Many people have heard the term LASIK but do not know what it stands for. The proper interpretation is Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis The procedure reshapes the cornea which is permanent by using a laser to do the surgery. The procedure is carried out by an ophthalmologist, with the aid of sophisticated computer-controlled equipment.

How the Surgery Works. Before you decide that LASIK surgery is right for you, make sure that you know all the facts, and how they might affect you. Before committing to the surgery patients should look into what lasik is and what it can do for vision. Lasik eye surgery has been big news on the vision front. If you are contemplating LASIK eye surgery, you are not alone. This surgery can help to eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.

If you’re like many you were just born with blurred vision, and have had to deal with the hassles of glasses or contacts for a time that is too long to remember. Although nearsightedness can be easily fixed with glasses or contact lenses (when not too severe), many people don’t like to hassle with either one. LASIK laser eye surgery helps with the shaping of the cornea; once the cornea is re-shaped it will help in the reliance of wearing contacts or glasses.

Many people get the corrective surgery because they just don’t want to wear glasses or contacts anymore, many people have been wearing them their whole lives. 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.

It is gravely necessary to choose the best surgeon available. Experience is what counts the most, so choose a surgeon with plentiful experience. If so, then you need to be sure that you know how to pick the right surgeon for you and what to expect during your surgery. You can easily negotiate with your surgeon about spreading the costs over a specific period.

Before you can get the surgery you will need to go for a surgical consultation, they will measure your eyes take pictures to make sure you are suited for the surgery, if everything checks out ok the doctor will let you know if you are a candidate for surgery.

LASIK is performed by placing a ring over the cornea, this will be an applied using high pressure to lift the cornea off the eye, and this may feel slightly painful. These tests are designed to let the surgeon know how much work the cornea needs to have done. LASIK eye surgery involves cutting a flap of the corneal tissue with a hinge being left at one end of the flap. Since the risk is great after surgery the patient must go home and wear the eye patches and not touch the eyes, if the flap of the eye moves before healing the can give way to infection or not seeing clearly.

Before going for LASIK, have your surgeon explain to you what these risks are. There are both benefits and risks to this surgery, and you should be aware of all of them before you decide to have the treatment. You should also know the risks as well as the costs of the procedures. When getting surgery there is always risks and benefits, make sure you read up on the procedures and do research so you understand what is about to happen and how it will affect your eyesight.

The cost depends on several factors and varies from one provider to another. The cost of LASIK continues to come down in price.

David Fishman
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/lasik-allows-you-to-see-with-out-contacts-128682.html

For most of us who manage daily any level of compromised vision, our world is one where eyeglasses, contact lenses, pricey prescriptions, and frequent visits to the eye doctor are standard. But as Lasik surgery technology has continued to evolve and its popularity has risen exponentially, more and more people are choosing refractive eye surgery as an alternative to glasses and contacts.

Lasik surgery involves the reshaping of the cornea – the thin, transparent tissue covering the iris – or colored section – of your eye. The lens of the eye – which sits right behind the iris refracts – or bends – light rays so that they are seen by the retina – located in the back of the eye. The retina’s job is to then take these light rays and covert them to messages that can be understood by our brain’s optic nerve.

If you understand this process then you can understand that if our eyes suffer refractive difficulties, the light is not bent properly to the retina and the image that our brain receives is blurry. When we wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, the light is brought closer to the lens or sent directly to the retina. Lasik surgery uses laser technology to reshape the cornea so that light is refracted clearly.

During a Lasik surgery procedure, the patient is normally first given anesthetic eye drops to help numb the eye and minimize discomfort after which a speculum is placed on the upper and lower eyelids to prevent blinking. The eye is then immobilized using a corneal suction ring. After the eye is immobilized, a thin incision is made in the top layer of the corneal tissue, making a very thin flap in the tissue. When the flap is folded over, the second layer of the cornea – the stroma – is revealed.

Laser power is then used to resurface this part of the cornea. Such resurfacing is done based on what specific issues are apparent in your particular eye; information that is normally gathered during pre-surgical visits. After the reshaping, the flap is repositioned over the eye; healing takes place naturally and often very quickly.

