keep your eyes well lubricated, and use lotions, creams and eye makeup with care, unless advised to the contrary by your doctor.

* Three Weeks After Surgery – Strenuous sports, including swimming, can be started, but with eye protection. You can start outdoor activities, but ensure that your eyes are well protected.

* 3 to 6 Months After Surgery – It will take, at least this much time for your vision to stabilize. Fluctuating vision is part of the healing process and will take time to recover.

You may need re-surgery to correct certain anomalies. It is imperative that you follow your doctors instructions after the surgery. LASIK recovery time depends on the care you take with your eyes.

The corneal incision is the most common, and it is often referred to as keratotomay. A part of the corneal is cut so that more light can be introduced to the vision area. Depending on the needs of the person the cut may be stigmatic, radial, or hexagon in shape.

Photoablation involves using ultraviolet rays to remove any tissues that have been damaged. A laser is generally used during this process so that they cornea is much healthier. This is a very fast and simple procedure that works for people with various types of vision problems. This involves a flap being cut into the cornea to remove any debris underneath it. A laser is used to remove any damaged areas of the eye.

Depending on the type of procedure that the surgeon is trained in, the flap may be cut into the stroma or the epithelium. If the cut takes place in the epithelium then it will recover fast and be completely painless.

Each person has different vision needs so it is important that the surgeon takes the time to do a complete evaluation. This will let you know if you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Some people aren’t due to their age, health concerns, or eye disease. If you are a good candidate for the procedure the surgeon needs to let you know your options. Make sure you ask questions because your eyes are very important and you don’t want to trust them to just anyone.

Most forms of LASIK eye surgery are very successful, quick, and painless. Some complications due occur so you need to make sure you are willing to accept that risk as part of the surgery. Finding a reputable surgeon to perform the LASIK eye surgery is very important as it will significantly reduce the risk of complications arising.

The answer, according to experienced ophthalmologists and laser eye surgeons, is that people are eligible for it at just about any stage of life. Those experiencing problems with their eyesight can enjoy improvement with correction laser vision surgery. The main vision problems that can be improved with corrective eye surgery are astigmatism, far-sightedness and near-sightedness.

Lasik eye surgery in virtually any stage of life is considered a very low risk procedure, overall. But, there are a few precautions that doctors recommend to those who are a bit older. One common condition that the elderly deal with is eye dryness and therefore, after Lasik eye surgery, the elderly are strongly encouraged to take extra care to be sure to keep the eyes well-hydrated and lubricated with eye drops.

Lubrication of the eyes after Lasik eye surgery is not only important for those who are having the procedure done in their later years. Keeping the eyes moist and keeping them from drying out is an important part of aftercare for everyone who has undergone corrective eye surgery, but it is even more crucial for the elderly and for anyone who tends to naturally have dry eyes. Using eyedrops routinely after the corrective procedure is a very simple, yet very effective way to avoid problems and complications. The clinic will provide the patient with the proper lubricating eye drops for post-surgery use.

One of the reasons why in the later years it is still safe and effective is because overall the procedure has proven to have very few complications and has very low risk. This is because the surface of the eye is not cut with traditional surgical instruments, which can cause damage to the cornea. Instead, the small cut that needs to be made is accomplished with a laser beam. This means the incision will be tiny, accurate and extremely clean. All of these factors result in much less risk of infection and other complications.

However, even with a very good track record of success, in general it is not completely foolproof. Corrective eye surgery patients experience complications from the procedure or disappointing results approximately 5% of the time. When the procedure does not go well, the patient might end up having fluctuating vision, seeing halos around light sources, having increased sensitivity to glaring light, and possibly experiencing more dryness of the eyes.

Even though most laser eye surgeons are in agreement that Lasik eye surgery in the later stages of life is still a viable and effective option, they also mention that Lasik vision surgery is not the right procedure for everyone. There are conditions, such as glaucoma and presbyopia, which will not be corrected through laser eye surgery. In fact, with glaucoma, such a procedure can even worsen the condition.

