Laser eye surgery and LASIK surgery are one and the same. This is a procedure that can take less than perfect vision and make it near perfect again. There is a very high success rate with this surgery and most people that have it are able to see very well without using corrective lenses. LASIK surgery was introduced to the public in 1990 and ever since it has been very popular for those that can afford it.
Laser surgery has worked well with people that have myopia and hypermetropia. In perfect vision light goes into the eye through the lens. It is refracted or bent to fall on the retina, which focuses the image. When you wear eyeglasses the lens work with the natural lens of the eye to make the light refract and focus in the retina right where it is supposed to be.
The light overshoots the retina with people that have myopia. Instead the light hits the cornea, which cannot sharpen the image. When laser surgery is applied the cornea is reconfigured so that the light gets to the retina and focusing will no longer be a problem. The material in the center of the cornea is thinned out and removed. In hypermetropia the light is unable to get as far as the retina. In this case material is removed from the edges of the cornea and it allows the light to reach the retina.
A patient is given a painkiller that is applied to the cornea of the eye before surgery. The eyelids are taped open and a metal tool called a speculum is applied to keep the eyelids apart. The surgeon makes a small makes a small cut on the cornea that creates a flap. The laser then removes the material from the cornea that makes it impossible for the light to focus in the correct area. The flap is put back where it belongs and stitched back into place. The procedure does not take long and though there may be some discomfort there is not any extreme pain involved. The laser is pre programmed and automated so there is little chance that there can be any mistakes.
The people that are most likely to have this surgery are those whose vision has not changed much, which limits the surgery and discounts young patients. Having a cornea that is relatively thin may prevent a patient from having the surgery. Material cannot be removed if there is not much there to be removed. This happens when a person has serious loss of eyesight. Those that have the age related presbyopia or have astigmatism are candidates for the surgery.
In most cases laser surgery is not covered by health insurance. Some doctors will allow payments while others will only take a lump sum before the surgery is completed. It is important to pick a doctor that has a good track record in doing the surgery. It is not advisable to use a doctor that charges less but has less experience in this procedure. Most costs run from USD$1500 upwards to about $3000 and anyone who advertises cheaper rates usually add on other charges later.
This type of surgery is major surgery. It will take some preparation to have it and if you wear contacts you will not be allowed to wear them for a while prior to surgery. This may be just a few days or up to a month or so. Afterwards eye makeup must be avoided and a guard is placed over the eye to protect it while sleeping. There are drops to be put in the eye periodically to prevent dry eye and a chance that you may have to take an antibiotic to prevent an infection. Some people see relatively well right after surgery but it might take some time with others however, approximately ninety percent of people having laser eye surgery are able to see clearly without having to wear corrective lenses.
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Laser eye surgery and LASIK surgery are one and the same. Lasik is major surgery and should not be taken lightly. If you are thiking about having laser eye surgery check out the lasik institute. You will make a good start by checking out the useful, free information on our website.
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