Lasik surgery is a relatively quick procedure – usually completed in less than 20 minutes for both eyes – and most patients report that it is virtually painless; while it can be mildly uncomfortable at times. While vision may be blurry for up to a day following surgery, most people report clear vision after this time.

Lasik surgery, while popular, is not for everyone. In fact, a pre-surgical examination is imperative to determine if you are a good candidate for Lasik. Surgeons who perform Lasik normally look for at least six months of prescription stability in patients – meaning that your eyeglass or contact lenses prescription has remained the same.

In addition, refractive difficulties should fall under the appropriate guidelines for Lasik correction for the best chance of success. The doctor will also want to ensure that you are in good overall health.

J. Lloyd
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lasik-surgery-can-free-you-of-glasses-and-contact-lenses-122608.html

Before answering that question specifically, let’s review what happens during LASIK surgery.

To begin, numbing drops are applied to the eye so no pain is felt during the procedure. Next, an ultra-thin blade is used to create a flap on the top of the cornea. That corneal flap is folded back and an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea, correcting the vision problems to as close to 20/20 as possible. Finally, the corneal flap is replaced and left to heal naturally without the need for stitches.

Corneal thickness is an extremely important consideration here due to the reshaping done to improve vision during the LASIK procedure. Having a condition known as keratoconus is an automatic disqualifier for having LASIK. Keratoconus is a degenerative corneal disease affecting ones vision. This hereditary condition includes a general thinning of the cornea along with a cone-shaped protrusion of the central cornea. Thinning the cornea further through laser vision correction can weaken an already diseased cornea and could require a corneal transplant sooner rather than later. Currently, no form of LASIK is recommended for patients with keratoconus.

However, procedures such as PRK and LASEK are performed without making the corneal flap and are better suited for patients with thinner than normal corneas.

PRK is an acronym for photo-refractive keratotomy and was around before LASIK surgery. An excimer laser is also used in this procedure but without having to allow for a corneal flap, it is safe to reshape the cornea without fear of worsening the existing keratoconus.

LASEK is much like PRK, but a very thin layer of the epithelium (outer-most layer of cells on the cornea) is removed and replaced intact before and after the corneal reshaping procedure.

If you are considering laser vision correction and have concerns about how good a candidate you might be, be sure to find a LASIK surgeon who has performed at least 1,000 laser vision correction procedures. These are the surgeons most likely to have the skill, experience, up-to-date equipment and technology necessary to meet your needs. You want an ophthalmologist who can provide a thorough exam, and exceptional care following your laser vision correction procedure.

If you would like more information on LASIK vision correction in Orange County, California and the surrounding area, please visit Khanna Institute of LASIK & Refractive Surgery today.

Jennifer Kimberley
http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/why-does-it-matter-how-thick-my-cornea-is-if-i-want-to-have-lasik-724968.html

Before answering that question specifically, let’s review what happens during LASIK surgery.

To begin, numbing drops are applied to the eye so no pain is felt during the procedure. Next, an ultra-thin blade is used to create a flap on the top of the cornea. That corneal flap is folded back and an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea, correcting the vision problems to as close to 20/20 as possible. Finally, the corneal flap is replaced and left to heal naturally without the need for stitches.

Corneal thickness is an extremely important consideration here due to the reshaping done to improve vision during the LASIK procedure. Having a condition known as keratoconus is an automatic disqualifier for having LASIK. Keratoconus is a degenerative corneal disease affecting ones vision. This hereditary condition includes a general thinning of the cornea along with a cone-shaped protrusion of the central cornea. Thinning the cornea further through laser vision correction can weaken an already diseased cornea and could require a corneal transplant sooner rather than later. Currently, no form of LASIK is recommended for patients with keratoconus.

However, procedures such as PRK and LASEK are performed without making the corneal flap and are better suited for patients with thinner than normal corneas.