LASIK is an acronym for laser in situ keratomileusis. Basically, it’s eye surgery that is conducted using a powerful laser called an Excimer. The eye area is delicate, and the Excimer has been specifically designed for this type of surgery. It is used to reshape a person’s cornea. By reshaping the cornea, the three most common eye conditions can be corrected – myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

The laser is used to remove excess tissue from underneath the cornea. A tiny flap is cut into the cornea’s surface and then pulled back, allowing access to the underlying tissue. The laser can be used to create the flap, or the practitioner can use a tool called a microkeratome blade.

Before the surgery is commenced, the ophthalmologist carefully reviews detailed images of the cornea, known as a corneal topography. From this, the ophthalmologist can determine exactly how much excess tissue needs to be removed in order to reshape the cornea correctly. The surgery itself only takes a few minutes, and quite often the patient doesn’t report feeling any pain. Some people have their vision restored so quickly that they can drive themselves home from the surgery, although it’s usually recommended that you make other arrangements.

If you’re keen on LASIK surgery, then you need to decide whether you can afford it. Generally, this is classified as a cosmetic type of surgery, and chances are that your health insurance plan won’t cover the costs. What you pay for LASIK surgery can vary considerably, but as you’ll probably want to use a reliable and knowledgeable ophthalmologist, you can expect to pay several thousand dollars per eye.

Once you’ve decided that you’re happy to pay the price, you must also check whether or not the surgery will be effective for you. You have to have very healthy eyes, and they must have stopped changing. A patient may also be automatically disqualified from LASIK surgery due to certain prescription limitations.

A reputable practitioner, however, will always undertake a comprehensive review of your medical history prior to recommending LASIK surgery. At the initial consultation the ophthalmologist will conduct a variety of tests, in order to determine whether there are any eye problems or disease that could make the surgery less effective. You also can’t have LASIK surgery if youre pregnant, or if you have a compromised immune system, as the eye may have problems recovering from the surgery.

In summary, if you can afford the procedures and you pass all the necessary tests to ensure LASIK surgery is right for you, then you can go head. The success rate from the surgery is high, and as it’s quick and practically painless, why not give it a go?

Choosing to have LASIK surgery for vision correction is not the same as it was ten years ago. At that time, the options for LASIK surgery were not very extensive. There was really only way LASIK was performed and that involved a small mechanical blade called a microkeratome being used to create a flap on the cornea, after which a conventional excimer laser was used to reshape the tissue underneath so that the cornea would be able to focus light directly on the retina. Now, technology is much more advanced, and options for vision correction surgery are more numerous.

IntraLase Method of Vision Correction

The IntraLase Method of LASIK surgery is becoming very popular with patients and eye care professionals alike. The IntraLase Method is also known as “All laser LASIK” because instead of using the microkeratome to create the corneal flap, the eye care professional uses the IntraLase laser.

The Procedure

The first step in any LASIK procedure is creating the corneal flap. Correcting your vision actually involves working with the corneal tissue that’s just beneath the surface of the cornea. Access to this tissue is created by making a surface flap and folding it back. Creation of the flap is crucial to the success of your surgery. The flap must be the exact correct thickness and in the exact right place. After the LASIK procedure is finished, the flap is folded back into its position and acts as a bandage of the surgical area.

Complications during LASIK are very rare, but when there is a complication, it frequently results from a poorly created corneal flap. Using the IntraLase Laser instead of the microkeratome reduces the chance of any complications.

The IntraLase laser works by emitting quick little bursts of light that shine through the eyes’ surface to a predetermined microscopic depth. Each pulse of light creates a bubble below the surface, and the bubbles accumulate to cover the entire treatment area. Your surgeon will separate the corneal tissue and fold the flap back out so your LASIK treatment can be finished.

IntraLase Advantages

Patients and eye care professionals have found the advantages to IntraLase Laser surgery to be numerous:

· IntraLase creates a very smooth surface for the laser to work on whereas the microkeratome moving back and forth creates a roughened surface.

