"I am 50 yrs old, have been wearing eyeglasses since I was 7 yrs. old for myopia. I now also have bifocals. I've also been told I have severe astigmatism and also congenital cataracts. Could I possilby be a candidate for lasik surgery?"
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Eye Physicians & Surgeons of Augusta, Augusta |
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Deborah DiStefano, M.D. Chattanooga |

LASIK lase eye surgery accounts for over 2 million services for vision correction each year and has quickly become one of the most effective ways to maintain good eye health while correcting common vision problems.
Both contact lens and eyeglass wearers turn to laser refractive surgery simply to make life easier, and many laser eye surgery centers now offer convenient financing plans and other options to make LASIK more affordable. Special pricing for new customers and family discounts are a few more attractive options for anyone looking to restore their eyes to a 20/20 level.
Still, many people are walking away from the doctor’s office with less than perfect results. If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery for yourself or a family member, learning about potential complications may help you make an informed decision.
With such a high success rate and constantly improving technology, it’s hard to imagine why LASIK surgery would be a problem. However, many people still experience strange side effects that interfere with clear vision in various environments. Inflammation under the LASIK flap can cause scarring and even vision loss if it is left undiagnosed. Astigmatism is another common side effect that results in ‘seeing ghosts’ and speckles in the field of vision; this can create many problems in day-to-day activities, especially for those who sit in front of computer monitors for extended periods of time.
The American Journal of Opthalmology (April 2006) encourages all patients to work only with qualified and experienced doctors to prevent eye health problems and other complications. Still, even with LASIK’s strong record, some people still experience a number of complications from their corrective eye surgery procedure that may become difficult to manage.
Finding the right LASIK surgeon is the first step towards insuring you receive a quality laser refractive surgery procedure. A qualified surgeon will screen you for complications beforehand, and may even steer you clear of LASIK altogether to try implantable lenses or LASEK instead. Regardless of the corrective eye surgery procedure you choose, laser refractive eye surgery still poses a number of health risks.
Flap complications are among the most common problems of laser refractive eye surgery, and account for .3 – 5.7 percent of all LASIK procedures, according to the American Journal of Opthalmology.
Other problems include:
Some complications of corrective eye surgery can be managed with temporary use of glasses, contact lenses, and antibiotic medications if infection is present. Still, many people continue to experience phases of distorted vision weeks and months after the surgery is complete.
Bottom Line: If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery in the near future, the screening process will help you make the right decision on the corrective eye surgery procedure you need. Finding a doctor in your area for an appointment is the simplest way to determine which refractive eye surgery procedure is the right match for you.
By By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.
Related Subjects and Keywords: lasik laser eye surgery lasik surgery corrective eye surgery
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