PRK is an acronym for photo-refractive keratotomy and was around before LASIK surgery. An excimer laser is also used in this procedure but without having to allow for a corneal flap, it is safe to reshape the cornea without fear of worsening the existing keratoconus.

LASEK is much like PRK, but a very thin layer of the epithelium (outer-most layer of cells on the cornea) is removed and replaced intact before and after the corneal reshaping procedure.

If you are considering laser vision correction and have concerns about how good a candidate you might be, be sure to find a LASIK surgeon who has performed at least 1,000 laser vision correction procedures. These are the surgeons most likely to have the skill, experience, up-to-date equipment and technology necessary to meet your needs. You want an ophthalmologist who can provide a thorough exam, and exceptional care following your laser vision correction procedure.

If you would like more information on LASIK vision correction in Orange County, California and the surrounding area, please visit Khanna Institute of LASIK & Refractive Surgery today.

Jennifer Kimberley
http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/why-does-it-matter-how-thick-my-cornea-is-if-i-want-to-have-lasik-724968.html

Let us assume that one has had lasik procedure and thanks to the numbing drops used in the surgery, the lasik eye surgery was absolutely painless. The only problem that may occur is when the effect of the drops wears off and there is some amount of discomfort or dryness that lasts a few hours though possibly there would not be any severe pain.

Like others, every patient would be looking forward to a new life after lasik eye surgery and so may want to know more about side effects of lasik surgery. There are some side effects of lasik surgery that includes blurred vision, light sensitivity or some dryness in the eyes. These side effects of lasik surgery may not last long and may soon disappear and the eyes will start to heal once again.

Infections, Under and Over-Correction

Some amount of risk of complications as well as side effects following a laser vision correction is to be expected and these include infections, under-correction, over-correction, night glare, regression as well as corneal haze. There may also be other side effects of lasik surgery such as free flap with lasik and epithelial in growth after lasik. The biggest risk after lasik surgery would surely be infection and this requires a post surgery activity schedule that needs to be followed. The chances of developing eye infection are very low though it may still occur and in case of eye infection, the healing process would often be very slow.

It is believed that as many as five percent of patients that have had lasik surgery would experience some form of side effects of lasik surgery. However, much more common is that the surgery has led to under-correction and this may require a touch up that may be performed within 90 days. Even after lasik surgery, a doctor may need to prescribe the patient to use corrective lenses to be able to see clearly once again. This may be due to either under-correction or over-connection. Flap loss with lasik implies that a flap of tissue is made above the cornea and this flap may come off due to the patient injuring him or her or through direct contact with the eye within 24 hours of surgery.

There are also side effects of lasik surgery that involve dry eyes and this condition causes the eye to be unable to produce tears that would enable the eye to stay clean as well as moist. The patient with a dry eye would feel a burning sensation or irregular blurring of the affected eye and this needs intensive drop therapy to treat it.

anonymous
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/around-5-of-patients-feel-the-side-effects-of-lasik-surgery-110069.html

LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A knife, called a microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced.

The surgery improves the vision in patients who have nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK surgery usually takes less than one minute per eye. Treatment involves reshaping the cornea – the protruding portion of surface of the eye – to improve vision.

Advantages of LASIK surgery

* The LASIK technique takes less than 30 minutes to perform and is very effective.

* The technical advancements incorporated in the LASIK technique eliminates the clinically significant risks leading to visual impairment after a refractive surgery.

* Most surveys show that 92-98% of people who undergo the surgery are satisfied with the results.

Disadvantages of LASIK surgery

* The LASIK surgery, done on the most sensitive part of the eye and is not reversible.

* Even after a LASIK surgery, a person may require reading glasses during midlife.

* The surgery is usually not covered by insurance policies.

* Additional surgery or ‘ enhancement’ may be required to enjoy the best possible result of a LASIK.

Best Candidate For LASIK

A large percentage of nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic patients are potential candidates for LASIK. Patients who are 18 years of age or older, have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye disease are suitable. Along with being medically suitable, the best candidates are people with a lifestyle or occupation in which they are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses. By having an evaluation, examination, and consultation with you, the doctor will be able to determine if you are a good candidate.