· The blade-free approach allows for more precise customizing of the corneal flap, which allows you to achieve the desired LASIK result.

· People with thin corneas are not good candidates for traditional LASIK surgery. The IntraLase laser is more precise than the microkeratome.

· After IntraLase laser surgery, the corneal flap settles back into position more smoothly and typically heals with no wrinkles or other complications.

· IntraLasik allows more people to achieve 20/20 vision than previous methods.

· Patients experience less trouble seeing in dim lighting conditions with IntraLase Laser.

More than 600,000 procedures have been performed safely and effectively using the IntraLase Laser Method. The process is not painful and the results are excellent. In a clinical survey of LASIK patients who had their corneal flaps created using a microkeratome in one eye and the IntraLase Method in the other eye, the vision in the IntraLase eye was preferred 3-to-1.

The quality and smoothness of the corneal surface and tear layer is important for quick recovery of good visual acuity. The tear layer is actually the first optical surface that light hits when it enters the eye during the Lasik procedure. If that tear layer is irregular or deficient, it can create a poorer visual image, with heightened “ghosting” or “fuzziness.”

To maximize my patients’ vision postoperative, I suggest approaching the problem of dry eye with a basic regimen that includes the following:

1) A good preoperative evaluation for preexisting dry eye problems and maximizing the surface condition prior to performing Lasik.

2) The usage of the Intralase FS lasers for making the initial Lasik flap rather than the steel razor blade microkeratome.

3) The good use of artificial tears and gel lubricants postoperative, even if the patient does not complain of dry eye symptoms.

I also suggest that patients use cyclosporine 0.05% eye drops (Restasis) twice per day for one month postoperative. Studies have shown that this regimen can improve visual outcomes and reduce the need for enhancements after Lasik surgery. It appears that the improved quality of the tear layer can actually improve a patients vision, so that they are less likely to feel the need for additional or touch up surgery. This not only improves the patients overall experience but decreases the possibility of any secondary side effects or complications that could occur with a second procedure, however rare that would be.

Ultimately, attention to detail with every aspect of surgery enhances the outcomes as well as patient satisfaction in the long run. That’s why surgeons need to pay so much attention to new and innovative technologies and medications on every level as they are developed.

Why eye surgery

One must be aware of the surgical procedure that goes through eye surgery. Eye surgery is rather a delicate and complex procedure that requires professional skills and precision. And a well-trained ophthalmologist generally performs eye surgery. The results of any eye surgery depends on the surgical method used, the experience of the doctor and you own physical health that will determine recovery in an efficient way.

The ophthalmologist is right person who will diagnose your problem and suggest a suitable eye surgery taking various factors into consideration. The most preferred eye surgery that is a popular choice is the laser eye surgery aka Lasik eye surgery.

Why is Laser eye surgery the ideal choice?

The Lasik eye surgery is widely adopted simply because of its simple procedure; it is not time consuming and is absolutely painless. And beyond all factors is the success rate, which is higher when compared to others of eye surgery. Statistically speaking the laser surgery has minimal side effects; chances of developing infection or the process of healing may take a longer time could be the least of side effects that occur after the laser surgery. But with proper care and following the advice of your doctor can help you avoid these side effects.

Procedure of Lasik eye surgery

The laser surgery is the least complicated methods of eye surgery that give efficient results in myopia and astigmatism disorders. To make the laser surgery painless the patient is subjected to anaesthetic drops and then the laser is directed to the cornea and it is reformed with lot of skill and precision to provide you better vision. The recovery will take you less than a day! The laser eye surgery will help you get rid of your monotonous glasses and lenses.

Restrictions for a Laser surgery

Laser eye surgery cannot be administered to people with eye infections or any other medical disorder. It is also not advisable to perform the Lasik eye surgery to diabetic patients and pregnant women.

A qualified ophthalmologist is the right person to advice on the list of conditions under which you cannot opt for a laser surgery. So it is vital to understand the pros and cons of the Lasik treatment before choosing this method. Ample knowledge about Lasik eye surgery will certainly help you to have better results and avoid any unwanted complication.