After LASIK Surgery

* The moments after a major life-altering event are usually filled with joy, laughter, and camaraderie, but this usually doesn’t happen after surgery. LASIK surgery is no different than any other surgery, but its drawbacks may be a little different than others.

* The results of LASIK surgery are much akin to the results of being pestered by a pet day after day. Instead of the healing of bruises or incisions, LASIK surgery is accompanied by more burning and itching of an area that you are completely unable to scratch or cool. At this point, any touching of the eye could undo everything the surgery just repaired.

* Your vision will be blurry because of the watering and tearing up of your eye, but you cannot under any circumstances touch your eye. The eye may appear dry or bloodshot for several days, if this occurs you should consider taking time off of work. If you experience severe pain from LASIK surgery at any time you should contact your surgeon.

* Within 24-48 hours after your surgery you should have a post-operative exam to make sure everything is healing well. At regular intervals after the LASIK surgery up to six months you should continue seeing your doctor for checkups.

* At the first visit after LASIK surgery your doctor will remove the shield and make sure your eye is responding correctly to the surgery. You will not be able to use contact lenses for sometime to keep from further irritation and you may have to use drops or artificial tears to help with lubricating the eye.

Subhash
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lasik-eye-surgery-85060.html

What Can Lasik Do For You?

Glenn Kawesch: According to the Summary of FDA Nearsighted LASIK Results (source: www.fda.gov), the Bausch & Lomb laser has an 87.3% success rate for 20/20 vision without glasses after six months. That same study showed the autonomous laser at 56.9%, VISX at 54.1%, and the Nidek at 47.4%. The minimum vision standard for playing sports without protective eyewear or driving an automobile is 20/40. The 20/40 results for the FDA tests are as follows: Bausch & Lomb, 99.7, autonomous, 93.7, VISX, 95.4, and Nidek, 84.4.

Safety data for this test is measured by loss of >=2 lines of best possible vision with glasses. The lower the number, the better the results. Those tests produced these results: Bausch & Lomb, 0.3%, autonomous, 1.2%, VISX, 0.4% Nidek, 0.9%

What Are The Goals Of Lasik Surgery?

Glenn Kawesch: The goal of LASIK is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on corrective lenses. By improving the uncorrected vision in patients, LASIK allows patients to go about their daily routine and enjoy life without the need for corrective lenses.

How Does Lasik Treat Nearsightedness and Farsightedness?

Glenn Kawesch: Your eye is anesthetized with eye drops (injections are not necessary). We then use a precise motorized instrument called a microkeratome to create a hinged flap of tissue on the center of the cornea. This flap of tissue is lifted back and the excimer laser is used to sculpt a new flatter surface under this flap. For farsightedness, the laser sculpts a new steeper surface. The flap is then replaced and adheres without requiring any stitches. People sit up from their procedure and can see better immediately.

What is No-Cut Lasik?

Glenn Kawesch: At Custom Laser Center, we’re happy to also offer Epi-LASIK, the no-cut LASIK eye surgery procedure. The difference between LASIK and Epi-LASIK is that Epi-LASIK involves no blades or alcohol in the procedure. Epi-LASIK is a less abrasive procedure that many find preferable to traditional LASIK eye surgery.

With Epi-LASIK eye surgery, available at our Los Angeles and San Diego offices, a doctor can significantly reduce recovery time. Epi-LASIK is especially recommended for those who have extremely sensitive eyes and are concerned with the effects of putting alcohol on their eyes, or having an incision made.

Another benefit of Epi-LASIK is that it’s an outpatient procedure. Since we numb your eyes with anesthetic drops, there will be no pain, no needles, and no injections. Epi-LASIK takes only seconds, and you’ll be able to see right away.

What is Wavefront, or Custom Lasik?

Glenn Kawesch: Corneas are like fingerprints, just as unique and intricate. They have lumps, bumps, ridges and grooves. These shapes create distortions that can’t be treated with glasses or contacts. Even some standard LASIK treatments can only correct so much. That’s why Custom Laser Center employs a device called a Wavefront Analyzer, which sends multiple parallel beams of light into the eye. These beams get distorted as they bounce through the cornea, off the retina, and back again. These distortions are registered by the analyzer and used to direct the laser specifically to those areas causing them. These distortions are then targeted and corrected, frequently resulting in better than 20/20 vision.

What About Astigmatism?

Glenn Kawesch: The excimer laser can be programmed to treat astigmatism in addition to nearsightedness and farsightedness. These are treated simultaneously.

Is There Any Pain?

Glenn Kawesch: The surgery is generally painless. Most patients report a pressure sensation during the procedure. After the surgery, there may be some discomfort for 12 to 24 hours, which may be relieved by oral medications for pain and sleep.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

Glenn Kawesch: The actual procedure time is between five and fifteen minutes. You will be with us for about one hour.

How Long Is The Eye Patched?

Glenn Kawesch: Generally, a protective plastic shield is placed over it for 24 hours. You will be seen the next day; you will wear the shields at night for one week.

Are Both Eyes Done At The Same Time?

Glenn Kawesch: Since most patients notice improved vision almost immediately after LASIK we are able to operate on both eyes at the same time. While some patients elect to have one eye treated at a time, most of our patients choose to have them both done at the same time.

How Does The Doctor Know How Much Surgery To Do?

Glenn Kawesch: The doctor will program the amount of correction needed in your eyes into a computer which will control the pattern that the laser sculpts. The laser is accurate to the level of .25 microns!

Do I Need To Take Time Off From Work?

Glenn Kawesch: Usually not. Most of our patients return to work the following day. The visual results of LASIK surgery are nearly instantaneous, with clear vision usually present within hours. In some cases, it may be necessary to skip one day of work. In rare instances, more time off may be required.

Can My Vision Return To Its Original Level After Surgery?

Glenn Kawesch: There have been no reports on regression of effect following LASIK surgery.

What Are The Side Effects of Lasik?

Glenn Kawesch: The most common side effects are light sensitivity, and halos, which are usually short lived. Under correction or over correction may occur, and glasses may be needed after surgery to restore perfect vision. Some patients may benefit from a “touch-up” procedure several months after the LASIK to achieve best results. In rare instances, irregular corneal curvatures might be created and glasses may not restore perfect vision. A more detailed discussion of these issues will take place during your Comprehensive Eye Examination.

Will I Ever Need Glasses Again?

Glenn Kawesch: Usually not for distance vision, although some patients may still require thinner glasses for fine tuning. When you are in the age range where bifocals or “readers” are normally required for close vision (usually ages 40-45 and beyond), you will probably need reading glasses. This is a natural process known as presbyopia.

Are There Any Long-Term Side Effects?

Glenn Kawesch: The surgery has been performed in this country for approximately five years, and no long-term effects have yet been discovered. Remember that the technique is based on keratomileusis which has been around over thirty years.

Top How Old Do I Have To Be For Lasik Surgery?

Glenn Kawesch: The doctor would prefer patients to be at least 18 years old, with a stable prescription. There is no upper age limit.

What If I Am Currently Wearing Contact Lenses?

Glenn Kawesch: When you schedule a Comprehensive Eye Examination, it is important to note the following: if you are wearing hard or gas permeable contact lenses, they must be out of your eyes at least two weeks prior to your surgery. Soft lenses must be out for at least 24 hours. Also, bring in your glasses if available.

What Are The Advantages Of Lasik Compared To Contact Lenses?

Glenn Kawesch: LASIK offers a permanent improvement of your vision. LASIK does not necessitate years of expense and hassles. LASIK does not deprive the cornea of oxygen. LASIK does not cause allergies and red eyes. LASIK allows you the freedom to see more clearly without visual devices. These are just some of the numerous advantages.

Glenn Kawesch
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/a-q-and-a-about-lasik-with-dr-glenn-kawesch-81493.html